Wash the animal with large volumes of water, if your pet is having a reaction to a flea product, a mild handsoap or shampoo can be used.  If an oil-based toxin (such as petroleum products), use dishwashing liquid.

If the poison is in the eye, flush with large volumes of water. 

If the poison is a powder, you need to dust or vacuum it off.  Do not get the powder wet!

Inhaled Poisons

Take the animal to fresh air as fast as possible.

Ingested Poisons

It may be ok to induce vomiting, but always check with your veterinarian or The National Animal Poison Control Centre first.  With some caustic substances, it may be appropriate to administer milk, but this needs to be decided on a case to case basis.

Do not induce vomiting in the following circumstances:

The animal is having difficulty breathing

The animal is seizuring, depressed or abnormally excited

The animal in unconscious

The toxin is a caustic like; drain opener, acid (battery) or a petroleum-based product

The heart rate is very slow

Cat normal heart rate is 160-220 bpm

Dog heart rate for 30lbs and under is 100-160 bpm

Dog heart rate for over 30lbs is 60-100 bpm

Dog heart rate for puppies is 120-160 bpm

The object eaten was pointed or sharp pointed or sharp

When the poison container says not to

How to induce vomiting

Give household hydrogen peroxide 3% orally at a dose of one teaspoon (5ml) per 10 pounds (5kg) of body weight. This may be repeated every 15 to 20 minutes up to three times. No peroxide? Place 1 teaspoon of table salt into the animals mouth.

Always save the vomitus to show your veterinarian.

Warning! Never use Ipecac syrup which may be toxic to dogs and cats.

Poisonous Plants to Avoid

There are a number of common plants which may be toxic to dogs and cats and should be avoided, these are listed in the chart below: