What should I do if my pet eats something toxic?

First, stay calm. Remove any remaining toxic substance from your pet's reach. Note the time of ingestion and approximate amount consumed. Use our toxin checker to assess risk, then contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately for severe cases.

Should I induce vomiting if my pet ingests a toxin?

Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian. Some toxins (like caustic substances or petroleum products) can cause more damage if vomited. Our tool provides guidance, but always confirm with a professional before inducing vomiting.

How accurate is the Is it Toxic? checker?

Our AI-powered tool provides triage guidance based on veterinary toxicology databases and Wiley's licensed references. It's designed to help you assess urgency, but it is NOT a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult a veterinarian for confirmed exposures.

Is this tool free to use?

Yes, the Is it Toxic? checker is completely free. No login or signup required. We offer this as a public service to help pet owners quickly assess toxicity risks.

What information do I need to use the toxin checker?

You'll need: (1) the substance your pet ingested, (2) your pet's species (dog or cat), (3) your pet's weight in pounds, (4) approximate time since ingestion, and optionally (5) any symptoms you've observed.

Can this tool help with medication overdoses?

Yes, our toxin checker can assess risks for both household toxins AND medication overdoses, including human medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), veterinary medications, and supplements.

Is it Toxic? Veterinary approved toxin checker

Is this toxic to my pet?

Is it Toxic? is a veterinary approved toxin checker. Find out if a substance is toxic to your pet and what to do.

Veterinary approved toxin checker

Is this toxic to my pet?

Find out if a substance is toxic to your pet and what to do. Fast, free triage guidance for dogs and cats.

Common toxins and medicationsDogs and cats supportedNo login required

Is it Toxic?

Instant triage guidance for potential poisonings.

What you'll get

Risk level and urgency guidance in plain language
Expected symptoms to watch for over the next hours
Next steps your vet may recommend

If symptoms are severe

Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.

Have this ready

Substance and estimated amount
Pet weight and species
Time since ingestion
Current symptoms, if any

Common Pet Toxins Reference Guide

Quick reference for the most common toxic substances. Our toxin checker covers these and hundreds more.

Chocolate

High Risk

Affects: Dogs

Contains theobromine and caffeine. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are most dangerous.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, seizures

Grapes & Raisins

High Risk

Affects: Dogs

Can cause acute kidney failure. Even small amounts can be toxic.

Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, decreased urination, kidney failure

Xylitol

Severe Risk

Affects: Dogs

Found in sugar-free gum, candy, and peanut butter. Causes rapid insulin release.

Symptoms: Vomiting, weakness, collapse, seizures, liver failure

Lilies

Severe Risk

Affects: Cats

All parts of true lilies are toxic to cats. Can cause kidney failure.

Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, kidney failure

Onions & Garlic

Moderate Risk

Affects: Dogs & Cats

Damages red blood cells causing anemia. Concentrated forms are more dangerous.

Symptoms: Weakness, pale gums, elevated heart rate, collapse

NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen)

High Risk

Affects: Dogs & Cats

Human pain medications can cause stomach ulcers and kidney damage.

Symptoms: Vomiting, bloody stool, abdominal pain, kidney failure

Check a Specific Toxin

How the Is it Toxic? checker works

Enter Details

Tell us what your pet ingested, their species, weight, and when it happened.

AI Analysis

Our AI analyzes the toxin using veterinary databases and Wiley references.

Get Guidance

Receive instant triage recommendations including urgency level and next steps.

Who Is This Tool For?

Pet Owners

✓Quick toxicity assessment when your pet eats something suspicious
✓Determine if emergency vet visit is needed
✓Get guidance on immediate first aid steps
✓Understand symptoms to watch for

Veterinary Professionals

✓Quick reference during emergency calls
✓Share with clients for after-hours guidance
✓Backed by Wiley veterinary references
✓Upgrade to VetGeni Pro for full toxicology reports

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my pet eats something toxic?: First, stay calm. Remove any remaining toxic substance from your pet's reach. Note the time of ingestion and approximate amount consumed. Use our toxin checker to assess risk, then contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately for severe cases.
Should I induce vomiting if my pet ingests a toxin?: Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian. Some toxins (like caustic substances or petroleum products) can cause more damage if vomited. Our tool provides guidance, but always confirm with a professional before inducing vomiting.
How accurate is the Is it Toxic? checker?: Our AI-powered tool provides triage guidance based on veterinary toxicology databases and Wiley's licensed references. It's designed to help you assess urgency, but it is NOT a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult a veterinarian for confirmed exposures.
Is this tool free to use?: Yes, the Is it Toxic? checker is completely free. No login or signup required. We offer this as a public service to help pet owners quickly assess toxicity risks.
What information do I need to use the toxin checker?: You'll need: (1) the substance your pet ingested, (2) your pet's species (dog or cat), (3) your pet's weight in pounds, (4) approximate time since ingestion, and optionally (5) any symptoms you've observed.
Can this tool help with medication overdoses?: Yes, our toxin checker can assess risks for both household toxins AND medication overdoses, including human medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), veterinary medications, and supplements.

Emergency? Call Poison Control

If your pet is showing severe symptoms or you suspect life-threatening poisoning, call immediately:

ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

* Consultation fees may apply to poison control hotlines

Need More Veterinary Tools?

VetGeni offers a complete suite of AI-powered veterinary tools including SOAP notes, discharge instructions, and differential diagnosis.

Start 14-Day Free Trial Explore Features