If you suspect your dog or cat has eaten or come into contact with something toxic, time matters. Here’s what to do.
During Our Office Hours
- Gather the evidence. If your pet has gotten into a packaged product, collect the packaging and any pieces of material your pet ingested. Place everything in a Ziploc bag and bring it with you.
- Call our office right away. Call Springs Road Animal Hospital at (828) 256-2151. The sooner we know what’s happened, the sooner we can advise you and prepare for your pet’s arrival.
- Wait for our guidance before doing anything else. Do not induce vomiting on your own — for some substances, particularly caustic ones, vomiting can cause serious additional harm.
After Hours or When We’re Not Available
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply)
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (a consultation fee may apply)
What Counts as a Pet Poison?
The list is longer than most pet parents realize. Common household toxins include:
- Human medications (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antidepressants, ADHD medications)
- Chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic
- Rodenticides and insecticides
- Antifreeze
- Lilies (extremely toxic to cats — even pollen exposure can cause kidney failure)
- Houseplants like sago palm, oleander, and dieffenbachia
When in doubt, call. We’d much rather have a quick phone conversation about something that turns out to be harmless than miss the early window on something that isn’t.