Pet poison emergency: what to do first

First steps

• Move your pet away from the substance or the exposure area when it is safe for you to do so.
• Contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control immediately.
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 — available 24 hours a day, every day. A consultation fee may apply.
• Do not induce vomiting and do not give any home remedy unless a veterinarian or a qualified poison-control professional specifically tells you to.

Keep the evidence

• Keep the package, bottle, plant, medication, food label, or a clear photograph of whatever your pet was exposed to.
• Save any chewed packaging or remaining material in a sealed container when it is safe to handle.
• Bring the packaging or identifying information with you to the veterinary clinic when possible.

Be ready to describe

Having these details on hand helps the professional on the phone give useful direction faster.

• Species, breed, age, and approximate weight
• Known health conditions and current medications
• Symptoms you are seeing and when they started
• The substance involved, the approximate amount, and how the exposure happened
• The approximate time of exposure

Plan ahead

• Save your veterinarian, your emergency veterinarian, and the poison-control number where you can reach them quickly.
• Keep printed contact information with your emergency supplies in case your phone is unavailable.