My Pet Ate Something They Shouldn’t! What Should I Do?

Your pet looks guilty. Something’s missing – a block of chocolate, a bait station, maybe a sock. Or perhaps you didn’t see them do it, but now they’re trembling, vomiting, or just not themselves. You find yourself searching:

“My pet ate something they shouldn’t. What do I do?”

We hear this daily, and we’re glad when people call. We’ve seen it all at Edgeworth Animal Medical Centre, from curious cats with lilies to dogs who swallow underwear. Knowing what to do and when to do something, could make all the difference if your pet gets into something dangerous.

Even in small amounts, these can cause poisoning or blockages. What’s frustrating is how normal your pet may seem at first. But by the time symptoms appear, the substance may already have been absorbed, and treatment becomes harder.

In many cases, you won’t see symptoms right away. But once they begin, they can escalate quickly. Watch for:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Shaking or tremors
• Unusual bruising or red-tinged urine
• Lethargy, hiding, or restlessness
• Swollen belly or signs of pain when touched

Still unsure? Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, we’d always prefer you call.

No. Waiting is rarely safe. Even with seemingly mild substances, an hour or two can change everything, especially with toxins like chocolate or rat bait, or indigestible items like socks or string.

Acting early can help us induce vomiting safely and reduce the need for invasive procedures. And it can mean the difference between a short visit, and something far more serious.

Here’s what helps the most:

• Call us immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms to show.
• Bring packaging or labels. They help us identify the substance.
• Don’t attempt home remedies. Inducing vomiting at home can be dangerous.
• Note the time of ingestion. It guides how we treat.

You can also call the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 TOX PET if we’re closed. They’ll help you get to a trusted Newcastle vet emergency hospital if urgent care is needed overnight.

Treatment depends on what was eaten, how long ago, and whether symptoms have started. We might safely induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal to bind toxins, or use IV fluids and medications to protect organs. If a foreign object is involved, we’ll likely do X-rays or imaging to see if it’s passable or if surgery is needed.

In some cases, we may refer you to an emergency vet for overnight monitoring or intensive care. We’ll walk you through every step and always explain your options clearly.

Some pets are serial offenders. If yours is one of them, don’t worry, we can help you outsmart it.
We might suggest crate training, fridge locks, basket muzzles, or securing rubbish bins and sheds. You know your pet’s habits best, and we’ll work with you to create a prevention plan that fits your life (and theirs).

Emergency visits can be overwhelming. That’s why we prioritise calm, kind communication just as much as clinical care. Whether it’s a simple chocolate incident or a complex surgery, we’ll support you through it with clarity, updates, and compassion.

We’ll follow up after treatment, check in on your pet, and ensure you have everything you need for their recovery and peace of mind.

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