Pet & Animal Poisoning
Animal poison lines are separate from human poison centers and some charge a fee. Call a veterinarian first, and do not use human first-aid steps on pets unless a vet says so.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
If your pet has collapsed, is having seizures or is struggling to breathe, go to the nearest emergency veterinarian now. This page is about animals. If a person may have been poisoned, use Poisoning: what to do first (911, or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 in the US).
Human and animal poison help are separate
Poison Control, which runs the US human poison line, says not to use its online tool for pets because toxicity differs between species. [1] Two separate US services advise on animal exposures. Look up their numbers on their own websites so you are sure you have the current ones:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. It describes itself as available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, staffed by veterinary toxicology experts, and says a consultation fee may apply. [2]
- Pet Poison Helpline. It describes a team of veterinary professionals who work with your own veterinarian, and states that an incident fee applies when you call or chat. [3]
A fee is not a reason to delay care for an animal in distress. Your veterinarian or emergency clinic is the first call when a pet is very ill.
Natural products and pets
Natural does not mean safe for animals either.
- Essential oils. Pet Poison Helpline's page on tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) says pet products with less than 1 to 2% are generally considered non-toxic when used as labeled, but higher concentrations are toxic, and even a few concentrated drops applied to the skin or swallowed can cause severe poisoning. It lists drooling, stumbling, weakness, tremor, coma, low body temperature and, in cats, liver failure. [4] That page states it is not veterinary advice. [4]
- Plants. The ASPCA keeps a searchable list of toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs, cats and horses. It says the list is not all-inclusive and that eating any plant material may cause vomiting and stomach upset in dogs and cats. [5]
- Other remedies. For people-focused guidance on oils, see Essential oil safety. We did not read animal-specific sources for herbs, supplements, teas or mushrooms, so we do not give pet advice for them. Proper evidence not found on this site for pet safety of individual remedies: we searched the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline pages above.
Do not apply human first aid to a pet
Our poisoning sources describe first aid for people, for example not inducing vomiting. [6] We did not read veterinary first-aid sources, so we cannot say what is right for an animal. Do not make a pet vomit or give it anything by mouth unless a veterinary professional tells you to.
Outside the US
We did not verify veterinary poison lines outside the United States. Ask your local veterinarian for the right contact before you need it.
If a person was exposed too
If a child or adult also touched, swallowed or breathed the substance, see When to call 911, Poison Help or a clinician.
Frequently asked questions
Can I call the human Poison Help line about my dog or cat?
Poison Control says not to use its online tool for pets because toxicity differs between species. [1] Use a veterinarian or an animal poison service.
Do animal poison lines cost money?
The ASPCA says a consultation fee may apply, [2] and Pet Poison Helpline states that an incident fee applies. [3]
Is tea tree oil safe for pets?
Not in concentrated form. Pet Poison Helpline says concentrated tea tree oil is toxic and that a few drops can cause severe poisoning. [4] Ask a veterinarian before using any essential oil product on or near an animal.
Where can I check whether a plant is toxic to my pet?
The ASPCA publishes a toxic and non-toxic plants list for dogs, cats and horses, and notes it is not all-inclusive. [5]
Should I make my pet vomit?
Do not, unless a veterinary professional tells you to. Our sources describe human first aid only. [6]
References
- Poison Control (America's Poison Centers). Need immediate assistance?. Read 2026-10-22.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. ASPCA Poison Control. Read 2026-10-22.
- Pet Poison Helpline. 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center. Read 2026-10-22.
- Pet Poison Helpline. Tea Tree Oil. Read 2026-10-22.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. Read 2026-10-22.
- Poison Control (America's Poison Centers). First aid: Act fast!. Read 2026-10-22.