ASPCA Poison Control Center: 888.426.4435
Do you know what to do if your dog or cat ate something poisonous? Pets are naturally curious, and that curiosity can sometimes land them in serious trouble. From houseplants and human foods to medications and household chemicals, there are countless substances that can be toxic to dogs and cats. Knowing how to respond quickly and who to call could make all the difference. You are the first line of defense in poison control for pets.
Act First: Recognize the Signs of Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
If you suspect your dog or cat ate something poisonous, or if you’re not sure whether it’s harmful, your first step is to carefully observe them for signs of acute distress. If any of the following symptoms are present, seek emergency veterinary care immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Protracted vomiting
- Severe diarrhea
- Acute lethargy
- Pale or blue gums
- Weakness or collapse
- Rapid heart rate
- Seizure activity
Your pet’s wellbeing is the top priority. If possible, have someone call ASPCA Poison Control while you drive to the emergency hospital so a case can be established before you arrive. If that’s not possible, the case can be opened once your pet is at the clinic.
Even if They Seem Okay, Poison Control for Pets Is Still Needed
Even if your pet isn’t showing any obvious signs of distress, you should still plan a trip to your veterinarian and call ASPCA Poison Control to open a case. Some toxins have delayed effects, and early intervention can prevent serious complications.
What is ASPCA Poison Control?
ASPCA Poison Control is a phone-based service staffed by veterinary toxicologists available around the clock. When you call, you’ll open a case and receive a case number. Your veterinarian can then use that case number to speak directly with a toxicologist at any point during your pet’s treatment.
The toxicologists can make highly specific recommendations based on your pe’s size, the type of toxin ingested, and the amount consumed. In some cases, they will advise immediate hospitalization. In others, the risk may be low enough that monitoring at home is appropriate. There is no guesswork, you get expert guidance tailored to your specific situation.
What to Tell Your Vet and Poison Control
One of the most important things you can do is provide details of everything your pet may have been exposed to. This is critical because many substances that are completely harmless to humans can cause severe toxicity in dogs and cats. Here are a few examples:
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters) is highly toxic to dogs
- Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs
- Certain common houseplants (like lilies) are extremely dangerous for cats
- Over-the-counter human medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Be sure to include any prescription or over-the-counter medications your pet could have ingested. Even medications that seem out of reach can be found and chewed through by a determined pet.
What to Expect Before Coming to Partner
When it comes to poison control for pets, it’s important that Partner adheres to a very strict Poison Control Protocol. The steps we follow are:
- Owner Contacts ASPCA: The owner calls ASPCA at 888-426-4435, pays the consultation fee, and receives a case number.
- Veterinary Examination: Our DVM examines the patient and discusses history and concerns with the owner.
- Expert Consultation: Our DVM calls ASPCA, refers to the assigned case number, and speaks directly with a toxicologist. Together they create a treatment plan for the next 24-48 hours.
- Ongoing Support: Once the owner’s case number is established, any DVM involved in the pet’s care can call back unlimited times for updated advice as the pet’s condition changes.
Note: When owners cannot contact ASPCA themselves, Partner can call on the owner’s behalf. However, this slows down the process significantly. Our medical team must step away from patient care to sit on the phone through a lengthy registration process. This also increases the owner’s costs due to the additional staff time required, which is why we don’t initiate calls this way.
IMPORTANT REMINDER … Keep these numbers handy:
ASPCA Poison Control: 888.426.4435
Partner’s Richmond location: 804.206.9122
Partner’s Frederick location: 301.200.8185
Should you find yourself needing poison control for pets, we can help!