It happens in seconds. You turn your back, and suddenly your dog has eaten the chocolate Easter egg, swallowed a hair tie, or inhaled something off the kitchen counter that definitely wasn’t theirs. If your dog ate something it shouldn’t, the next few minutes matter.
The good news: not every ingestion is a crisis. But some absolutely are, and knowing the difference — and what to do first — can save your pet’s life.
This guide covers what to do immediately, which substances are always emergencies, what not to do, and when to call an urgent care vet in Fredericton.
Step 1: Gather Your Intel Before You Do Anything Else
Before you react, collect information. This is the first thing any vet or technician will ask you:
- What exactly was eaten? Get the product name and read the ingredient list.
- How much? Even a rough estimate helps calculate toxicity risk. Bring the packaging with you — it contains the information your vet needs.
- When did it happen? Timing determines which treatments are still effective. Some interventions only work within a specific window.
Substances That Are Always Emergencies
If your pet has consumed any of the following, contact a vet immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms appear:
- Chocolate — especially dark and baking chocolate. Theobromine and methylxanthine are the toxic compounds, and the darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration.
- Xylitol — a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, some peanut butters, certain vitamins, and toothpastes. Even small amounts can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs and cats.
- Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs — Advil, Motrin, and similar human pain relievers are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. Even a single tablet can cause kidney failure.
- Grapes and raisins — the exact toxic dose isn’t established, which makes any amount a concern. Kidney failure is a risk.
- Onions and garlic — in any form: raw, cooked, powdered, or as part of a marinade. Toxic to both dogs and cats.
- Rat or mouse poison — acts slowly; by the time symptoms appear, the situation is critical and harder to treat.
- Macadamia nuts, alcohol, and certain medications — always worth a call to confirm.
- Toys and string – these can cause an intestinal blockage; best to make them vomit it up before it becomes a problem.
What NOT to Do
Do Not Induce Vomiting Without Guidance
This is the most common mistake. For some substances — caustic chemicals, sharp objects — making your pet vomit causes more damage than the original ingestion. Always call a vet before attempting to induce vomiting at home.
Do Not Wait Overnight to See If Things Improve
Many toxins act fast. The window for effective treatment narrows quickly. If you’re unsure whether something is serious, a quick call or text to an urgent care clinic costs nothing and could prevent a much worse outcome.
Who to Call
Two numbers worth saving in your phone right now:
- Fredericton Veterinary Walk-in & Urgent Care: 506-777-1235. Open 12 pm–midnight every day.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 1-888-426-4435. Available 24 hours; a consultation fee may apply.
What Happens at the Vet
Depending on what was eaten and when, your vet may:
- Induce vomiting under appropriate supervision
- Administer activated charcoal to reduce absorption
- Provide fluids and supportive care
- Monitor bloodwork for organ function over the following hours or days.
If your dog ate something it shouldn’t, the single most important thing you can do is act quickly and call before you assume it’s fine. Most pet poisoning emergencies have much better outcomes when caught early — and a phone call to confirm it’s not serious is always worth making.
If your pet has eaten something suspicious, don’t wait.
Call us at 506-777-1235 — open every day 12pm to 12am. Bring the packaging.