Dog Poison Helpline UK — Numbers to Call

If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, knowing who to call and when can literally save your dog's life. The Animal PoisonLine is the UK's leading resource for poisoning emergencies, available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Animal PoisonLine — The UK's Dog Poison Helpline

Contact Details

Telephone: 01202 509000 Website: www.animalpoisonline.com Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year Staffing: Veterinary surgeons and toxicologists Charges: Consultation fee applies (approximately £20–30), charged to credit/debit card immediately

About the Animal PoisonLine

The Animal PoisonLine is a dedicated veterinary toxicology service based in Dorset. It is staffed by veterinary surgeons and toxicologists with expertise in poisoning emergencies. They can:

• Assess the toxicity risk of the substance your dog ingested
• Advise whether emergency treatment is needed
• Provide guidance to your vet on treatment protocols
• Advise on prognosis and likely outcome
• Answer questions about specific products, foods, plants, and substances

The Animal PoisonLine works with your vet, not instead of them. They provide expert toxicological advice that helps your vet deliver the best possible treatment.

When to Call the Animal PoisonLine

Call immediately if:

• Your dog has eaten something potentially toxic (food, plant, medication, household product, etc.)
• You are unsure whether something is toxic
• Your dog is showing signs of poisoning
• Your own vet is closed and you need urgently advice
• You want professional confirmation that your dog will need treatment

You should call even if:

• Your dog seems completely fine—symptoms may not appear for hours
• You are only "fairly sure" something was eaten—it is better to be safe
• It is a holiday or out-of-hours time
• You are unsure what was eaten but suspect poison

What Information to Have Ready

When you call, have the following information ready:

1. What was ingested: Product name, type of food, plant identification, or substance name
2. Amount: How much in grams or pieces (approximate is fine)
3. Time: When was it eaten (recent ingestion is treated more urgently)
4. Your dog: Breed, weight, age, and any health conditions
5. Symptoms: Any signs of illness observed
6. Dog's medication: Any current medications your dog is taking
7. Credit card: For the consultation fee

Take photos:

• If possible, photograph the product packaging (shows ingredients and contents)
• Photograph the plant or remaining food
• These details help with identification and assessment

How to Describe the Substance

The Animal PoisonLine will ask detailed questions about:

• Product name — Brand name and full product name
• Active ingredients — Check the packaging or ingredients list
• Quantity — Amount in the product and how much was eaten
• Concentration — Percentage of active ingredient (important for medications)

If you don't have this information, describe the item as clearly as possible and they will help identify it.

The Consultation Process

When you call, expect:

1. Triage questions — Your dog's symptoms and the urgency assessment
2. Product identification — Detailed questions about what was eaten
3. Toxicity assessment — Discussion of risk level based on the substance and your dog's weight
4. Advice — Specific guidance on whether emergency treatment is needed
5. Prognosis — What to expect if your dog ingested this substance
6. Communication with your vet — They may contact your vet directly with recommendations
7. Follow-up — Advice on monitoring and when to seek follow-up care

The consultation typically takes 10–20 minutes, depending on complexity.

Cost and Payment

Cost: Approximately £20–30 per consultation (varies by complexity)

Payment: Charged to credit/debit card when you call

Insurance: Most pet insurance policies cover the Animal PoisonLine consultation fee. Check your policy or ask when you call.

Worth the cost: The Animal PoisonLine consultation fee is significantly less than an emergency vet visit (which can cost £500–£2,000+) and provides expert toxicological guidance.

If Your Vet is Available

If your vet is available (daytime hours or out-of-hours emergency vet), call them first. They can:

• See your dog immediately if needed
• Provide emergency treatment
• Call the Animal PoisonLine on your behalf (some vets have direct relationships with them)
• Advise whether emergency care is necessary

The Animal PoisonLine is most useful when your vet is closed and you need urgent toxicological advice, or as a complement to your vet's care.

Other Poison Resources

VPIS (Veterinary Poisons Information Service)

Telephone: 01865 407391 Use: Mainly for vets; can be used by members of the public Available: During business hours primarily

The VPIS is another toxicology resource, though the Animal PoisonLine is more widely recommended for 24-hour emergency access.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (US)

Telephone: +1 (888) 426-4435 (not UK)

This is the US equivalent and charges a significant consultation fee. Use this only if you are in the US.

Your Local Emergency Vet

Search: "Emergency vet near me" or check your vet's website for out-of-hours numbers

Out-of-hours emergency vets can provide immediate care whilst you gather information to call the Animal PoisonLine.

Emergency Vet Care Timeline

If your dog has eaten something toxic:

1. Immediately (minutes 0–5): Call your vet or the Animal PoisonLine
2. Within 30 minutes: Transport to a vet if recommended
3. Within 1–2 hours: Induced vomiting may be effective (time-sensitive)
4. Within 2–6 hours: Supportive treatments like activated charcoal
5. Beyond 6 hours: Focus on supportive care and monitoring

Time is critical. The first few hours are the most important for many poisonings.

What to Expect After the Call

After speaking with the Animal PoisonLine, you will likely:

1. Take your dog to the vet immediately (if high-risk exposure)
2. Monitor at home (if low-risk and no symptoms)
3. Watch for specific symptoms (they will tell you what to look for)
4. Follow-up with your vet within 24 hours
5. Seek emergency care if symptoms develop

Keep the consultation reference number for your records.

Prevention

Whilst the Animal PoisonLine is invaluable in emergencies, prevention is always better:

• Store toxic foods, plants, and products securely out of reach
• Educate family members about toxic substances
• Supervise your dog, especially in new environments
• Train a reliable "leave it" command
• Check before offering any food or plant to your dog
• Use the SafeBowl app to check foods instantly

SafeBowl checks any food in seconds — personalised to your dog's breed, weight, and allergies. Download SafeBowl free.