Pet Poison Control
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Emergency Checklist

The most important thing to remember in a poison-related pet emergency is do not panic. Anxiety and fear will only interfere with your ability to help your pet.

If your pet is having seizures, unconscious (or losing consciousness), or having difficulty breathing, immediately take your animal to a local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic.

What to do first?

First, collect any material that may have been ingested into a plastic bag or container. This includes any chewed remnants or vomit. Any material you can provide may help your veterinarian and/or toxicologist determine what poison(s) may have been consumed.

When to call a Veterinarian?

Contact your local veterinary specialist or one of the other resources* below:
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline® 24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661

* The resources listed above are not affiliated with the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists (ACVP), and they may charge a consultation fee. ACVP provides this referral information solely as a public service and does not receive any compensation from these organizations.

What will they ask?

Be ready to provide the following information about the animal(s) involved:

  • species
  • breed
  • age
  • sex
  • weight
  • symptoms
  • agent exposed to (if known)
  • amount of agent involved
  • time since exposure occurred

It is also helpful to have any product packaging or container nearby for reference.

How can I be prepared at home?

Emergency Kit
Invest in an emergency first-aid kit for your pet. Please consult your veterinarian as to when to use these first-aid products. In this kit include:

  • your local veterinarian’s contact information
  • a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide (induces vomiting)
  • a large syringe or turkey baster (to help administer hydrogen peroxide)
  • saline eye solution* (use to flush eyes exposed to harmful substances)
  • artificial tear gel* (use to lubricate eyes after flushing)
  • mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid (use to bathe animal after skin contamination)
  • forceps (for removal of stingers)
  • muzzle (protects you against fear-induced biting)
  • can of wet pet food
  • pet carrier

*Make sure the eye drops do not contain imidazolines, such as oxymetazoline and tetrahydrozoline.