Pet emergencies
Pet poisoning — hazards and what to do
Some everyday things in a Pattaya home or street are toxic to pets. Knowing them is most of the prevention.
Last updated 21 May 2026
PattayaPets is not a veterinary practice and this is not veterinary advice. In a genuine emergency, the right move is almost always the same: get your pet to a veterinarian as fast as safely possible. The information here is general orientation only.
Common hazards
Things that can poison a dog or cat include:
- Toxic foods — chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion and garlic, xylitol sweetener, and alcohol.
- Rodent and pest poisons — rat bait is designed to be eaten and is highly dangerous; pets can also be poisoned by eating a poisoned rodent.
- Human medicines — many common ones are toxic to pets.
- Cleaning products and insecticides, and some garden plants.
Warning signs
Signs vary with the poison but can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, tremors or seizures, weakness, breathing trouble or sudden collapse. If you saw your pet eat something it should not have, do not wait for symptoms.
If you suspect poisoning
Contact a vet immediately and head there. If you know what your pet ate, take the packaging or a photo with you — it helps the vet act fast. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to: with some substances that does more harm than good.
Prevention
Store food, medicines, cleaning products and pest poisons well out of reach. Be cautious about where your pet scavenges on walks, and ask neighbours and condo management about any rodent baiting in shared areas.
Frequently asked
Should I make my pet vomit if it ate something toxic?
Not on your own initiative. For some poisons, inducing vomiting causes further harm. Call a vet first and follow their instruction.
My pet ate chocolate — is that really dangerous?
Chocolate is genuinely toxic to dogs, and the risk rises with darker chocolate and smaller dogs. If your pet has eaten chocolate, contact a vet with the type and amount and your pet's weight.