Pet Emergency Guides

Theobromine in chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Symptoms include vomiting, rapid heart rate, and seizures.

Found in sugar-free gum and products, xylitol causes life-threatening low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Even small amounts can be deadly.

Grapes, raisins, currants, and sultanas can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. There is no known safe dose — even a few grapes can be lethal.

Rodenticides prevent blood clotting and cause internal bleeding. Symptoms may be delayed 2-5 days. Secondary poisoning from eating poisoned rodents is also a risk.

Ethylene glycol has a sweet taste that attracts pets but causes irreversible kidney failure within hours. One tablespoon can kill a cat. This is an extreme emergency.

When body temperature exceeds 104°F, organ failure can occur within minutes. Never leave pets in parked cars. Flat-faced breeds are at highest risk.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus is when the stomach fills with gas and twists. Without emergency surgery, it is almost always fatal. Most common in large, deep-chested dogs.

Venomous snake bites cause rapid swelling, pain, and can lead to organ failure. Antivenom is the primary treatment and is most effective within 4-6 hours.