In less than a month, Gizmo and two of his best buddies ate something potentially poisonous. My dog, Gizmo, ate chocolate! Fortunately, everyone knew the important phone number – Pet Poison Helpline (PPH) in the United States and Canda.
Grab your phone and enter Pet Poison Helpline +1-855-764-7661 as a contact in your phone. To find it quickly, add your pet’s name to the contact. I also have Gizmo’s name listed on his vet’s phone number and the local animal emergency hospital.
Back to the story of Rossi, Fergus, and Gizmo.
On New Year’s Eve, the 11-month-old Rossi the dog ate chocolate bars that were on a table. His people called PPH and learned how much hydrogen peroxide to put down his throat. In a few minutes, they could count the number of candy bar wrappers and the chocolate pieces.
A few weeks later, Rossie took an eye glass lens cleaner cloth and swallowed it. Quickly, his people gave him the dosage and he threw it up.
A few weeks later, a dog owner friend, whose dog does not go counter surfing, brought double dark chocolate brownies to Fergus’ house. She put them on the kitchen counter and went to talk to someone. When she came back, only one brownie remained on the plate! A dog ate chocolate brownies!
Quickly Fergus’ people called PPH and learned how much hydrogen peroxide to give Fergus. Yes, all the brownies came up.
A few days later, Fergus’ mom told me a very important lesson they learned. Take the dog outside before giving the hydrogen peroxide! Clean up is easier!
It wasn’t days later, we experienced grapes falling from a plate as John got up from the table. John immediately told me with a panicked look. I found the grape stem on the floor and one slightly chewed grape.
I remembered cutting the grapes into small groups and knew it probably had 3-5 grapes on the stem.
Who Did I Call? Pet Poison Helpline!
I grabbed my phone and called the Pet Poison Helpline (PPH). Be sure to have your credit card ready for the $85US per incident fee (covers contact with your vet if needed, additional support for you, and poison research). The veterinary professional asked what was eaten, how many grapes, Gizmo’s weight, health questions, and put me on a quick hold.
She came back with the following instructions:
- Number of tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide for 3-5 grapes to give Gizmo.
- Wait 10-15 minutes, and give a specific amount of more hydrogen peroxide in case all 8-10 grapes were not thrown up.
- Gave me a case number if we needed to call back.
I had the hydrogen peroxide, grabbed the measuring spoons, and realized we didn’t have a turkey baster or something to put in Gizmo’s mouth. John grabbed a clean plastic funnel and put peanut butter on the tip.
We headed outside and gave Gizmo the peroxide with the funnel. He walked a little bit and threw up. Up came one grape and most of his breakfast. Seeing his breakfast, I realized we were done!
Lessons Learned
- Have the Pet Poison Helpline (PPH) in your phone! +1-855-764-7661
- Have a small, unopen hydrogen peroxide in the dog drawer.
- Have a small baster or plastic syringe to use only for the pet in the “pet drawer.”
- Take your dog outside! Easier clean up.
- Have your dog/cat walk or play to help with the vomiting.
- Was everything thrown up?
- Call back the PPH if you have questions.
- PPH is answered by veterinarian professions. They always impressed me.
- Prior to calling PPH, I called the local pet ER and asked if I should come in. They said to call the PPH, because it was cheaper than if they called. Also, we have a 25-minute drive to the local ER.
- If veterinary care is needed, PPH works with your vet to develop a specific treatment plan for your pet!
- Read this now so you are prepared for an emergency!
- PPH works with all pets including cats, dogs, birds, exotics, fish, etc.
Pet Poison Information
PPH created the Top 10 Pet Poisons for Pets in 2022 from all their cases that year:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Xylitol (in candy, gum, peanut butter, etc.) (please read this important link!)
- Ibuprofen
- Bromethalin (in rat poison)
- Marijuana
- Anticoagulant rodenticides
- Vitamin D3
- Onions/chives/leeks/shallots
- Carprofen
Here’s a quick list of food poisnous for dogs, cats, and Guinea pigs.
Spring is coming soon! Here’s the PPH top 10 plants poisonous to pets.
Check out this list of poisons for pets including plants. This list of poisons is extensive. Scroll down to check for seasonal poisons. Click on the < or > to scroll through the seasons.
Remember with spring and Easter, these are poisonous – chocolate, lilies, and Easter basket grass! Here’s a quick list of foods poisonous to cats, dogs, and Guinea pigs.
Please be aware and watch your pet. Two friends/colleagues calls to PPH saved their dogs lives after their dogs ate vitamins and “found chewing gum” on an every day walk.
In the past few weeks, clients’ dogs eat rat poison, eat another pet’s pills, and eat dental floss. They are doing great.
Unfortunately, a cat tragically died from an invisible refrigerator refrigerant leak. The cat seemed to be very tired and sleeping more than normal.
When concerned your pet ate something poisonous, please call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661! Please put it in your phone now!
