Signs Your Pet Has Been Poisoned (And What You Can Do to Help)

We love our pets, but sometimes they get into (and eat) things they shouldn’t. This can be very dangerous, and, in severe cases, exposure to certain things can lead to death. What can you do to keep your pet safe? How do you know if they’ve ingested something poisonous?

What signs should you look for?

What should you do if your pet eats something hazardous?

Don’t panic. The last thing you should do is go into a frenzy, making things worse. Your pet is relying on you for assurance, so make sure your mind is clear and calm. Ask someone to step in for support if you need it.
Try to discover what they ate (this might not be possible). Do you see any candy wrappers on the floor? Are there any teeth marks on the plants in your living room?
Don’t give them any human medicine or try to induce vomiting unless a vet tells you it’s OK. Again, you could make things worse if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Call your vet or local emergency pet clinic immediately. Don’t assume the problem will fix itself (it won’t). Don’t wait until the next day to do anything. It helps to put your vet’s number in your phone ahead of time, but you can write it anywhere you want for easy reference.

Never let this happen again by:

Storing food, cleaning supplies, and other hazardous items behind locked doors. Never leave anything on the floor, even if you plan to stay in the room.
Letting friends and family members know they shouldn’t feed your pet anything you deem unsafe. During the holidays, guests might try to sneak a bit of turkey or casserole under the table. Don’t let them do this! Stick to your guns.
Checking plants before you bring them inside. If they’re poisonous, put them on high shelves where they can’t be reached by any furry beast. To be truly safe, keep them out of your home completely.