You step into the kitchen and find your dog licking something suspicious off the floor. You pause. You squint. Then you see it, the empty chocolate wrapper, the chewed-up pill packet, the crumbled remains of something you swear you didn’t leave out. Your heart jumps. Your brain scrambles. And suddenly you’re in full panic mode, frantically searching "What do I do if my dog ate that chocolate?"
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
When it comes to potential poisoning, every second feels like an hour. But acting quickly, and calmly,is what truly matters. This guide gives you a clear, five-step emergency plan you can follow if your dog eats something they shouldn’t have, plus tips on what NOT to do, and the essential contacts you’ll want to have saved before you need them.
Let’s dive in. Breathe first.
First, Know the Real Risk
Dogs explore the world with their mouths. If you’ve ever had to wrestle a dead bug, a sock, or a slice of cheese out of your dog’s jaws, you already know this. But unlike socks or scraps, some substances can cause real harm, and sometimes, the signs don’t show up right away.
Common household toxins include:
-
Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
-
Grapes and raisins
-
Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, and mints)
-
Human medication (even tiny doses)
-
Cleaning products
-
Onions, garlic, chives
-
Antifreeze
-
Pest bait or rodenticides
-
Certain houseplants (e.g., lilies, sago palm)
Not every exposure leads to tragedy, but you won’t know how dangerous it is until you act.
Your 5-Step Emergency Action Plan
1. Stay Calm, But Move Fast
Picture it like a fire drill. Panicking won’t help you think clearly, and timing matters. If you saw your dog ingest the item or suspect it happened recently, every minute counts.
Grab a towel if needed (sometimes dogs vomit or drool), secure them in a safe spot, and head straight to step two.
2. Check What They Ate, How Much, and When
Gather as much information as you can:
-
What did they eat?
-
How much?
-
When did it happen (even a rough estimate helps)?
-
Did they swallow it or just chew it?
Keep the packaging, if available. If it’s a medication or cleaning product, look for active ingredients. If it's food, write down the brand and flavour.
Analogy time: Think of yourself as a detective. The more clues you hand to the vet or poison control, the faster they can solve the case.
3. Don’t Try to Make Them Vomit (Yet)
This is where most people panic and Google "How to make my dog throw up." But here’s the thing: not every toxin should come back up.
Inducing vomiting can make things worse in some cases, especially if your dog ate:
-
Something sharp or corrosive (like bleach or batteries)
-
A petroleum-based product (e.g., motor oil)
-
Chocolate over two hours ago
-
Or if they’re showing signs of neurological distress (trembling, staggering, or unresponsive)
Never give hydrogen peroxide or salt water unless specifically instructed by a vet. It’s not just outdated advice, it can be dangerous.
4. Call Poison Control or Your Vet Immediately
These experts exist for a reason, and they’re surprisingly efficient. You’ll speak to someone who’ll walk you through exactly what to do based on your dog’s breed, weight, age, and the substance involved.
Contacts to save in your phone right now:
-
Your local vet (include after-hours number if available)
-
Animal PoisonLine (UK): 01202 509000
-
Pet Poison Helpline (US): +1 (855) 764-7661
-
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (US): +1 (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply)
If they tell you to bring your dog in, go immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse, they often do so suddenly.
5. Prepare for Transport
If your dog is alert and responsive, gently secure them in the car. If they’re lethargic, twitching, or vomiting repeatedly, keep them wrapped in a towel or soft bedding and minimise movement.
Grab the packaging of whatever they ingested and bring it with you. If instructed to induce vomiting en route (rare, but possible), your vet will explain how.
It’s also a good idea to keep a basic canine first aid kit at home. Include gloves, gauze, saline, activated charcoal (only if advised), and the contact numbers above taped inside the lid.
What to Watch For After Exposure
Even after treatment, monitor your dog closely for:
-
Vomiting or diarrhoea
-
Excessive drooling
-
Restlessness or tremors
-
Seizures
-
Difficulty breathing
-
Changes in behaviour or coordination
Reactions can take hours to appear depending on the toxin. If something feels off, call your vet again. You’re never overreacting when it comes to poisoning.
Also keep in mind, after an emergency, your dog might not bounce back emotionally as quickly as they do physically. They’ve just been through a high-stress episode, and like us, they can carry that anxiety for a while. If your dog seems unusually jumpy, clingy, or restless in the days that follow, consider using something like the PoochZen Pro™. It’s a dog-specific sound machine that uses low-frequency tones to create a calming environment. It provides a gentle support while your dog recovers from the emotional aftermath.
Prevention Tips That Save Lives
-
Keep all meds, snacks, and cleaning supplies locked or out of reach
-
Don’t assume dogs won’t eat “weird” things, if it fits in their mouth, it’s fair game
-
Be especially cautious during holidays (Easter chocolate, Christmas leftovers, Halloween sweets)
-
Use pet-safe cleaning products when possible
-
Know which plants in your home and garden are toxic to pet
And remember, if your dog is prone to picking things up outside, teach a solid "leave it" command. It’s like having a brake pedal for their mouth.
Final Thought
Poisoning is one of the scariest emergencies for any dog owner. The confusion, the panic, the helplessness, it’s all real. But what makes the biggest difference isn’t what you fear, it’s what you do next.
Now that you’ve got a clear plan, you’re better prepared than most. And that kind of readiness? It saves lives.
If you’d like a printable emergency checklist to keep on your fridge or share with your dog-sitter, just let us know. We’ll send you one, free.
