Symptoms can vary depending on the substance involved but may include:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Excessive drooling
• Trembling or muscle twitching
• Seizures or collapse
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness or lethargy
• Pale gums
• Disorientation or unusual behaviour
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive thirst or urination

Some toxins may not cause immediate symptoms, so even if your pet appears normal, you should seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

If it is safe to do so, have the following information ready:

• The name of the product or substance
• How much you think your pet has eaten, inhaled or come into contact with
• Your pet’s weight and species
• When the exposure occurred
• Any symptoms your pet is showing

If possible, keep the packaging, label or a photograph of the product available, as this can help identify the toxin quickly.

Do not:

• Induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by the Emergency Vet Team.
• Give your pet milk, food, oils or home remedies unless advised by a veterinary professional.
• Wait for symptoms to develop before seeking advice.

Some poisons act rapidly, while others may take several hours to cause serious illness.

Many everyday items can be dangerous to pets, including:

• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and sweets)
• Human medications
• Rat poison
• Antifreeze
• Lilies (highly toxic to cats)
• Household cleaning products
• Slug pellets
• Certain plants and garden chemicals

When you arrive, our emergency veterinary team will assess your pet immediately. Treatment may include medication to reduce toxin absorption, intravenous fluids, blood tests, monitoring, oxygen therapy or other emergency procedures depending on the poison involved.

If you think your pet has been poisoned, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Contact the Emergency Vet Team immediately so we can advise you on the safest course of action and provide emergency treatment if required.