Common Poisons In Pets: Symptoms & What To Do Fast

Common poisons in pets are one of the most frequent emergencies veterinarians see, especially in Nigerian homes where pets share close spaces with people. From rat poison in the compound to leftover cake icing from celebrations, event spoilt jellof rice on the floor, poisoning happens faster than many pet owners realise. MyGoToVet experts see several of these cases daily through virtual consultations, emergency calls, and clinic referrals. That is exactly why MyGoToVet exists: to help pet parents act quickly and correctly when every minute counts.

Across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and beyond, dogs and cats get exposed to toxins in ways that feel “normal” to us humans. However, what is harmless to people can be deadly to pets. Thankfully, with the right knowledge and quick access to MyGoToVet professional guidance, many poisoning cases are preventable and treatable.

Pet Poisoning in Nigeria: Symptoms and First Aid

Many Nigerian homes use chemicals without pet-safe storage. In addition, free-roaming pets often scavenge food waste outside. For example, a dog in Ibadan recently ingested rat poison mixed with garri that was meant for rodents. Luckily, the owner contacted MyGoToVet immediately and received life-saving guidance before reaching a clinic.

Moreover, intentional poisoning still occurs in some communities, especially when pets wander. Therefore, awareness remains critical. Common pet poison we would be looking at includes:

1. Household poisons and
2. Agricultural/Environmental poisons

Common Household Poisons Affecting Nigerian Pets

• Human Medications: Paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac (in cats) and tramadol rank among the most common poisons in pets. A real case involved a cat in Lekki that developed seizures after the owner self-medicated it with paracetamol dropped on the floor.
• Cleaning Products: Bleach, Dettol, and disinfectants (Izal) can burn the mouth and stomach. Even diluted solutions can harm pets when licked.
• Toxic Foods: Onions, garlic, chocolate, alcohol, and xylitol-containing sweets cause serious reactions. A case that comes to mind was a dog we referred to our partner clinic because it was weak and vomiting after being fed dog food, leftover pepper soup with onions and garlic. This was another preventable emergency.
• Fruits: Star fruit, grapes, raisins, currants, and avocados have been found to be toxic to pets

Recommended:  

Dog Pooing Blood: 10 Causes, What To Do And When To See A Vet

Snake Bites In Nigeria: Symptoms & First Aid

Dog Heatstroke: Steps To Save Your Dog Fast

Common Pet Health Problems In Nigeria And How To Prevent Them

Prepare Your Pet For A Vet Visit In Nigeria [2026]

Agricultural and Environmental Poisons

Every agricultural country, including countries in Africa, uses pesticides and herbicides, including insecticides, rat poison, snail/slug poison and weed killers. Unfortunately, pets often walk through sprayed farms or lick contaminated paws afterwards and get poisoned. Rodenticides, in particular, cause internal bleeding and sudden collapse. These are among the most common and dangerous poisons for pets.

Another source of poisoning is petroleum products such as Kerosene, petrol, and engine oil. Pets have also been poisoned after ingesting paint and plants such as, Lilies, Sago Palm, Azaleas, Tulips, Daffodils, Oleander, and Philodendrons, which can cause serious symptoms like kidney failure (especially lilies in cats) or even death

Not sure if your pet was poisoned? Book A Quick WhatsApp Consultation or read How to Talk to a Veterinarian Online In Nigeria With MyGotoVet

Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs and Cats

Cats usually hide symptoms, whereas dogs often show distress early. Poisoning symptoms vary and in all cases should be treated as a serious emergency. If your pet shows any of these signs, contact a vet immediately.

General Warning Signs

• Sudden vomiting or diarrhoea

• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth

• Lethargy or extreme weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Restlessness or pacing

Nervous System Signs

• Tremors or shaking

• Seizures

• Loss of coordination (wobbling or falling)

• Collapse or unconsciousness

Breathing and Heart Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing

• Rapid or slow heartbeat

• Blue or pale gums

Skin and Mouth Changes

• Mouth ulcers or burns

• Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, which might turn pale, reddish or blue

• Itching or skin redness

Urinary & Digestive Changes

• Bloody urine or stool

• Excessive thirst or urination 

What to Do If You Suspect Poisoning

Firstly, remove your pet from the source immediately. Do not induce vomiting or give palm oil unless a vet instructs you, as this can further complicate the problem, resulting in asphyxiation pneumonia where food/poison is inhaled into the lungs.

Instead, contact MyGoToVet 24/7 WhatsApp Support right away for virtual first-aid guidance to stabilise your pet and advice on the severity and whether a clinic visit is needed. An example is the Abuja case, where prompt advice helped an owner flush a dog’s mouth safely before clinic treatment, saving valuable time. 

How to Prevent Pet Poisoning in Nigeria

Store chemicals securely and avoid feeding pets human food. Additionally, supervise outdoor access whenever possible. Community education also matters; therefore, talking to neighbours reduces the risks of intentional poisoning.

Finally, Act Fast, Save a Life

Common poisons in pets remain a serious but manageable problem. With knowledge, vigilance, and fast veterinary advice, many pets survive poisoning incidents. If your pet shows unusual symptoms or you suspect exposure, contact MyGoToVet immediately for a virtual consultation or trusted clinic referral. Quick action truly saves lives.

Quick advice today can save your pet’s life tomorrow. Book a 10-minute virtual vet consultation today and get fast, reliable veterinary advice from the comfort of your home.

Get authentic medications, supplements, food, and pet care essentials delivered to your door when you Shop on MyGoToVet

Want more clients, online bookings, and visibility? List your Veterinary practice on MyGoToVet today and start reaching pet owners near you.

24/7 Support:

Email: support@mygotovet.com 

Call/WhatsApp: Click Here 

Join our WhatsApp Community

Connect on:

X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions on Pet Poisoning in Nigeria

What are the most common poisons in pets in Nigeria?

The most common poisons in pets include rat poison, pesticides, human medications like paracetamol, cleaning chemicals, and toxic foods such as onions and chocolate. These substances cause severe symptoms quickly. Because many homes use these items daily, accidental exposure happens often. Always store chemicals securely and contact MyGoToVet immediately if exposure occurs.

How fast do poisoning symptoms appear in dogs and cats?

Symptoms can appear within minutes to a few hours, depending on the toxin and amount ingested. For example, rat poison may cause delayed bleeding, while bleach causes immediate mouth irritation. Since timing varies, any suspicion of poisoning requires urgent veterinary advice via MyGoToVet.

Can I treat pet poisoning at home?

Home treatment alone is risky and often dangerous. Some traditional remedies worsen poisoning. Instead, remove the toxin source and contact a veterinarian immediately. MyGoToVet provides step-by-step guidance while helping you reach emergency care quickly.

What foods commonly eaten in Nigeria are toxic to pets?

Onions, garlic, alcohol, chocolate, pepper-heavy foods, and sweetened snacks are toxic. Dogs often get sick after eating party leftovers. Avoid sharing human meals and educate family members, especially children.

When should I seek emergency veterinary care?

Seek emergency care immediately if your pet vomits repeatedly, collapses, has seizures, or struggles to breathe. Even mild symptoms need evaluation. Contact MyGoToVet right away for urgent virtual support and clinic referrals.