Worried about your dog or cat?
MySymptom checks first for things that are poisonous to pets, then for pet warning signs, and tells you how soon to see a vet. It is not a substitute for veterinary care.
What happens when I ask about my pet?
The pet fast path runs before anything else, so a poisoning is never missed while you read about other things.
Poison check first
Your words are checked against a table of common pet poisons, with a separate severity for dogs and cats. If your pet may have eaten one, you see the poison lines and what to do right away.
Pet warning signs
Rules for emergencies like trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, bloat in dogs and a blocked male cat set the care level.
A vet-framed answer
What the signs can be related to, safe steps while you get to the vet, and questions for the vet. Never human medicines for pets.
What should I do if my pet ate something toxic?
Call your vet, an emergency vet, or a pet poison line now. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to. Bring the package or label if you can.
Pet poison help
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Call (888) 426-4435 now, 24/7.
A consultation fee may apply.
Which foods and plants are poisonous to pets?
The same table MySymptom checks against. Severity differs between dogs and cats. Amount matters, so call even for a small amount.
- Chocolate(source, opens in a new tab)
Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous, but any amount is worth a call.
DogsEmergency vet nowCatsEmergency vet now - Xylitol (sugar-free gum, candy, some peanut butters)(source, opens in a new tab)
Xylitol can drop a dog's blood sugar within minutes. Many gums, mints and sugar-free sweets contain it.
DogsEmergency vet nowCatsSee a vet today - Grapes, raisins, currants or sultanas(source, opens in a new tab)
Even a few can hurt a dog's kidneys. There is no known safe amount.
DogsEmergency vet nowCatsEmergency vet now - Lilies(source, opens in a new tab)
For cats, any part of a true lily or daylily, even pollen or vase water, can cause kidney failure.
DogsCall your vetCatsEmergency vet now - Lily of the valley(source, opens in a new tab)
Lily of the valley affects the heart.
DogsEmergency vet nowCatsEmergency vet now - Onions, garlic, chives or leeks(source, opens in a new tab)
These can damage red blood cells. Cats are more sensitive than dogs.
DogsSee a vet todayCatsSee a vet today - Human pain relievers (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin)(source, opens in a new tab)
Human pain relievers can cause stomach bleeding and kidney damage in pets.
DogsEmergency vet nowCatsEmergency vet now - Acetaminophen (Tylenol)(source, opens in a new tab)
Acetaminophen is especially dangerous for cats. Even one pill can be deadly.
DogsEmergency vet nowCatsEmergency vet now - Rat or mouse poison(source, opens in a new tab)
Some rat poisons cause bleeding days later. A mouse or rat that ate poison can pass it on. Bring the package if you can.
DogsEmergency vet nowCatsEmergency vet now - Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)(source, opens in a new tab)
Antifreeze treatment works only if started within hours.
DogsEmergency vet nowCatsEmergency vet now - Cannabis (marijuana, edibles, THC)(source, opens in a new tab)
Edibles can also contain chocolate or xylitol.
DogsSee a vet todayCatsSee a vet today - Macadamia nuts(source, opens in a new tab)
Macadamia nuts can cause weakness and trouble walking in dogs.
DogsSee a vet todayCatsSee a vet today - Alcohol or raw yeast dough(source, opens in a new tab)
Raw dough can expand in the stomach and makes alcohol as it rises.
DogsEmergency vet nowCatsEmergency vet now - Caffeine (coffee, energy drinks, caffeine pills)(source, opens in a new tab)
Caffeine can cause a racing heart and seizures in pets.
DogsEmergency vet nowCatsEmergency vet now - Nicotine (vapes, cigarettes, gum, patches)(source, opens in a new tab)
Vape liquid is very concentrated.
DogsEmergency vet nowCatsEmergency vet now - Snail or slug bait (metaldehyde)(source, opens in a new tab)
Snail bait can cause severe tremors and seizures within an hour.
DogsEmergency vet nowCatsEmergency vet now - Sago palm(source, opens in a new tab)
All parts of the sago palm are toxic, especially the seeds.
DogsEmergency vet nowCatsEmergency vet now - Dog flea and tick products (permethrin)(source, opens in a new tab)
Dog flea products with permethrin can cause tremors and seizures in cats.
DogsCall your vetCatsEmergency vet now - Batteries, magnets or coins(source, opens in a new tab)
Button batteries can burn through tissue in hours. Pennies contain zinc.
DogsEmergency vet nowCatsEmergency vet now - Blue-green algae or wild mushrooms(source, opens in a new tab)
Some algae and mushrooms act within minutes to hours.
DogsEmergency vet nowCatsEmergency vet now - Avocado(source, opens in a new tab)
Avocado is most dangerous for birds and rabbits. The pit can also block the gut.
DogsCall your vetCatsCall your vet
Which pet symptoms are emergencies?
Go to an emergency vet now, and call ahead so they can get ready.
- Trouble breathing, or blue or gray gums
- Collapse, or not able to stand
- A seizure
- A swollen, hard belly with retching that brings nothing up (bloat in dogs)
- A male cat straining in the litter box with little or no urine
- Heavy bleeding, or an injury like being hit by a car
- Eating something toxic
What do the care levels mean for pets?
The same care levels, pointed at your vet. For pets, both emergency levels mean going to an emergency vet now.
Go to an emergency vet now
NowCall the nearest emergency vet and go now. Call ahead so they can get ready.
See a vet today
TodayCall your vet for a same-day visit. If they can't see your pet today, go to an emergency vet.
Call your vet today
TodayCall your vet today and describe what is going on.
Book a vet visit
Within days to 2 weeksMake a vet appointment in the next few days.
Care for them at home
At home, check backYou can care for your pet at home for now. Check back later and watch for warning signs.
Questions about pets
Is MySymptom a vet?
No. MySymptom is not a substitute for veterinary care, and there are no vets on staff. It helps you decide how soon your pet should be seen and what to tell the vet.
My dog ate chocolate. What should I do?
Call your vet, an emergency vet or a pet poison line now. Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. Have the wrapper or package ready, and note how much was eaten and when.
Which foods and plants are most dangerous for pets?
Common ones include chocolate, xylitol (in sugar free gum and some peanut butters), grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol and raw dough, and human pain relievers. Lilies are an emergency for cats, even the pollen.
What are the pet poison hotline numbers?
In the US and Canada: ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both may charge a fee. Your own vet or the nearest emergency vet is always an option.
Which pet symptoms are emergencies?
Trouble breathing, collapse, a seizure, a swollen hard belly with retching (bloat in dogs), a male cat straining to pee with little or no urine, heavy bleeding, and eating something toxic. Go to an emergency vet now.
Can I keep my pet's details in the app?
Yes. Add your pet as a profile with species, breed, age and weight. Questions about them use pet rules, and you can make a vet visit summary.
This is general information and not a substitute for veterinary care. If you are worried about your pet, call your vet or an emergency vet. How answers work