Pet toxin guide: is it dangerous, and what do I do now?
If your pet has just eaten something on this list, call your vet or the nearest emergency clinic now rather than reading further. Many poisons cause damage before any sign appears, so the time to act is before your pet looks unwell. Each page below covers one substance in one species: why it is toxic, how much matters, the signs, and what the vet will do.
Who to call
Your own vet first. If they are closed, the nearest emergency or out-of-hours clinic.
In the United States
Both answer 24 hours a day and may charge a consultation fee.
Which substances does this guide cover?
These are the substances Pativo's own poison list covers, the same list the app checks on your phone. Each is a documented veterinary toxicity.
For dogs
| Substance | How Pativo rates it |
|---|---|
| Is xylitol toxic to dogs? | Go now, whatever the amount |
| Are grapes and raisins toxic to dogs? | Go now, whatever the amount |
| Is paracetamol toxic to dogs? | Go now, whatever the amount |
| Is ibuprofen toxic to dogs? | Go now, whatever the amount |
| Is antifreeze toxic to dogs? | Go now, whatever the amount |
| Is alcohol toxic to dogs? | Go now, whatever the amount |
| Is rat poison toxic to dogs? | Go now, whatever the amount |
| Are slug pellets toxic to dogs? | Go now, whatever the amount |
| Is cannabis toxic to dogs? | Call a vet today |
| Is chocolate toxic to dogs? | Depends on the amount; call a vet today |
| Are onions and garlic toxic to dogs? | Depends on the amount; call a vet today |
| Is caffeine toxic to dogs? | Depends on the amount; call a vet today |
| Are macadamia nuts toxic to dogs? | Rarely serious; call your vet |
For cats
| Substance | How Pativo rates it |
|---|---|
| Are lilies toxic to cats? | Go now, whatever the amount |
| Is paracetamol toxic to cats? | Go now, whatever the amount |
| Is ibuprofen toxic to cats? | Go now, whatever the amount |
| Is dog flea treatment (permethrin) toxic to cats? | Go now, whatever the amount |
| Is antifreeze toxic to cats? | Go now, whatever the amount |
| Is rat poison toxic to cats? | Go now, whatever the amount |
| Is chocolate toxic to cats? | Depends on the amount; call a vet today |
| Are onion and garlic toxic to cats? | Depends on the amount; call a vet today |
For birds
| Substance | How Pativo rates it |
|---|---|
| Is avocado toxic to birds? | Call a vet today |
Not on this list?
A short list is not a list of everything that can hurt a pet. If your pet ate something you are unsure about, call your vet or a pet poison line with the packaging in your hand. Never give a human medicine, and never try to make your pet vomit unless a vet on the phone tells you to.