What to Do When Your Pet Eats Something Toxic in Dubai

⚡ Quick Summary

1. Don't panic - stay calm so you can help
2. Identify what they ate, how much, and when
3. Call a vet immediately - don't wait for symptoms
4. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to
5. Get to a 24-hour clinic if it's after hours

It's 10 PM on a Friday. You hear a suspicious crunching sound from the kitchen. Your dog has chocolate wrapper shreds everywhere. What now?

After 12 years as an emergency vet in Dubai, I see this almost every night. The good news? Most cases have excellent outcomes when you act fast.

⏰ The Golden Rule

The first 30-60 minutes are critical. Don't wait to "see if they seem okay" - by the time symptoms show, the damage is done.

🚨 Your 5-Step Emergency Plan

Step 1: Stay Calm

Your pet needs you thinking clearly. Take a breath. Panicking wastes precious minutes.

Step 2: Gather Information

The vet will need to know:

• What exactly did they eat?
• How much? (estimate if needed)
• When did it happen?
• What's your pet's weight?

Step 3: Call a Vet Immediately

Don't Google first. Don't post in Facebook groups. Call a vet:

• Daytime: Your regular vet
• After hours: 24-hour emergency clinic
• While driving: Have someone call ahead

Step 4: Do NOT Induce Vomiting

Unless a vet explicitly tells you to. Some toxins cause more damage coming back up.

Step 5: Bring the Evidence

Grab the packaging, photo the plant, note the pill bottle. If they vomit, bring a sample in a sealed bag.

🍫 Dangerous Foods: Know the Levels

🔴 EXTREME DANGER - Go to ER Now

Chocolate - Darker = deadlier (baking chocolate is worst)
Xylitol - In sugar-free gum, candy, some peanut butters - can kill dogs fast
Grapes/Raisins - Even small amounts cause kidney failure
Onions/Garlic - Yes, even cooked (including shawarma!)
Macadamia nuts - Deadly for dogs
Human medications - Even one pill can be fatal
Rat poison - Common in Dubai apartments

🟡 MODERATE DANGER - Call Vet for Advice

Avocado - Pit is worst part
Cooked bones - Splinter risk
Alcohol - Yes, some pets drink spilled drinks
Coffee/Tea - Caffeine is bad for pets
Raw dough - Expands in stomach

🏜️ Dubai-Specific Hazards

Date palm seeds - Intestinal blockage risk
Spiced foods - Shawarma, biryani have onions/garlic
Sago palms - Common in Dubai landscaping, extremely toxic
Oleander plants - Deadly if ingested
Pool chemicals - Keep secured
AC coolant - Tastes sweet to pets, absolutely lethal

🏥 What Happens at the Emergency Vet?

1. Vital assessment - Heart rate, temperature, breathing
2. Decontamination - Induced vomiting or activated charcoal (if soon enough)
3. Supportive care - IV fluids, anti-nausea meds, monitoring
4. Blood work - Check liver and kidney function
5. Observation - Serious cases need overnight monitoring

💰 Cost Reality Check

Emergency visits in Dubai: 800-3000 AED depending on treatment. Most clinics accept cards. Pet insurance is worth having.

🛡️ Prevention Checklist

Kitchen

✓ Store chocolate and xylitol in high cabinets
✓ Close pantry doors - pets will figure out how to open them
✓ Use trash bins with locking lids
✓ Never leave food unattended at barbecues

Garden

✓ Know which plants in your villa are toxic
✓ Lock up pool chemicals
✓ Check garden after pest control treatments
✓ Use traps instead of rat poison

Living Areas

✓ Keep medications in closed drawers
✓ Watch for dropped pills
✓ Be careful with essential oil diffusers
✓ Secure cleaning products

📱 Save These Numbers Now

✓ Your regular vet
✓ Nearest 24-hour emergency clinic (find here)
✓ A backup emergency clinic
✓ Pet taxi service (if you don't drive)

💚 Final Thoughts

You will never hear me complain about a "false alarm." I would much rather send you home with "your dog is fine" than have you arrive 6 hours too late.

If something feels off, bring them in. We're here 24/7 for exactly these moments.

Stay safe, Dubai pet parents. 🐾

🚨 What to Do When Your Pet Eats Something Toxic in Dubai