Stay One Step Ahead: Pet Poison Prevention Month Safety Tips

As an emergency veterinarian, I’ve seen how quickly a pet’s curiosity can turn into a life-threatening emergency. Each year, countless pets end up in the ER after ingesting common household items—many of which can be toxic. In honor of Pet Poison Prevention Month, here’s what every pet owner should know about common toxins, prevention strategies, and what to do if poisoning occurs.

Common Pet Poisons 

Everyday items can pose serious risks to pets:

✅ Medications – Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen, as well as prescription drugs such as antidepressants and heart medications, can cause severe organ damage—even in small doses.

✅ Toxic Foods – Chocolate, grapes/raisins, caffeine, onions, garlic, and xylitol (sometimes labeled as birch sugar) can lead to serious illness or death.

✅ Plants & Outdoor Hazards – Lilies (especially toxic to cats), certain mushrooms, and some landscaping plants can be fatal. Fertilizers, pesticides, rat poisons, and antifreeze are also frequent culprits.

✅ Drugs & Alcohol – ER clinics are seeing more pets ingesting cannabis, alcohol, and even illicit drugs. If exposure occurs, be honest with your vet—we’re here to help, not to judge or report!

What to Do If Your Pet Ingests a Toxin

Act quickly if poisoning is suspected:

1️⃣ Identify the Toxin – Determine what and how much was consumed. Save any packaging.

2️⃣ Call a Pet Poison Hotline or Your Veterinarian – Veterinary toxicologists at poison hotlines have specialized training and extensive databases of toxins. Be ready to provide your pet’s age, weight, symptoms, and the suspected toxin and write down the case number you are assigned. These hotlines charge a consultation fee but their expert guidance can be lifesaving.  

3️⃣ Follow Instructions – You will be instructed to either monitor your pet or seek emergency care. If heading to the ER, bring any packaging from the poison as well as your hotline case number for faster treatment.

What to Expect at the Emergency Vet

Upon arrival, our top priority is stabilizing your pet. If critical, we may immediately ask for permission to administer IV fluids, oxygen, or medications to address symptoms like seizures or respiratory distress.

Once stable, we’ll consult with the poison control toxicologists to determine treatment which may include: 

✔ Inducing Vomiting – If recently ingested, we may induce vomiting to help remove the toxin

✔ Activated Charcoal – Helps prevent further toxin absorption. 

✔ IV Fluids & Supportive Care – Flushes some toxins from the system. 

✔ Antidotes – In some cases, specific antidotes counteract poisoning effects.

The ER will discuss treatment options and cost estimates before proceeding.

Prevention: The Best Medicine

Many pet poison cases could have been prevented and the most heartbreaking cases are those that were purposeful, like a pet parent trying to treat their pet’s pain with over the counter human pain medications.  Keep your pet safe by:

✅ Storing medications and household chemicals securely
✅ Keeping toxic foods out of reach
✅ Checking plant safety before bringing them home
✅ Being aware of which human medications are toxic to pets

✅ Keeping alcohol and recreational cannabis away from pets

Stay informed and stay prepared! Your quick action could save your pet’s life! 🐾

For more tips and resources, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control and Pet Poison Helpline websites.

📞 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435  (aspca.org)
📞 Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (petpoisonhelpline.com)