- Dr. Laura de Armas
- May 19
- 6 min read
Dog ate something dangerous? Don’t let it eat you up - we'll help you on what to do next!
Dogs explore their world through their mouths – they chew and retrieve objects; their mouths are essentially the equivalent of our hands. And since their sense of smell and taste are intricately developed, this sometimes causes them to ingest something they shouldn’t. Some dogs are more prone to doing this than others, but all dogs have the potential to eat something that could be dangerous for them.
In this article, we’ll discuss five of the most common substances dogs sometimes ingest that require treatment by an emergency vet for dogs:
Medicines
Some human foods
Cleaning products
We’ll tell you the dangers of each, what symptoms of poisoning to watch out for, and preventative measures you can take to avoid an emergency. As always, reach out to your nearest VEG ER for Pets emergency vet hospital if your dog needs immediate care.
Top 5 things dogs eat that requires immediate vet care
If your dog ate something they shouldn’t, the sooner you get your dog to the emergency vet after he ingests these items, the better his chances of recovery will be.
Read on to learn more about what can lead to an ingestion emergency for your dog.
Is it an emergency if my dog eats plastic?
Dogs have a strong bite force and have the ability to chew through and swallow pieces of even the toughest plastics. Many dog toys are made out of plastic or contain plastic pieces (squeakers, buttons, etc), which means that dogs are already going to be very exposed to plastics. If the toy breaks, snaps, or chips, it’s almost inevitable that the dog playing with it will swallow a piece of the toy. Additionally, dog treats and food are often kept in plastic containers and we have seen dogs get into a bag of treats or a leftovers container and inadvertently consume plastic pieces.
If your dog ate plastic, contact the emergency vet right away. Check and clear your dog’s mouth of any visible objects, if safe to do so, as injured dogs may bite when frightened or in pain. If your dog’s not allowing it, bring them to VEG asap.
Prevention tip
Choose durable, dog-safe toys and supervise playtime to prevent pieces from breaking off and being swallowed. Keep plastic items like bags, wrappers, and containers out of reach at all times.
What happens if my dog eats my medicine?
It might go without saying that medication should be kept out of a dog's reach. Yet curious dogs may find their way into medicine cabinets in the bathroom or elsewhere in the home. When this happens, there is a chance your dog could get into one or more human medications found there. Additionally, if you happen to drop some pills on the floor, your dog might swoop in and eat them thinking they were a delicious treat before you have a chance to stop him.
It is also possible for dogs to eat too much of their own medication, especially if it has been flavored in some way to make it more appetizing to them. If your dog ate any toxic substance, this should be treated as a serious emergency.
Prevention tip
Store all medications in secure, closed cabinets and never leave pills within reach, including on counters or bedside tables. Never give your dog over-the-counter medications without veterinary guidance, as even one dose of drugs like ibuprofen can be dangerous or deadly.
What happens if my dog eats a toxic plant?
Many houseplants and common yard and garden plants are toxic to dogs. Some plants are fully toxic, while others may only be toxic if the dog ingests specific parts of the plant such as flowers, leaves, or fruit. When in doubt if a specific plant is toxic, don’t use it in or around your home.
If your dog ingests any part of a plant you’re unsure about, contact your emergency vet immediately. The vet may let you know over the phone if there’s nothing to worry about. However, if there is any uncertainty, you will need to take your dog to the vet to be examined.
Prevention tip
Only display pet-safe plants in and around your home. Some plants considered safe around pets are:
Catnip/Cat grass
Herbs (basil, cilantro, and curly parsley are considered safe, but can cause stomach upset if eaten in high amounts)
Orchids
Spider plants
Some succulents like echeveria and haworthia (choose wisely, some succulents are toxic to pets.)
Which human foods are bad for dogs?
There are many kinds of human food that dogs can eat, even if they shouldn’t have it often. However, there are also several human foods that are toxic or harmful to dogs. Some of these include garlic, onions, grapes, avocados, chocolate, and alcohol. There are many others to be wary of as well. Additionally, eating any new food (especially if high in fat or seasoning) can trigger vomiting and diarrhea in your dog that can cause serious illness if left untreated.
If your dog eats any toxic food items or new human food, contact the emergency vet right away. Depending on the amount and type of food, the situation might be more or less of an emergency. The vet will help you decide whether or not your dog needs emergency vet care.
Prevention tip
When offering human food, choose simple, dog-safe options such as plain cooked chicken or turkey. Keep toxic foods completely out of reach, including:
Xylitol (found in sugar-free products)
Caffeine
Onions
Most cleaning products are toxic to dogs
Another very dangerous substance dogs can ingest is household cleaners. These chemical-based liquids sometimes smell or look enticing to a dog, which causes some dogs to want to lap them up. This is very dangerous, however, and even just a small amount of an ingested cleaner can be fatal if not treated right away.
Take your dog to the emergency vet immediately if he ingests any household cleaners. If you have the bottle available, bring it with you so the vet can be more well informed about what your dog has eaten and can implement more effective treatments.
Prevention tip
Keep household cleaners secured and out of sight, even during use. Small amounts can be dangerous, so restrict your dog’s access to cleaning areas until all surfaces are fully dry.
Symptoms of dog poisoning
If your dog swallowed a foreign object or ate something toxic, symptoms may not appear right away.
If you witnessed your dog ingest something harmful, contact an emergency vet immediately. It is important not to wait for symptoms to appear. Delaying care increases risk and life threatening complications.
If you did not witness the ingestion, seek emergency veterinary care if your dog shows any of the following signs.
Signs of dog poisoning
What to do if your dog eats something harmful
Call a VEG ER for Pets emergency vet immediately, even if your dog seems fine, ingestion can quickly lead to poisoning, intestinal blockage, or other life-threatening complications.
DO:
Remove the substance to prevent further ingestion
If safe to do so, check and clear your dog’s mouth of any visible objects
Call an emergency vet immediately, such as VEG ER for Pets
Bring a sample of what they ingested (food, plant, medication, or object)
DON’T:
Do NOT induce vomiting
Do NOT give food, milk, or medications
Do NOT wait for symptoms to develop if you know your dog ate something toxic or swallowed a foreign object
Contact a VEG ER for Pets 24-hour emergency vet if your dog ingests a dangerous substance
The quicker you act in an emergency, such as when your dog ingests a foreign object or toxic substance, the better their chances of a full recovery. At VEG ER for Pets, emergency care is all we do. We’re open 24/7, and our team is here to guide you every step of the way, so you’re never facing this situation alone.
When you arrive, an emergency veterinarian will quickly assess your dog, determine where the object or toxin is affecting the body, and begin the appropriate treatment. Whether that means removing a foreign object or managing toxicity, VEG vets will act fast to get your dog the care they need.
