Our pets are naturally curious, which makes them vulnerable to accidental poisoning from everyday items around the home or garden. From human foods to cleaning products and garden plants, toxins are more common—and more dangerous—than many owners realise.

Knowing how to recognise the signs of poisoning in dogs and cats can mean the difference between a full recovery and a life-threatening emergency. In this guide, we’ll outline what to watch for, how to respond quickly, and how to use your pet first aid kit as a first line of defence in providing emergency pet care.

Why Poisoning Happens More Often Than You Think

Pets explore the world with their noses and mouths. They chew, lick, and eat things we might not give a second thought to—yet even a small amount of the wrong substance can have serious consequences.

Common causes of poisoning include:

Woman smiling at a Shiba Inu dog eyeing a pink doughnut on a kitchen table.

  • Foods toxic to pets, such as chocolate, onions, grapes, or xylitol
  • Human medications, like painkillers or antidepressants
  • Household cleaners and disinfectants
  • Fertilisers, insecticides, and rodenticides
  • Plants, including lilies (toxic to cats), daffodils, and sago palms
  • Alcohol and recreational drugs
  • Essential oils and scented products

Even flea treatments meant for dogs can be poisonous to cats if applied incorrectly.

General Signs of Poisoning

Symptoms of poisoning vary depending on the substance, quantity, and how it was absorbed (eaten, inhaled, or through the skin). Common signs include:

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Drooling or foaming at the mouth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain or bloating

Neurological Symptoms

A small striped kitten lying on a soft white surface, looking playful.

  • Weakness or lethargy
  • Tremors or seizures
  • Disorientation or stumbling
  • Excessive agitation or sudden aggression
  • Coma or unresponsiveness

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Symptoms

  • Irregular or rapid heartbeat
  • Shallow or laboured breathing
  • Pale or blue gums
  • Collapse or fainting

Other Possible Signs

  • Dilated or constricted pupils
  • Excessive thirst or urination
  • Skin irritation, rashes, or burns (from contact with chemicals)
  • Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or gums)

If your pet is displaying any of these signs—especially suddenly—treat it as an emergency.

What to Do If You Suspect Poisoning

Step 1: Stay Calm

Your composure can help keep your pet calm, which prevents symptoms from worsening. Panic can also make it harder to communicate clearly with a vet.

Step 2: Remove Access to the Toxin

Immediately remove your pet from the source of the toxin. If they’ve eaten something toxic, take the packaging or remnants with you—it will help your vet identify the poison.

Step 3: Check for Symptoms

Observe and write down what you see. When did the symptoms start? How much was ingested? Was it a skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion? These details are crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Step 4: Call Your Vet Immediately

Veterinarian and pet owner with a cat in a carrier at a clinic.

Contact your regular vet or an emergency vet clinic. Provide as much information as possible. In the UK, you can also contact the Animal PoisonLine (run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service) for advice: www.animalpoisonline.co.uk.

Never induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a vet—some substances can cause more harm coming back up.

Using Your Pet First Aid Kit in a Poisoning Emergency

Your pet first aid kit may not cure poisoning, but it can help stabilise your pet or reduce harm while you seek veterinary care.

Useful Items to Have on Hand:

  • Disposable gloves – Protect yourself when handling toxins
  • Saline eye wash – Flush chemicals from the eyes
  • Absorbent gauze and cloths – Wipe fur or paws exposed to liquids
  • Towel or blanket – Wrap your pet to calm them or protect them during seizures
  • Notebook and pen – Record symptoms, timing, and what was ingested
  • Emergency contact card – Keep your vet’s number and Animal PoisonLine details handy
  • Muzzle or soft restraint – Some pets may bite out of pain or confusion

If you’re assembling your kit, be sure it includes basic pet safety supplies tailored for common household risks.

Common Pet Poisons and Their Effects

Below are some well-known toxins and the symptoms they often cause:

Toxin Source Signs
Chocolate Cocoa (dogs) Vomiting, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures
Lilies Houseplants (cats) Kidney failure, vomiting, lethargy
Xylitol Sugar-free gum, toothpaste Vomiting, low blood sugar, seizures
Paracetamol Human painkillers Liver failure, breathing problems (especially in cats)
Rat poison Rodenticides Bleeding, weakness, bruising
Antifreeze Car fluids Drunken behaviour, kidney failure
Grapes and raisins Human food (dogs) Vomiting, kidney failure

Knowing what’s toxic is the first step to prevention. Store these items safely out of reach and educate other family members as well.

Prevention: The Best Cure

While you can’t eliminate every hazard, you can significantly reduce risk by taking the following steps:

  • Keep medications and chemicals locked away
  • Don’t leave human food unattended
  • Avoid giving table scraps unless you’re sure they’re pet-safe
  • Choose pet-friendly cleaning products and houseplants
  • Read flea and worming treatment instructions carefully—especially in multi-pet households
  • Supervise outdoor time, especially near sheds, garages, or gardens treated with fertilisers

When to Seek Immediate Vet Attention

Call your vet without delay if your pet:

  • Has ingested any known toxin
  • Displays sudden or severe symptoms
  • Has seizures, collapses, or becomes unresponsive
  • Shows signs of breathing difficulty or abnormal heart rate
  • Ingests any unidentified pill, chemical, or plant

Time is critical—never “wait and see” when poisoning is suspected.

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Stay Aware

Recognising the signs of poisoning in dogs and cats is one of the most important skills a pet owner can have. With a bit of preparation—a well-stocked pet first aid kit, a list of emergency numbers, and awareness of common hazards—you can act quickly and effectively in a crisis.

Vigilance, paired with professional veterinary support, can make all the difference in a potentially life-threatening situation. Awareness saves lives, and a little knowledge goes a long way in keeping your pet safe, healthy, and by your side.