Grapes, raisins, tamarind
Tartaric acid is the leading toxic principle; content varies by fruit. Some dogs develop acute kidney injury while others do not. More than one grape or raisin per 4.5 kg may pose renal risk.
Use count + weightDo not stop to calculate
Call-now register
These exposures are either time-sensitive, formulation-dependent, or too variable for safe owner-side dose sorting.
Substance / species / first decision
True lilies (Lilium / Hemerocallis)CatsAny chewed plant, pollen grooming, or vase-water exposure → emergency call.
Ethylene glycol / antifreezeDogs + catsSmall lethal quantities and a narrow treatment window → emergency call.
Xylitol-containing productDogsCheck ingredients; hypoglycemia may start rapidly → call with product label.
Any rodenticideDogs + catsColor cannot identify the class; photograph the active-ingredient panel.
Dog-only permethrin productCatsDirect application or close contact with a recently treated dog → emergency call.
ADHD stimulant / amphetamineDogs + catsSigns have occurred at very small mg/kg doses → emergency call.
Topical fluorouracil (5-FU)All petsLicked skin or chewed tube; FDA reports rapid signs and canine deaths → go now.
Horse/livestock dewormer or ivermectin overdoseEspecially herding breedsConcentration and ABCB1/MDR1 status matter → emergency call.
Collapse, seizure, breathing trouble, comaAny animal / any substanceGo to the nearest emergency hospital; phone en route if another person can call.
Basis: Merck—true lilies, ethylene glycol, xylitol, and FDA—fluorouracil.
Core lookup / 32 hazards
Threshold and onset table
Dose = amount of active toxin ÷ body weight. Published clinical-effect points are not guarantees, and “no threshold” means the exposure cannot be safely cleared by arithmetic.
| Substance | Species | Published decision point | Everyday translation | Onset / delay | First signs or hidden injury | Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| True lilies | Cats | NO THRESHOLD | Pollen, leaves, petals, or vase water count | GI signs 1–3 h; kidney injury evolves 12–30 h | Drooling, vomiting, lethargy; then thirst/urination changes | Call now |
| Ethylene glycol | Dogs / cats | Minimum lethal: cats 1.4 mL/kg; dogs 4.4–6.6 mL/kg, undiluted | A 4 kg cat: 5.6 mL is a minimum-lethal anchor, not a call cutoff | Neurologic signs can precede delayed kidney failure | “Drunk,” vomiting, thirst; apparent improvement can mislead | Call now |
| Xylitol | Dogs | >100 mg/kg hypoglycemia; >500 mg/kg liver-injury risk | 10 kg dog: 1 g and 5 g active xylitol; gum content varies | 30 min; delayed 12–18 h in some substrates; liver signs 24–48 h | Vomiting, weakness, ataxia, seizure; later jaundice/bleeding | Call now |
| Grapes / raisins / tamarind | Dogs | VARIABLE; >1 grape or raisin per 4.5 kg may pose renal risk | Count every grape/raisin; do not infer safety from prior tolerance | Vomiting/diarrhea 6–12 h; kidney failure 24–72 h | GI upset, lethargy, thirst; falling urine output is grave | Call now |
| Chocolate / cocoa | Dogs; others susceptible | Methylxanthines: 20 mg/kg mild; 40–50 cardiac; ≥60 seizures | Use type-specific mg/g table below | Often within 6–12 h; absorption may be prolonged | Vomiting, thirst, restlessness, fast/irregular heart rate, tremors | Calculate + call |
| Caffeine concentrate | Dogs / cats | Use methylxanthine bands above; product concentration varies | Coffee grounds, pills, energy products require label amount | Rapid GI absorption | Restlessness, tachycardia, tremors, seizure | Call now |
| Onion | Cats / dogs | Cats: reports at 5 g/kg raw; dogs: 15–30 g/kg raw | Powders and soup mixes are concentrated; cooking does not make safe | RBC damage begins <24 h, peaks ~72 h; anemia 3–5 d | Weakness, pale/yellow gums, rapid breathing, dark urine | Call |
| Garlic / chives / leeks | Cats / dogs | Garlic reported 3–5× as toxic as onion; no home-safe cutoff | Weigh product; note powder vs fresh | Delayed hemolysis over days | Weakness, pallor, rapid heart rate/breathing, collapse | Call |
| Macadamia nuts | Dogs | Signs reported at 2.4 g/kg | 10 kg dog: 24 g is a published effect anchor | Within 12 h; usually resolves by 48 h | Weakness, vomiting, ataxia, tremor, fever | Call |
| Raw yeast dough | Dogs mainly | NO SAFE CUTOFF | Expands and generates ethanol inside stomach | Early distension/retching; later intoxication | Bloated abdomen, unproductive retching, disorientation, depression | Call now |
| Ethanol / isopropanol | All species | PRODUCT-SPECIFIC; isopropanol ~2× ethanol toxicity | Record beverage/product % and volume | Often rapid | Incoordination, low temperature/glucose, slow breathing, coma | Call now |
| THC | Dogs / cats | Dogs: mild 0.3–0.5 mg/kg; moderate >2–3 mg/kg | 10 kg dog: 3–5 mg can cause mild signs; edible labels may be unreliable | Oral 1–2 h; sometimes up to 4 h; signs may last 1–3 d | Lethargy, ataxia, vomiting, urine leakage, sound/motion sensitivity | Call |
| Ibuprofen | Dogs / cats | Dogs: acute GI 100–125 mg/kg; renal 175–300; CNS >400; cats ~half | One 200 mg tablet = 20 mg/kg in a 10 kg dog; repeated doses also injure | Peak 0.5–3 h; kidney injury can be delayed | Vomiting, abdominal pain, black stool; lethargy, increased thirst | Call |
| Naproxen | Dogs / cats | Dogs: GI signs reported after single 35 mg/kg; cats more susceptible | One 220 mg tablet = 22 mg/kg in a 10 kg dog | GI signs may precede renal injury | Vomiting, blood/black stool, abdominal pain, lethargy | Call now |
| Acetaminophen | Cats / dogs | Cats: usually 40–50 mg/kg; reports at 10 mg/kg. Dogs: acute signs >100 mg/kg | One 325 mg tablet = 81 mg/kg in a 4 kg cat | Cats can develop methemoglobinemia within hours | Brown/blue gums, rapid breathing, facial/paw swelling; liver injury | Call now |
| Aspirin | Cats / dogs | No owner-safe overdose cutoff; cats clear slowly; dog acute severe anchor 450 mg/kg | Identify 81 mg vs 325 mg and enteric coating | Peak 0.5–3 h; repeated exposure accumulates | Vomiting, weakness, panting, fever, bleeding, seizure | Call |
| Amphetamine salts | Dogs / cats | Restlessness reported at 0.09 mg/kg; tachycardia/hyperthermia 0.2 mg/kg | A single human tablet can exceed an effect point in a pet | Rapid; immediate-release may act before vomiting is safe | Agitation, dilated pupils, fast heart rate, tremors, seizure | Call now |
| Methylphenidate | Dogs / cats | Hyperthermia/tachycardia reported at 0.3 mg/kg | Bring bottle; identify immediate vs extended release | Rapid; formulation changes duration | Agitation, vocalizing, hypertension, fast heart rate | Call now |
| Atomoxetine | Dogs / cats | GI signs: dogs 0.4 mg/kg, cats 0.7; stimulation 2.2 mg/kg | One capsule can exceed a pet effect dose | May progress from GI to neurologic/cardiac signs | Vomiting, dilated pupils, fast heart rate, agitation, tremors | Call now |
| Antidepressants | Dogs / cats | DRUG-SPECIFIC | Give generic name, strength, release type, count | May be delayed with extended release | GI signs, lethargy or agitation, tremor, fever, heart-rate changes | Call now |
| Sleep aids | Dogs / cats | DRUG-SPECIFIC; zolpidem signs reported at low mg/kg | Identify zolpidem vs melatonin vs doxylamine/diphenhydramine | Often rapid | Sedation or paradoxical agitation, ataxia, tremors | Call |
| Beta blockers | Dogs / cats | DRUG-SPECIFIC | Name matters: propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol, etc. | Rapid absorption; extended-release lasts longer | Weakness, very slow heart rate, low blood pressure, collapse | Call now |
| Calcium-channel blockers | Dogs / cats | DRUG-SPECIFIC | Name + strength + immediate/extended release | Potentially delayed with extended release | Weakness, slow/irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, high glucose | Call now |
| Anticoagulant rodenticide | Dogs / cats | Active-ingredient-specific; toxic-dose method is 1/10 lowest LD50 | Warfarin, chlorophacinone, diphacinone, brodifacoum, bromadiolone | Lab changes 2–5 d; bleeding typically 3–7 d | No early signs; later pale gums, bruising, breathing trouble, bleeding | Call now |
| Bromethalin rodenticide | Dogs / cats | Accepted toxic dose is 1/10 lowest LD50; cats exquisitely sensitive | Do not infer ingredient from bait color | High dose 4–36 h; lower dose 1–5 d; possible 1–7 d | Excitability/seizure or delayed hindlimb weakness/paralysis | Call now |
| Cholecalciferol rodenticide | Dogs / cats | Signs as low as 0.1 mg/kg; tissue mineralization >0.5 mg/kg | Typical 0.075% bait = 0.75 mg/g; 14–28 g block = 10.5–21 mg | Signs/labs 12–48 h; calcium peaks later | Weakness, vomiting, thirst/urination, kidney injury | Call now |
| Zinc phosphide bait | Dogs; all species | Dog toxic decision anchor ~2 mg/kg (1/10 of 20 mg/kg lowest lethal) | Label concentration is mandatory | Rapid vomiting; systemic injury can progress | Bloody vomit; phosphine fumes can poison people | Call now / ventilate |
| Permethrin dog product | Cats | FORMULATION-SPECIFIC | Direct application or contact with wet treated dog | Neurologic signs may develop after dermal exposure | Muscle twitching, hypersalivation, tremor, seizure | Call now |
| Sago palm / cycad | Dogs / cats | ALL PARTS; SEEDS WORST | Identify plant; photograph leaves and seeds | GI signs may precede liver failure | Vomiting, diarrhea; later weakness, jaundice, bleeding | Call now |
| Batteries / caustic cleaner | Dogs / cats | CORROSIVE | Button/cylindrical battery, drain cleaner, oven cleaner: keep packaging | Immediate tissue burns; battery injury can continue | Drooling, mouth pain, vomiting, swallowing/breathing trouble | Call now / no vomiting |
| Compost / moldy food | Dogs mainly | MYCOTOXIN VARIABLE | Note tremor-producing mold exposure, not only “food poisoning” | Often rapid neurologic signs | Agitation, tremors, fever, seizure | Call now |
| Plain silica-gel packet | Dogs / cats | Low intrinsic toxicity if positively identified | Packet itself can obstruct; oxygen absorbers may contain iron | GI obstruction may be delayed | Repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, no appetite | Identify; call if unsure |
| Oxygen absorber / hand warmer | Dogs / cats | IRON CONTENT VARIES | Dark/rust magnetic powder suggests elemental iron | Early GI injury; shock/liver injury may follow 1–5 d | Vomiting ± blood, diarrhea, appetite loss, lethargy | Call now |
Threshold spine: current professional monographs in the Merck Veterinary Manual toxicology section; specific sources are listed at the end. A threshold absent from those sources is intentionally shown as product-specific or no threshold.
Chocolate calculation tape
Type first, then dose
Use total methylxanthines (theobromine + caffeine), not candy weight alone. Natural and brand variation means this is an estimate to communicate, not a clearance tool.
Approximate methylxanthines
Cocoa powder28.5 mg/g
Unsweetened / baker’s15.5 mg/g
85% cocoa bar*13.2 mg/g
70% cocoa bar*10.85 mg/g
65% cocoa bar*10.1 mg/g
Cocoa bean hulls9 mg/g
Semisweet / sweet dark5.3–5.6 mg/g
Milk chocolate2.3 mg/g
White chocolate0.04 mg/g
Worked case / 12 kg beagle + 100 g of 70%
1
Estimate concentration: 15.5 mg/g × 0.70 = 10.85 mg/g.
2
Total methylxanthines: 100 g × 10.85 mg/g = 1,085 mg.
3
Weight-normalized dose: 1,085 mg ÷ 12 kg = 90.4 mg/kg.
4
Compare with Merck bands: mild around 20, cardiac 40–50, seizures ≥60 mg/kg.
90.4 mg/kg → above the seizure-effect band → CALL NOW.
*Percent-cocoa estimates use Merck’s method: unsweetened chocolate concentration × labeled cocoa fraction. Filled products, cocoa butter proportions, and manufacturer variation make direct label/product identification better.
Source: Merck Veterinary Manual—Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals (updated Feb 2026).
Uncertainty is actionable
The idiosyncratic ones
“No established safe dose” does not mean “probably fine.” It means dose alone cannot rule out injury.
Allium family
Cats are most susceptible. Powders and dry soup mixes concentrate onion/garlic. RBC injury is delayed: feeling normal tonight does not clear a meaningful exposure.
Keep delayed injuries in viewMacadamias
Signs have been reported at 2.4 g/kg in dogs, usually within 12 hours. The syndrome is commonly self-limiting, but chocolate coatings or xylitol add separate hazards.
Check every ingredientCompound edible case
Chocolate + THC is not one exposure
Do not collapse a multi-ingredient edible into a single “weed” case. Calculate and report each hazard separately; sugar-free products may add xylitol.
Hazard A / chocolate
Type × grams → methylxanthine mg/kg → cardiac and seizure bands.
Hazard B / THC
Labeled mg per piece × pieces ÷ kg; formulation and labeling vary.
One call decision
Give both calculations, all ingredients, amount, time, and current neurologic/cardiac signs.
THC signs in dogs may begin at 0.3–0.5 mg/kg, with moderate signs above 2–3 mg/kg; oral signs typically start in 1–2 hours. Source: Merck—THC toxicosis. Tell the vet the truth; accurate product and dose information changes risk assessment.
Medicine-cabinet index / 11 classes
Human medications
Do not substitute a class name for the bottle. Generic name, strength, release form, and missing-pill count are the minimum useful record.
ClassExamplesHigh-value dose factFailure mode
Acetaminophen325 / 500 / 650 mgCats: signs reported at 10 mg/kg; usually 40–50 mg/kgMethemoglobinemia; liver injury
Ibuprofen200 mg common tabletDog single acute GI 100–125 mg/kg; cats ~halfUlceration, renal injury, CNS effects
Naproxen220 mg common tabletDog GI signs reported at single 35 mg/kgLong-lasting GI and renal injury
Aspirin81 / 325 mgCats have prolonged clearance; repeated dose mattersGI bleeding, acid-base disturbance
Amphetamine saltsImmediate / extended releaseRestlessness reported at 0.09 mg/kgHyperthermia, arrhythmia, seizure
MethylphenidateImmediate / extended releaseFast heart rate/fever reported at 0.3 mg/kgStimulant toxidrome
AtomoxetineCapsulesGI signs at 0.4 mg/kg dogs; 0.7 catsProgressive stimulation
AntidepressantsSSRI, SNRI, tricyclicNo class-wide safe cutoffSerotonin syndrome: agitation + tremor + fever
Sleep aidsZolpidem, sedating antihistaminesDrug-specific; paradoxical excitation occursSedation, ataxia, agitation
Beta blockersPropranolol, metoprolol, atenololDrug/release-specific; rapid absorptionBradycardia, hypotension, collapse
Calcium-channel blockersAmlodipine, diltiazem, verapamilDrug/release-specificHypotension, rhythm change, metabolic effects
Sources: analgesics, ADHD drugs, antidepressants/sleep aids, and cardiovascular medications.
Household + garden registers
Active ingredient beats bait color
US consumer rodenticide rules changed the shelf mix. As of September 2026, EPA says consumer baits are ready-to-use stations with block/paste bait; second-generation anticoagulants are not registered for consumer products.
Anticoagulants
warfarin · chlorophacinone · diphacinone · brodifacoum · bromadiolone
Delayed coagulopathy. A normal-looking pet in the first day is not cleared.
Bromethalin
neurotoxic uncoupler
High-dose seizure syndrome or delayed paralysis. No specific antidote.
Cholecalciferol
vitamin D3 · often 0.075%
Raises calcium/phosphorus, mineralizing kidneys and other soft tissues.
Zinc phosphide
phosphine gas generator
Vomitus can release toxic gas: ventilate transport and avoid face-level exposure.
Current retail/regulatory source: US EPA—Restrictions on Rodenticide Products (updated Sept 2025). Veterinary class/timeline source: Merck—Overview of Rodenticide Poisoning.
High-risk plant register
Common names are ambiguous. Photograph the whole plant, leaf, flower, fruit/seed, and label. This list prioritizes consequences rather than exhaustiveness.
Cats
True lily / daylilyKidney failure; pollen and vase water count
Sago palm / cycadGI injury, liver failure, bleeding
OleanderCardiac glycosides; rhythm collapse
FoxgloveCardiac glycosides
Azalea / rhododendronGrayanotoxins; GI + cardiovascular signs
Autumn crocusSevere GI and multiorgan injury
Cyclamen tuberSaponins; GI and possible cardiac effects
KalanchoeGI signs; cardiac glycosides in larger exposures
Dogs
Sago palm / cycadEspecially seeds; liver failure
OleanderCardiac glycosides
FoxgloveCardiac glycosides
Azalea / rhododendronGI, weakness, rhythm effects
Autumn crocusSevere GI and multiorgan injury
Castor beanRicin; chewed seeds are high risk
YewRapid cardiac effects; sudden death possible
Lily of the valleyCardiac glycosides; not the cat kidney-toxin “true lily”
Plant toxicology and true-lily distinction: Merck—Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals.
Correction strip / no home dosing
What not to do
The next correct action depends on species, airway safety, substance, formulation, time, and current signs. Do not turn an exposure into a second injury.
No peroxide for cats
There is no safe effective at-home cat emetic; peroxide can ulcerate and bleed the stomach and esophagus.
No vomiting for caustics
Drain/oven cleaners and leaking batteries can burn the esophagus again on the way back up.
No vomiting for petroleum
Gasoline, kerosene, motor oil, and similar hydrocarbons can be aspirated into the lungs.
No vomiting if symptomatic
Ataxia, depression, seizure, active vomiting, or an impaired swallow raises aspiration risk.
No vomiting with airway risk
Severe brachycephalic disease, laryngeal paralysis, megaesophagus, or sedation can prevent airway protection.
No peroxide dose from the web
Even in dogs, whether emesis is appropriate is a veterinary toxicology decision; excess peroxide injures GI tissue.
No milk, bread, oil, or grease
They do not neutralize most toxins; oils add aspiration and pancreatitis risk.
No salt as an emetic
Salt itself can cause dangerous hypernatremia, brain swelling, tremors, and seizures.
No home activated charcoal
It does not bind every toxin, is contraindicated in some exposures, and aspiration can be life-threatening.
No wait-and-see for xylitol or antifreeze
A quiet interval can consume the window before severe hypoglycemia, metabolic injury, or kidney failure is visible.
Contraindications: Merck—Principles of Toxicosis Treatment; cat peroxide and myths: Pet Poison Helpline.
Screenshot / print / fill before dialing
Have this ready for the vet
Use the worst plausible amount when the exact quantity is unknown. Photograph packaging before leaving it behind.
Poison exposure call sheet
One animal per sheet. Bring packaging and this record to the hospital.
Species
Breed
Age
Weight (kg/lb)
Exact product
Active ingredient
Concentration
Worst-case amount
Exposure route
Time exposed
Current signs
Signs began
Conditions
Current medicines
Actions already taken
Case number
ASPCA APCC: (888) 426-4435Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661Emergency vet: __________________
Cost + international access
Use the line that can answer your case
Pet poison control is staffed veterinary toxicology support, not the free US human Poison Control service. Consultation charges and country access differ.
United States / ASPCA APCC
24 hours, 365 days. ASPCA states that a consultation fee may apply but does not publish an exact amount on its current public poison-control page.
(888) 426-4435US + Canada / Pet Poison Helpline
24×7. The current official homepage lists an US$89 incident fee, including case follow-up.
(855) 764-7661United Kingdom / Animal PoisonLine
24×7 pet-owner service run by VPIS. Current fee: £35 weekdays 08:00–20:00; £45 otherwise. Symptomatic emergencies go directly to a vet.
01202 509 000Australia / Animal Poisons Helpline
24×7 pet-owner animal poison line; the official service lists this Australian number.
1300 869 738New Zealand / Animal Poisons Helpline
24×7 animal poison line. New Zealand’s National Poisons Centre directs animal cases here; charges may apply.
0800 869 738Canada / international fallback
Pet Poison Helpline describes its owner service as North American. The Australia-based Animal Poisons Helpline also lists a Canadian international number.
+1 917 722 5958Why there is no national “typical emergency-vet price” here
There is no authoritative, comparable current national tariff for US emergency veterinary visits; region, hospital, diagnostics, treatment, and hospitalization change the total. An invented range would create false reassurance. Ask the hospital for its exam fee and estimate while poison-control risk assessment proceeds; keep the case number so the treating team can continue the same toxicology case.
Official line pages: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, UK Animal PoisonLine, Australia / international, and New Zealand National Poisons Centre animal routing.
Source map
Primary reference set
Professional toxicology monographs control over generic calculators. Dates shown above reflect this page’s verification date, not a promise that every source will remain unchanged.
- Merck: Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals — type concentrations and 20 / 40–50 / ≥60 mg/kg effect bands.
- Merck: Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs — >100 and >500 mg/kg decision points and onset.
- Merck: Grape, Raisin, and Tamarind Toxicosis — variable tartaric acid, count anchor, renal timeline.
- Merck: Allium Toxicosis — species susceptibility, g/kg reports, delayed hemolysis.
- Merck: Macadamia Nut Toxicosis — 2.4 g/kg report and course.
- Merck: Bread Dough Toxicosis — distention plus ethanol mechanism.
- Merck: Ethylene Glycol Toxicosis — minimum lethal dose anchors.
- Merck: THC Toxicosis — canine effect doses and onset/duration.
- Merck: Human Analgesic Toxicoses — acetaminophen and NSAID thresholds.
- Merck: Amphetamine and ADHD Drug Toxicoses — low-dose clinical-effect observations.
- Merck: Rodenticide Overview plus class monographs — ingredients, mechanisms, timelines.
- US EPA: Rodenticide Product Restrictions — current consumer market rules.
- Merck: Principles of Toxicosis Treatment — emesis contraindications.
- FDA CVM: Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet and Fluorouracil and Pet Safety — regulatory owner alerts.