May 30, 2025, 4:11 am | Read time: 6 minutes
Dog trainer Katharina Marioth offers tips on what to consider if your dog is poisoned and what should never be missing from an emergency checklist.
It happens faster than you think: A piece of chocolate falls to the ground—and before you can bend down, it’s already in the dog’s stomach. Or your dog snatches a barbecue bone—including aluminum foil—during a walk, which is unfortunately not uncommon in many parks. In seconds, a relaxed moment turns into a potential emergency. Panic sets in—but what is the right course of action now? What do you really need to do? In this article, you’ll learn everything important about dangerous substances, first aid for dogs, and when you absolutely must see a vet. Plus: a practical emergency checklist for your fridge.
Overview of Hazardous Substances
Many typical household and food scraps are toxic or at least dangerous for dogs. Here’s an overview of the most common substances you should definitely avoid:
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the higher the content. As little as 20 mg of theobromine per kilogram of body weight can cause initial symptoms. A small bar of dark chocolate can be life-threatening for a small dog.
- Aluminum foil: Dogs that swallow food scraps along with packaging often ingest aluminum foil. This can lead to intestinal blockage, internal injuries, or constipation.
- Barbecue bones: Chicken and pork bones, in particular, splinter easily. The splinters can injure the esophagus, stomach, or intestines and, in the worst case, cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
- Raisins and grapes: They are considered highly toxic to dogs, although it is not yet fully understood why. Even a few grams can cause acute kidney failure in sensitive animals.
- Onions and garlic: Damage red blood cells. Cooked or processed forms (such as in sauces or spice mixes) are particularly dangerous.
- Avocados, macadamia nuts, xylitol (birch sugar): All three are among the particularly toxic foods. Xylitol can cause insulin shock and liver failure, even in small doses.
Important: If in doubt, it’s better to visit the vet one time more than necessary—often, every minute counts.
Recognizing Symptoms – When Does It Become Critical?
Signs of poisoning usually appear within a few hours—but they can also be delayed. Watch for the following symptoms:
Acute Phase (0-6 Hours)
- Restlessness or nervousness
- Tremors, muscle twitches
- Vomiting (sometimes bloody)
- Panting or excessive drooling
Late Phase (6-24 Hours)
- Diarrhea, possibly with blood
- Apathy or unusual fatigue
- Seizures
- Rapid heartbeat, increased breathing rate
- Pale or bluish gums
Signs of Shock
- Circulatory collapse
- Shortness of breath
- Unconsciousness
- Cold, clammy extremities
Observe your dog closely—and note the timeline of symptoms. This information can be crucial for diagnosis at the veterinary clinic.
First Aid at Home – What You Should Know
First aid can save your dog’s life—but only if you take the right measures. There are situations where it’s better to do nothing to avoid causing additional harm.
What You Should Not Do
- Do not induce vomiting on your own! Especially with aluminum foil, sharp bones, or highly corrosive substances, this can be life-threatening.
- Do not administer home remedies: such as milk, oil, or bread—they do not help and can worsen the situation.
What You Can Do
- Keep the dog calm, and do not encourage play or eating.
- Offer fresh water—but do not force it.
- Administer activated charcoal if recommended by the vet—it binds toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Monitor temperature (normal range: about 100.4 to 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit)—act immediately if there is a significant deviation.
Call the poison control center or veterinary emergency service immediately. Have important information ready: What was eaten, when, how much, and how much does your dog weigh?
When You Must See a Vet Immediately
Never hesitate to seek professional help. Even if your dog (still) shows no symptoms, poisoning can develop insidiously.
You should go to the veterinary clinic or the nearest practice immediately if:
- You know or suspect that your dog has ingested chocolate, raisins, xylitol, aluminum foil, or bones
- Your dog is small or very young—smaller bodies process toxins faster
- Symptoms appear—even mild ones
- You are unsure: When in doubt, always see a doctor!
Many clinics use individual risk assessments that consider age, weight, amount, and type of substance. The sooner you get there, the better the prognosis.
Prevention: How to Avoid Emergencies in Everyday Life
The best first aid for your dog is to prevent an emergency from happening in the first place. A few simple precautions can make a big difference in everyday life:
- Secure trash cans—especially after barbecues or parties
- Never leave food scraps unattended, even on the patio or in the garden
- Muzzle training: For dogs that eat everything outside—a well-fitting muzzle can save lives in doubt
- Regularly train a stop signal (“No,” “Leave it”)—ideally with distractions
- Establish no-go zones: Kitchens, trash areas, or certain rooms should be dog-free
- Educate visitors—guests often don’t know what’s dangerous for dogs
Many poisoning cases happen not due to negligence but due to ignorance. It’s worth educating friends and family.
Emergency Checklist for the Fridge
Good preparation can save time—and lives—in an emergency. Print out this list and hang it in a visible place:
- What was eaten? When? How much?
- Weight, age, and breed of the dog
- Symptoms (date, time, description)
- Phone numbers: Veterinarian, veterinary clinic/emergency service, poison control center, e.g., Berlin: 030 19240 (available nationwide)
- Activated charcoal: Package + dosage ready
- Important information about the dog: Allergies, chronic diseases, medications
Tip: Also store this information digitally on your phone—e.g., as a note or in a pet emergency app.
Case Study: When Bella Stole the Sugar-Free Brownies
An example from practice: The nine-kilogram mixed-breed dog “Bella” ate half a brownie–sweetened with xylitol (birch sugar) while her owner was on the phone. At first, everything seemed fine. Forty-five minutes later: restlessness, tremors, vomiting. At the veterinary clinic, poisoning was diagnosed—fortunately in time. Without quick action, it could have ended differently.
Conclusion: Even small amounts can be dangerous—especially with dark chocolate and xylitol and small dogs.
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Conclusion: Stay Calm – But Don’t Hesitate!
An emergency with your dog is always a shocking moment—but being prepared allows you to react quickly, purposefully, and calmly. Learn to assess symptoms correctly, seek help if you’re unsure, and do everything to prevent your dog from getting into this situation in the first place. Because, in the end, that’s what counts: protection through knowledge.
Hang the checklist on the fridge—it can be invaluable in an emergency. And remember: Every dog owner can become a lifesaver—with the right information at the right time.