If your dog may have eaten something toxic, the safest approach is to stop exposure, preserve evidence, and contact professional help quickly. Do not wait for symptoms after known exposure to grapes, xylitol, chocolate, onion, garlic, medications, essential oils, pesticides, or an unknown substance.
Immediate steps
Remove the item so your dog cannot eat more.
Save the packaging, label, bottle, or a photo of the item.
Estimate how much was eaten and when it happened.
Check your dog for vomiting, drooling, weakness, tremors, pale gums, or unusual behavior.
Call a veterinarian or poison helpline right away for grapes, xylitol, medications, essential oils, rodent poison, or unknown substances.
What not to do
Do not induce vomiting, give hydrogen peroxide, milk, oil, salt, or home remedies unless a veterinarian or poison-control professional specifically instructs you to.