Top 10 Common Toxicities

.....What did the toxicologist say to the other toxicologist?

"This is a toxic workplace."

Much like a foreign body, a toxicity needs to be addressed immediately if ingested.

Unlike a foreign body, the concern is not so much blockage in the GI tract as it is absorption. 

Treatment for a toxicity is dependent on how long ago and how much was ingested. Treatment can vary from inducing vomiting, giving activated charcoal to full on hospitalization depending on the severity. 

It's never long before a pet comes into the ER for ingesting something they shouldn't have. 

Without further ado, here are the Top 10 most common toxicities we see at the ER vet.

#10- Anti-Freeze

I've only seen a handful of anti-freeze ingestion cases and each one came through the other side in good health. Luckily, the parents brought their pets in right away for treatment. A toxicity becomes more problematic the longer it goes untreated. Supposedly, anti-freeze has been said to taste very sweet... Supposedly.

#9- Bleach

It's corrosive...Need I say more?

#8- Aspirin/Ibuprofen

"Hi, my dog isn't feeling well. Can I give him Aspirin or baby Aspirin?"

No! You may NOT! So many people call and ask this question. If you're pet isn't feeling well, they should be seen by a vet. Our vets almost never recommend over the counter medication, especially over the phone without seeing the pet. Aspirin is more likely to cause your pet stomach ulcers than provide pain relief. I personally stay away from Doggy Aspirin as well but I would consult your vet before use.

#7- Any Kind of Medication

Medication snafus come in all shapes in sizes. Giving too much of a certain medication, giving too little, even giving the completely incorrect medication, all are problematic to some degree. These cases are common with multiple fur babies in one house or even senior pet owners who have medications of their own. 

#6- Gum

Not all gum is toxic to pets but more so the ingredients gum contains. Xylitol is a specific ingredient to watch out for. 

#5- Weed

Those delectable goods will get you every time! Double trouble if it's chocolate. Also, if you bring your pet into the ER and you think they got into marijuana, TELL US! We are not obligated to report you have marijuana on your persons unless we believe it was directly animal cruelty. We cannot treat your pet properly if we don't have an idea of what your pet got into.

#4- Flowers

Lilies are said to be the flower of death. And rightfully so! They pose a high threat to felines, even fatal if left untreated.

#3- Grapes

Even 1 grape, even 1 raisin can be toxic. Don't risk it!

#2- Rat Poison


This is actually more common than you would think. Like, how many rats are roaming around in people's houses?? I suppose none if you're using rat poison correctly... Still! Ant traps, roach bait, you use them for a reason. To kill! And that's exactly what will happen if you don't seek treatment upon ingestion. Bromethalin is an especially dangerous agent to watch out for.

#1- Chocolate

Can you blame any pet that gets into this? IT'S DELICIOUS. And sometimes not even a real cause for a concern depending. The higher the pet's weight, the more likely stomach upset is to be expected versus toxicity. However, the darker the chocolate, the higher the chance of toxicity. For instance, if a pet got into all dark chocolate or cocoa powder, we tell the owner to come in right away, no exceptions.

"My dog ate dark chocolate once and he was fine."


See the thing is, the toxicity doesn't really occur until after the chocolate's been digested. Chocolate toxicity can cause a slew of health problems, some even neurological. Give it a couple days.

Or don't and be a responsible pet owner and seek treatment.

When it comes to a toxicity, it is always best to be safe rather than sorry.

If you believe your pet has ingested a toxin, be sure to contact your regular vet-

Or contact ASPCA Poison Control which will connect you with a live vet specialized in toxicology (888) 426-4435.

Stay safe!