When you discover that your pet has eaten something they shouldn't have, the instinct is to panic. Resist it. The next ten minutes are about gathering information, not racing the car out the driveway with no plan.
Minute 0–2: Identify what, how much, when
Pick up the packaging, the plant, the leftover. Estimate the amount. Note the time. Take photos. The vet's questions will all start with these three facts.
Minute 2–5: Call before you drive
Call your vet or a 24-hour emergency line first. Many poisons have specific antidotes the clinic needs to prepare. Some require activated charcoal within thirty minutes to be effective; others need IV fluids; some need nothing at all. Driving in blind wastes the most important window.
Don't make them vomit unless told to
Inducing vomiting can make things worse for caustic chemicals (drain cleaner, bleach), petroleum products, sharp objects, or substances that have been in the stomach more than two hours. The vet decides — not the internet, and not you.
Common Indian-household dangers
Paracetamol is deadly to cats in single tablet doses. Raisins, sultanas, and grape juice can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Onion and garlic — including in dal, sambar, sabzi gravies — damage red blood cells cumulatively. Sweets containing xylitol (a few imported sugar-free brands) can cause fatal hypoglycaemia. Agarbatti and camphor packets are commonly chewed; both are toxic. Holi colours, particularly the powdered ones, contain heavy metals.
Plants to know
Lilies — including the ornamental ones in flower arrangements — cause kidney failure in cats from even a few licks of pollen. Sago palm seeds cause liver failure in dogs. Tulsi is fine. Aloe vera is mildly toxic. Money plant and pothos cause mouth irritation and drooling.
Save the number
Programme your nearest 24-hour vet into your phone now, while it's a calm Tuesday afternoon. Searching for an emergency clinic at 2 a.m. during a poisoning is exactly when finding one is hardest.
