What to Do If Your Dog Ate Something They Shouldn’t
If your dog ate something they shouldn’t, stay calm, figure out what and how much they ingested, and call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline right away instead of trying home remedies, since some substances and objects require specific, fast treatment.
Every dog owner eventually faces this moment, and I hear about it often from my families: your dog ate something they shouldn’t, and now you are standing in the kitchen trying to figure out what to do next. Dogs explore the world with their mouths, and puppies especially will investigate anything that smells interesting. Knowing exactly what to do when your dog ate something they shouldn’t can make a real difference in how quickly and smoothly things resolve.
Step One: Figure Out What Actually Happened
Before you can respond well, you need clarity on what your dog ate that they shouldn’t, in this specific case. Try to identify the item or substance, roughly how much was consumed, and how long ago it happened. If you have packaging, a label, or even a partially chewed piece left over, keep it on hand, since this information is exactly what a vet or poison control specialist will ask for first.
Step Two: Call for Help Immediately
Once you know your dog ate something they shouldn’t, the next step is to get professional guidance rather than guess. ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control is available 24 hours a day at (888) 426-4435 and is staffed by veterinary toxicology experts who can assess risk based on your dog’s size, the substance, and the amount ingested. ASPCA’s guide on what to do if your pet is poisoned walks through the same first steps, starting with removing your dog from the area and checking how they are doing before you call. Your veterinarian is also a great first call, especially during business hours, since they already know your dog’s history.
Why You Should Never Guess at Home Remedies
When your dog ate something they shouldn’t, the instinct to try inducing vomiting or giving a home remedy is understandable, but it can actually make things worse. Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine notes that inducing vomiting is not always the right move, since some substances can cause additional damage on the way back up, and a veterinary professional needs to make that call based on exactly what was ingested.
Common Household Toxins to Watch For
Understanding what commonly causes a dog ate something they shouldn’t scenario can help you prevent it in the first place. The American Kennel Club’s guide to household hazards covers a long list, including cleaning products, certain medications, batteries, antifreeze, and even some fertilizers, many of which are kept in places a curious puppy can easily reach. Chocolate is one of the most common culprits, and our post on what happens if a dog eats chocolate goes into more detail on that specific risk. ASPCA’s list of poisonous household products is another useful reference to bookmark before an emergency, not during one.
When It Is Not Poison, But an Object
Sometimes, when a dog eats something it shouldn’t, the concern isn’t toxicity but a physical blockage. VCA Animal Hospitals’ overview of foreign body ingestion explains that dogs are notorious for swallowing socks, toys, sticks, and other non-food items, and while some pass through without issue, others cause an obstruction that requires surgery. Signs to watch for include vomiting, straining to defecate, abdominal tenderness, or a sudden loss of appetite.
Recognizing Symptoms That Need Immediate Attention
If your dog ate something they shouldn’t and starts showing symptoms like repeated vomiting, drooling, tremors, difficulty breathing, or unusual lethargy, do not wait to see if it passes on its own. Our post on dog first aid basics covers what to do in the moments before you can reach a vet. These signs point toward something serious enough that time matters, and getting to a veterinarian quickly gives your dog the best possible outcome.
Prevention Starts at Home
The best way to handle a dog ate something they shouldn’t situation is to reduce how often it happens in the first place. Keeping medications, cleaning supplies, and small chewable objects out of reach, along with reviewing our list of foods that poison dogs, goes a long way. I also recommend appropriate chew toys to redirect that natural chewing instinct toward something safe.
A Note From Amy
In more than two decades of raising Cavapoos and Micro Mini Goldendoodles, I have fielded plenty of panicked calls from families whose dog ate something they shouldn’t, and my advice is always the same: call for help first, then worry about how it happened. You can read more about how I raise my litters on my about page. Puppies are curious by nature, and even the most careful households have a moment where something ends up in a puppy’s mouth that should not have. What matters most is staying calm and acting quickly, not beating yourself up over how it happened. My FAQ page also covers a few more common questions families ask about puppy safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I make my dog vomit if they ate something toxic?
Not without guidance from a vet or poison control first, since inducing vomiting is not safe for every substance and can sometimes cause additional harm.
How much does it cost to call ASPCA Poison Control?
A consultation fee applies, though a portion may be covered if your pet is enrolled in certain pet insurance plans, and the guidance provided is worth the cost in an emergency.
What information should I have ready when I call for help?
Have the substance or object identified if possible, the approximate amount consumed, your dog’s weight, and how long ago it happened.
Can foreign objects like socks or toys really be dangerous?
Yes, some pass through without issue, but others cause an intestinal obstruction that requires surgery, so any symptoms like vomiting or loss of appetite should be checked out.
How can I puppy-proof my home to prevent this?
Keep medications, cleaning products, and small chewable items in closed cabinets or up high, and provide appropriate chew toys so your puppy has a safe outlet for chewing.
