How to Know if Your Pet has Been Poisoned

At Bixby Animal Clinic in Long Beach, we offer pet urgent care seven days a week in our state-of-the-art facility. Pets ingesting poisons happen more often than you may think. Our pets can be curious and crafty little furballs that will get into anything they can if given the opportunity, whether in the house, yard or on a walk.

A lot of substances are poisonous to pets that some wouldn't even think of, like garlic and onions. It's imperative that you know the signs that your pet may have been poisoned so you can get them to an animal hospital near you as soon as possible.

Signs of Poisoning in Pets

• Irritation in or around the mouth
• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Agitation
• Hyperactivity
• Vomiting, diarrhea
• Burns or sores
• Breathing problems
• Loss of appetite
• Tremors/shaking
• Seizures
• Nose bleeds
• Pale gums
• Unsteady on their feet
• Unable to urinate

Items That Are Poisonous to Pets

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Certain tree nuts (like macadamia)
• Anything with artificial sweeteners
• Mold
• Plant bulbs
• Certain flowers (tulips, lilies)
• Mushrooms
• Homemade playdough
• Batteries
• Fertilizer
• Antifreeze
• Weed killers

It's important not to induce vomiting without talking to the veterinarian first. If your pet ingests any of these items, your vet may need to flush its stomach, give it medication, or perform emergency pet surgery to reduce the damage done by the poison.

Contact Us

If you need an experienced vet in the Long Beach area, Bixby Animal Clinic is here to help. Our caring and friendly staff is here to help with all of your pet's healthcare needs. Give us a call, or visit our website for more information.