ASPCA Poison Control

A consultation fee may apply, but a portion of this charge is covered if your pet is enrolled in our pet insurance.

How can ASPCA Poison Control help?

We all do our best to keep our pets safe, but sometimes they get into things that can be harmful. They might eat something bad, like a box of chocolates, bag of grapes, spoiled food out of the garbage, or the leaves of a toxic plant. They can also be exposed to pesticides or other common household and outdoor chemicals that can harm them.

If you suspect your pet has ingested or come into contact with a poisonous substance, you can call the ASPCA poison control for assistance. When you call, you’ll be connected to one of their specially trained experts who will work with you to assess the situation and help determine how you can help your pet.

Their experts have access to an extensive database, which enables them to diagnose problems and give treatment advice quickly. They have experience with more than 1 million cases involving pesticides, medications, plants, metals, and other potentially hazardous items.

They work closely with your veterinarian to treat customized treatment plans, ensuring your pet gets the precise care they need. In addition, the poison control experts can provide your regular veterinarian with information about the incident so they can add it to your pet’s medical history.

Top 10 Toxins List

The ASPCA poison control reviews their call data and puts together a list of the top pet toxins each year. Check out their top 10 list for 2024. (opens in new window) This information can help you be more aware of potential pet dangers and take important steps to help avoid a pet poison emergency.

Year over year, over-the counter (OTC) medications top their list. Some of the more common OTC medications they get calls about include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, joint rubs, and herbal supplements.

Another top toxin is food, particularly the artificial sweetener Xylitol, which is used in some peanut butters , along with grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, protein bars, and chocolate. Veterinary products, such as chewable medications are also problematic. They’ve dealt with cases where dogs have gobbled up the whole container.

Tips to Prevent a Poison Emergency

Here are some tips that can help you prevent a pet poison emergency:

• Avoid leaving medications on low nightstands or countertops where your pet can get at them.
• Remove any toxic plants from your home and yard. Lilies are particularly toxic for cats.
• Be careful when you’re doing home improvement projects. They can expose pets to all sorts of potential toxins, including paint, adhesives, and spackle.
• Store everyday household chemicals and items safely. These can include paint, glue, laundry detergent pods, bleach, and cleaning products.
• Know which foods are problematic for pets. For instance, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and desserts, gum, candies, or peanut butter sweetened with Xylitol can all be harmful.
• Avoid leaving any kind of chocolate or chocolate desserts out. Dogs in particular tend to love this sweet treat and they can eat enough to get themselves in trouble.
• Supervise your pet at outdoor barbecues and cookouts to help make sure they don’t eat something they shouldn’t.
• If you use insecticides, make sure you follow the directions carefully and keep your pet away from treated areas for the recommended amount of time.
• Take care using rodenticides. Like rodents, pets can find that poisonous harmful bait very tasty.
• Secure your garbage cans. You don’t want your pet knocking them over or getting inside and eating something harmful, such as moldy or spoiled food that has been thrown away.