What To Do RIGHT NOW If Your Dog Ate Something Poisonous
If your dog has just eaten something you think is poisonous:
- CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY — or out-of-hours emergency service
- CALL A POISON HOTLINE if your vet is unreachable:
- UK: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 (24/7, free)
- US: ASPCA Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435 (24/7, $65 fee) or Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 (24/7, $85 fee)
- Australia: 1300 869 738
- DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING unless directed by a vet
- KEEP THE PACKAGING of the ingested substance — bring it to the vet
- DRIVE TO THE VET with a calm passenger to monitor the dog
This calculator gives you a dose-per-kg triage tier for the most common canine poisons. Use it to understand urgency while heading to the vet.
The Most Important Common Dog Poisons
Chocolate
Toxic component: theobromine (plus caffeine). Concentration varies dramatically by chocolate type:
| Type | Theobromine (mg/g) |
|---|---|
| Milk chocolate | ~2.4 |
| Dark chocolate | ~16 |
| Baking / cooking chocolate | ~22 |
| Cocoa powder | ~28 |
Toxicity thresholds (mg/kg theobromine):
- <20 mg/kg: usually GI upset only
- 20-40 mg/kg: vomiting, restlessness, increased heart rate
- 40-60 mg/kg: severe GI, hyperactivity, cardiac signs, possible seizures
- >60 mg/kg: severe toxicity, cardiac arrhythmias, possible fatality
- >100 mg/kg: potentially lethal
Xylitol
Found in sugar-free gum, sweets, baked goods, peanut butter, mints, mouthwash, toothpaste.
Toxicity thresholds:
- >100 mg/kg: profound hypoglycaemia within 30-60 minutes
- >500 mg/kg: acute hepatic failure risk + hypoglycaemia
One piece of sugar-free gum (containing ~1 g xylitol) can cause hypoglycaemia in a 5 kg dog. A handful of xylitol-containing baked goods can be life-threatening.
Grapes / Raisins / Sultanas
Idiosyncratic acute kidney injury — no safe dose established. Some dogs tolerate large amounts; some are affected by very small amounts. Recent research (2022) suggests tartaric acid is the likely toxin, explaining the inconsistency.
Treat ALL grape/raisin ingestion as potentially toxic. Same-day vet visit, emesis induction within 2 hours, IV fluid diuresis 48-72 hours, urinalysis monitoring.
Onion / Garlic / Leek / Chives
Oxidative damage to red blood cells causing Heinz body anaemia. Develops over 3-5 days after ingestion.
Toxicity thresholds:
- Onion >5 g/kg: causes haemolytic anaemia
- Garlic >15-30 g/kg: similar mechanism but less potent
- Repeated low-dose exposure can cumulate
Ibuprofen
Dogs are MUCH more sensitive to NSAIDs than humans. Never give human NSAIDs at home.
- >25 mg/kg: GI ulceration
- >50 mg/kg: acute kidney injury
- >100 mg/kg: severe multi-organ toxicity, CNS signs
Paracetamol / Acetaminophen
- >100 mg/kg: hepatic damage
- >200 mg/kg: severe hepatic damage + methaemoglobinaemia
Treatment: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) ASAP, hepatoprotectants, gastric protection.
Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol)
Sweet taste attractive to dogs. Found in antifreeze, brake fluid, some windscreen washer.
- As little as 1.5 mL/kg potentially lethal
- Calcium oxalate crystals damage kidneys within 24-72 hours
- Treatment window is narrow — antidote (fomepizole / 4-MP, or ethanol) most effective in first hours
ANY suspected antifreeze exposure is a same-hour emergency.
Anticoagulant Rodenticides
Brodifacoum, bromadiolone, warfarin, etc. Inhibit vitamin K cycling.
Critical concept: signs develop 3-7 DAYS AFTER ingestion (bleeding, bruising, weakness). The dog seems fine immediately after.
Treatment: emesis if <2 hours, activated charcoal, vitamin K1 (phytonadione) orally for 3-6 weeks (longer for newer-generation anticoagulants).
Same-day vet visit even if dog appears well.
Bromethalin Rodenticide
Neurotoxic (NOT anticoagulant — vitamin K doesn’t help). Causes cerebral oedema.
Signs within 2-24 hours: ataxia, tremors, seizures. Prognosis worse than anticoagulants.
Cholecalciferol Rodenticide
Vitamin D3 in toxic amounts. Causes profound hypercalcaemia → acute kidney injury within 24-72 hours.
Same-hour vet emergency.
Macadamia Nuts
- >2 g/kg: weakness, hindlimb tremors, hyperthermia within 12 hours
- Usually self-limiting over 24-48 hours
Lilies
Catastrophically toxic to CATS (AKI). Most are only mildly toxic to dogs — GI upset typically.
Exceptions for dogs: Lily of the valley (cardiac glycoside, cardiotoxic) — same-hour vet emergency.
What Not To Do
Common mistakes that worsen outcomes:
- Do NOT induce vomiting at home unless directed by a vet. Contraindicated for:
- Corrosive substances (acids, alkalis)
- Petroleum products (hydrocarbons)
- Sharp objects
- Brachycephalic breeds (aspiration risk)
- Already-symptomatic dogs
- Do NOT give milk — does not “neutralise” anything; can worsen some toxicities.
- Do NOT give salt water or ipecac — outdated and dangerous home remedies.
- Do NOT wait to “see what happens” for serious toxins — treatment windows are narrow.
- Do NOT use peroxide concentrations from internet — vet-supervised peroxide is sometimes used for emesis but concentration matters.
The Decontamination Window
Most veterinary intervention is most effective within 2 hours of ingestion:
- Emesis induction (vomiting) — apomorphine or hydrogen peroxide (vet-supervised) brings up stomach contents
- Activated charcoal — adsorbs many toxins; sometimes multi-dose for repeated cycling
- Gastric lavage — under anaesthesia for substantial recent ingestion
Beyond 2 hours, the stomach has largely emptied. Treatment shifts to:
- Supportive care (IV fluids, anti-emetics, gastric protection)
- Antidotes where available (vitamin K for anticoagulants, fomepizole for antifreeze, NAC for paracetamol)
- Organ-specific monitoring (kidney for grapes/antifreeze, liver for paracetamol/xylitol)
What To Bring To The Vet
- Packaging of the substance with ingredient list (active ingredient often more informative than brand)
- Estimate of amount (count remaining tablets, weigh remaining food, etc.)
- Time of ingestion as accurately as possible
- Any vomitus or sample of the substance
- Photo of the plant for plant toxins
- Your dog’s medical history if relevant
Poison Hotlines
These services have product databases for thousands of substances and provide real-time triage advice that vets can use during your visit:
- UK: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 — 24/7, free
- US: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 888-426-4435 — 24/7, $65 fee
- US: Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 — 24/7, $85 fee
- Canada: Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661
- Australia: 1300 869 738
Save these in your phone now — easier than searching during a crisis.
Frequently Underestimated Toxins
Owners often miss these:
Xylitol
In more products than expected: sugar-free gum, mints, baked goods, peanut butter, sugar-free yoghurt, toothpaste, mouthwash, some supplements, some peanut-butter dog treats marketed as “sugar-free”. Always check labels for xylitol.
Marijuana / Cannabis Edibles
Increasingly common ingestion as more households have edibles. THC + chocolate + xylitol combination products (edibles) are particularly dangerous. Signs: ataxia, hypothermia, urinary incontinence, hyperaesthesia. Same-day vet visit.
Antifreeze
Sweet taste makes it attractive. Even small amounts lethal. Antifreeze spills in driveways, garages, brake fluid leaks are common exposure sources.
Sago Palm
Catastrophic hepatic toxicity — high mortality. Common ornamental plant. Even one seed potentially fatal.
Tea Tree Oil
Topical applications can cause severe toxicity through skin absorption. Never apply undiluted tea tree oil to dogs.
Prevention – The Best Triage
The single best toxicity outcome is prevention:
- Keep all medications out of reach — locked cabinets, not on counters
- Never give human medications at home without vet direction
- Sugar-free products — check labels for xylitol before giving anything sweet to a dog
- Antifreeze — clean up spills immediately, use propylene-glycol-based pet-safe antifreeze
- Rodenticides — use tamper-resistant bait stations; consider non-bait alternatives
- Plants — check toxicity before adding houseplants or garden plants
- Chocolate / xylitol gum / grapes — handbag and bag awareness
- Poison hotline numbers in phone
Honest Caveats
- This calculator gives a dose-per-kg triage — it does not replace immediate veterinary care.
- Amounts are approximate — chocolate concentration varies by brand and recipe; estimate where possible.
- Sign-based escalation matters — an actively symptomatic dog needs immediate care regardless of calculated dose.
- Poison hotlines have more product-specific information than this calculator — call them.
- When in doubt, call the vet — they would much rather field a “false alarm” than have a delayed presentation.
Conclusion
Canine toxin ingestion is a common emergency with a wide spectrum of severity. Dose per kg drives triage for most toxins, with established thresholds for chocolate (theobromine 20-100 mg/kg tiers), xylitol (100-500 mg/kg), ibuprofen, paracetamol, onion/garlic, and macadamia. For idiosyncratic toxins (grapes/raisins) and narrow-margin substances (antifreeze, anticoagulant and bromethalin rodenticides), ANY exposure is treated as potentially toxic. Poison hotlines (UK 01202 509 000 / US 888-426-4435 / AU 1300 869 738) provide real-time triage. Save the numbers in your phone now — easier than searching during a crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much chocolate is toxic to dogs?
Depends on chocolate type. Theobromine content: milk chocolate ~2.4 mg/g, dark chocolate ~16 mg/g, baking chocolate ~22 mg/g, cocoa powder ~28 mg/g. Toxicity thresholds (mg/kg theobromine): <20 mg/kg usually GI upset only; 20-40 mg/kg moderate (vomiting, increased heart rate); 40-60 mg/kg severe (cardiac signs, possible seizures); >60 mg/kg severe toxicity; >100 mg/kg potentially lethal. A 10 kg dog eating 100 g of dark chocolate (~1600 mg theobromine = 160 mg/kg) is in the lethal range.
What should I do if my dog ate xylitol?
Call your vet or poison hotline IMMEDIATELY. Xylitol causes profound hypoglycaemia within 30-60 minutes at >100 mg/kg, and acute hepatic failure at >500 mg/kg. One piece of sugar-free gum (~1 g xylitol) can cause hypoglycaemia in a 5 kg dog. Treatment: emesis if recent ingestion, IV dextrose for hypoglycaemia, hepatoprotectants (SAMe, N-acetylcysteine) for hepatic risk, glucose monitoring for 12-24 hours. Sources to be aware of: sugar-free gum, mints, baked goods, peanut butter, toothpaste.
Are grapes really dangerous for dogs?
Yes – grapes, raisins and sultanas cause IDIOSYNCRATIC acute kidney injury in dogs with NO SAFE DOSE established. Some dogs tolerate large amounts; some are affected by tiny amounts. Recent research (2022) suggests tartaric acid is the likely toxin. Treat ALL grape/raisin ingestion as potentially toxic: same-day vet visit, emesis if <2 hours, IV fluid diuresis 48-72 hours, urinalysis monitoring for AKI.
What is the most dangerous household poison for dogs?
Among the most lethal at low doses: ANTIFREEZE (ethylene glycol) – sweet taste attractive, 1.5 mL/kg potentially lethal, narrow treatment window; XYLITOL at higher doses (acute hepatic failure); ANTICOAGULANT RODENTICIDES (signs develop 3-7 days later, easy to miss); BROMETHALIN rodenticide (neurotoxic, no antidote); SAGO PALM (catastrophic hepatic toxicity). For sheer frequency, CHOCOLATE is the most common but rarely fatal at low to moderate doses.
Can I induce vomiting in my dog at home?
NO – do not induce vomiting at home without veterinary advice. Contraindicated for: corrosive substances (acids, alkalis), petroleum products (hydrocarbons), sharp objects, brachycephalic breeds (high aspiration risk), already-symptomatic dogs. Vet-supervised emesis uses apomorphine (injectable) or controlled-concentration hydrogen peroxide. Salt water and ipecac are dangerous outdated home remedies. Call your vet or poison hotline for direction.
What number do I call if my dog ate poison?
UK: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 (24/7, free). US: ASPCA Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435 (24/7, $65 fee) or Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 (24/7, $85 fee). Canada: Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661. Australia: 1300 869 738. These services have product databases for thousands of substances and provide real-time triage advice. Save these in your phone now – easier than searching during a crisis.
Related PuppaDogs Calculators
Continue building your dog’s personalised care plan with these related PuppaDogs calculators:
- Dog Pregnancy / Whelping Due-Date Calculator
- Puppy Weight Predictor (Adult Weight Calculator)
- Heatstroke Risk Calculator for Dogs
- Bloat (GDV) Risk Calculator for Dogs
- Dog Life Expectancy Calculator (Breed, Body Condition, Lifestyle)
- Spay/Neuter Timing Calculator for Dogs (Breed-Specific)
References & Further Reading
The dosing ranges and safety information on this page are drawn from the following veterinary references. Always defer to your own veterinarian and the manufacturer’s label for your specific product.
- Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook – toxicology tables.
- Peterson ME, Talcott PA. Small Animal Toxicology, 3rd ed. Elsevier Saunders, 2013.
- Gugler K, Piscitelli C, Dennis J. Hidden dangers in the kitchen: common foods toxic to dogs and cats. Compendium on Continuing Education for Practising Veterinarians, 2013.
- Cope RB. A screening study of xylitol toxicosis in dogs. Veterinary Medicine, 2004.
- Eubig PA, Brady MS, Gwaltney-Brant SM, et al. Acute renal failure in dogs after the ingestion of grapes or raisins: a retrospective evaluation of 43 dogs (1992-2002). JVIM, 2005.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center resources. aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control.
- PuppaDogs. Activated Charcoal Dose Calculator and Cerenia Dosage Calculator. puppadogs.com.
