First Aid for Poisons
How to help your dog if they are poisoned
Many foods regularly eaten by humans can be extremely dangerous to dogs. This page highlights the most common risks and how to keep them out of reach.
- Spot the signs: vomiting, drooling, tremors, weakness, collapse, seizures, or sudden behaviour change.
- Immediate steps: remove access to the toxin, check breathing, do not make your dog vomit unless a vet instructs it.
- Common hazards: chocolate/cocoa, grapes & raisins, xylitol, onions/garlic, alcohol, certain meds & plants.
- What to record: what was eaten, how much, when, your dog’s weight—keep packaging for the vet.
- Prevention: secure bins, lock cupboards, keep handbags, meds and sweets out of reach.
Written by Emma Hammett, RN, First Aid Trainer and founder of First Aid for Life, with input from veterinary professionals.
Poison Facts and Myths
Did you know?
Facts Surprising poisons
- Xylitol can hide in sugar-free gum, dental products, protein bars and some peanut butters.
- Grapes & raisins (incl. sultanas/currants) are found in many snacks, cakes and trail mixes.
- Human painkillers like ibuprofen & paracetamol can be dangerous to dogs.
- Compost & moldy food may contain tremorgenic toxins; keep bins sealed.
- Blue-green algae can appear on still water in warm weather—avoid contact/ingestion.
If ingestion is suspected, keep the packaging and call a vet.
Myths What not to do
- Don’t make your dog vomit unless a vet specifically tells you to.
- Don’t give milk, salt, alcohol, charcoal, or home remedies without veterinary advice.
- Don’t “wait and see” if you know a toxin was eaten—call a vet.
- Never use hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting in any pets unless the vet specifically instructs you to.
- Never Feed your dog mineral oil, butter, oil, or grease to help pass toxins. These substances often cause vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration, and there is increased risk of aspiration pneumonia if these substances are vomited
Always, consult a vet before following advice you've found online.