Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Go to an emergency vet if your dog has yellow gums or eyes with vomiting or lethargy, confusion, head pressing, seizures, bleeding or bruising, a rapidly swelling belly, or collapse, or if you suspect it ate xylitol, toxic mushrooms, sago palm, or blue-green algae. Liver failure can progress quickly, and some toxins need treatment before signs appear.
Emergency signs
- Jaundice with vomiting, weakness, or not eating
- Confusion, wandering, head pressing, blindness, or seizures (hepatic encephalopathy)
- Bleeding from gums or nose, bruising, or black stool
- Rapidly swelling belly
- Collapse or pale gums
Toxins that need immediate help
- Xylitol: in sugar-free gum, candy, and some peanut butters. Causes low blood sugar within minutes to hours and liver failure later
- Sago palm: all parts, especially seeds
- Amanita mushrooms
- Blue-green algae
- Acetaminophen
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).
What to do
- Bring packaging or a photo of the plant or mushroom
- Don’t induce vomiting unless told to
- Call ahead
Sources
- Webster CRL, et al. ACVIM consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2019
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Hepatic disease in small animals
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Xylitol and sago palm
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.