What are the symptoms of poisoning / intoxication?

Vomiting and diarrhoea. Excessive drooling. Tremors or seizures. Weakness, staggering. Difficulty breathing. Abnormally coloured gums. Lethargy or, conversely, agitation

Is Poisoning / intoxication contagious?

Poisoning / intoxication does not spread directly between animals.

Urgencias

Poisoning / intoxication

Contact with or ingestion of a toxic substance. The severity depends on the toxin, the amount and the time elapsed. It is an emergency: how quickly you act makes all the difference.

Veterinary emergencyDogsCatsRabbitsBirdsReptiles

Mizuu editorial teamupdated on October 14, 2026Not yet reviewed by a vet. Are you a vet? Review itReport an error

Reference sources: ESCCAP España · WSAVA · LeishVet · Manual MSD de Veterinaria

This may be a veterinary emergency

IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY. Call the vet NOW with the product's packaging in hand. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — with poisonings, every minute counts.

Symptoms to watch for

• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Excessive drooling
• Tremors or seizures
• Weakness, staggering
• Difficulty breathing
• Abnormally coloured gums
• Lethargy or, conversely, agitation

Causes

Common household toxins: chocolate, grapes/raisins, onion and garlic, xylitol (a sweetener), antifreeze, rodenticides, certain plants (lilies in cats · fatal), human medicines (paracetamol, ibuprofen), cleaning products, insecticides. In cats, one of the most common in Spain: dog spot-ons or collars containing permethrin (or contact with a freshly treated dog) · fatal.

Diagnosis

The vet needs to know WHAT was ingested, HOW MUCH and HOW LONG AGO. Bring the product's packaging if you have it.

Treatment

DO NOT induce vomiting on your own: with some toxins (caustics, petroleum derivatives) this is dangerous. Call the vet immediately and follow their instructions. Treatment depends on the toxin (activated charcoal, antidotes, supportive care).

Prevention

Store out of reach: medicines, cleaning products, antifreeze, rodenticides. Know which plants are toxic (lilies with cats · fatal). Do not give dangerous human food. Never put a dog antiparasitic on a cat: permethrin causes tremors and seizures.

When should you see the vet?

IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY. Call the vet NOW with the product's packaging in hand. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — with poisonings, every minute counts.

Consult a vet 24 h emergency vets nearby

This guide points you in the right direction and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Mizuu accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.