Updated October 13, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: If your dog may have been poisoned, the most important home step is to call your vet or a pet poison hotline immediately (ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (fees apply)) with the product details. Don’t give salt, milk, oil, or food, and don’t induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to. For skin exposure, you may be advised to bathe your dog. Many poisonings need hospital treatment even when a dog seems fine.
Safe first steps
- Move your dog away from the toxin, and keep other pets away
- Collect the package, plant, or substance
- Estimate how much and when
- Call your vet or a poison hotline
- Follow their instructions exactly
Skin or coat exposure
If advised, wear gloves and wash your dog with liquid dish soap and lukewarm water, then rinse well.
Eye exposure
Flush with plenty of lukewarm water or saline for several minutes, then call your vet.
What not to do
- Don’t give salt to cause vomiting. It can cause dangerous salt poisoning
- Don’t give milk, oil, or bread as “antidotes”
- Don’t induce vomiting without instructions, especially with caustic products, batteries, petroleum products, or if your dog is drowsy or seizing
- Don’t wait for signs with toxins like rat poison, grapes, antifreeze, or xylitol
Go straight to a vet if
- Your dog is seizing, collapsed, or struggling to breathe
- You can’t reach a hotline quickly
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Top pet toxins
- Pet Poison Helpline: Poison list
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicology overview in small animals
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.