Omar asks
My dog ate chocolate, what should I do?What to do if your dog eats something poisonous: quick action steps
Our expert advice
Advice by Sue Ketland, Dog behaviour and training specialist
Similarly to humans, dogs are classed as ‘monogastric’ meaning they have a relatively simple digestive tract. They have specific components to break down their food but the downside of this means they’re unable to metabolise food that’s not doggy-friendly. A lot of ingredients in human foods are fatal to dogs, sometimes in the smallest quantities.
If your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have, take them to the vet as soon as possible, for treatment and recovery.
If your dog eats something you’re concerned about, and there is not an out of hours service at your vet, contact the animal poisons helpline on 01202 509000; there is a fee for this call, but they can triage your concerns about what your pet has eaten, and how much in relation to their weight, and give you advice on whether veterinary treatment is needed.
Give any advice from this helpline to your vet, as it will help them make decisions on treatment options if necessary.
More information
There are many foods humans eat, which are toxic to our canine companions, so it’s best to stick to dog food and treats to keep your pet fit and healthy!
Research what foods, household items and plants can be poisonous to our pets; the poison helpline’s website is a good source for this.
Hear from other humans
Carla
📍 Wales
- Dog breed: Corgi
- Dog age: 3 years
- Owner expertise: Novice
I was struggling with my dog's anxiety, especially when we had to leave the house. Thanks to Woodgreen's advice, I've made some changes that have worked wonders. By sticking to a consistent routine, my dog knows what to expect each day, which has significantly reduced her anxiety.
Sarah
📍 Sussex
- Dog breed: Cockerpoo
- Dog age: 6 months
- Owner expertise: Novice
This advice really helped me and my new pup! I tried teaching recall without your guidance and struggled. Woodgreen's step-by-step dog training videos break each action down for you and I'm happy to say we finally made progress!
Similar questions
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Ask our experts a question