Pet Poisoning Treatment
If your pet ate something toxic, timing matters more than anything else, and a phone call is the fastest first step. During our hours, our Midlothian clinic, on Steam Avenue off Midlothian Turnpike, can treat many poisonings the same day. Call us on the way so the team is ready.
Call (804) 603-9509 now. After 6 PM, call a 24-hour emergency hospital or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
When it's an emergency: Go directly to the nearest open veterinary hospital, or a 24-hour emergency hospital after we close, if your pet is having seizures, trouble breathing, is unresponsive, or is bleeding. Don't wait for a call back. Our Midlothian clinic is open 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week, and we don't provide overnight care.
What to Do Right Now
Move your pet away from the substance and keep other pets out.
Don't make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to. Some substances do more damage coming back up.
Grab the package, label, or a photo, plus any pills or plant parts left.
Estimate how much and when, and know your pet's weight.
Call us, or after hours, a 24-hour hospital or the ASPCA hotline. Don't wait for signs; many poisons act hours later.
The ASPCA's guidance on when to seek help after a pet eats something says the same: if there are no signs yet, don't wait for them to appear.
Common Toxins in Midlothian Homes and Yards
Human medications, especially pain relievers, ADHD medications, and antidepressants.
Xylitol, in sugar-free gum, candy, and some peanut butters.
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic.
Lilies, which can cause kidney failure in cats, even from pollen or vase water.
Rodent bait and slug bait.
Antifreeze, fertilizers, and weed killers.
Marijuana edibles.
What Happens at the Visit
The doctor examines your pet and, depending on what was eaten and when, may induce vomiting, give activated charcoal, start fluids, run blood work, or give an antidote. Some cases are worked up with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, which charges its own consultation fee. If your pet needs overnight monitoring, the doctor stabilizes your pet and refers you to a 24-hour hospital.
"Amazing service helping us out in a crunch for a very sick kitty."
— Scott M., Petfolk client.
When It's Probably Not an Emergency
Many things pets eat are unpleasant but not toxic, like a bite of most grass, a small piece of plain bread, or a lick of a nontoxic plant. If you're not sure, call. A two-minute conversation is better than guessing either way.
Harmful Algae at Virginia Lakes
Some algae blooms in lakes and ponds produce toxins that can kill dogs, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Lake Anna, about an hour north of Richmond, has had repeated advisories warning people and pets to stay out of affected areas.
Before a lake day, check Virginia's harmful algal bloom map and advisories at SwimHealthyVA.com.
Keep dogs out of water that looks like pea soup or spilled paint, or has scum or foam.
If your dog swims in questionable water, rinse it off right away so it doesn't lick its coat.
Vomiting, drooling, weakness, or tremors after a swim are an emergency.
What Poisoning Care Costs
An urgent exam is $135, or $36 with a PetfolkCare membership ($199 a year). Treatment, lab work, and any ASPCA consultation fee are added, and the cost depends on what was eaten and how much care your pet needs. You get an estimate before treatment starts, as long as waiting doesn't put your pet at risk.
Save These Numbers Now
Put our clinic, (804) 603-9509, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, in your phone today, along with the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital. When something happens, you won't have to search.