Dogs explore the world with their mouths — and sometimes that curiosity leads to an unexpected “uh-oh.” Whether it’s something scavenged from the yard, food dropped at a gathering, or a mystery object you discover too late, accidental ingestion is one of the most common emergencies dog parents face.

Knowing what your dog ate, why it may be dangerous, and what steps to take right away can make all the difference. That’s why we created The Uh-Oh Kit and The Uh-Oh Mini Kit — to help you stay calm, organized, and prepared when surprises happen.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Before making any decisions, take a moment to gather the most important information:

• What was eaten?
• How much?
• When?
• How are they acting?

Call your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately if:

• Their gums are not bubblegum pink
• They are unconscious, seizing, or unable to swallow
• They have a cardiac or seizure disorder
• The ingested object could block or injure the intestines or esophagus

Extremely important reminders:

• Don’t induce vomiting unless your vet says it’s safe.
• Don’t wait for symptoms if the item is known to be toxic.

Step 2: Call for Help

When your dog eats something questionable, don’t wait. These trusted resources can help you quickly decide whether to monitor, come in, or initiate treatment (only as directed by a veterinarian).

• Object swallowed? → Call your vet/ER clinic
• Toxin or food ingestion? → Call ASPCA or Pet Poison Helpline
• Not sure what it was? → Start with your vet; they can triage the situation
• Dog is collapsing, seizing, or unresponsive? → Drive to your nearest ER clinic immediately.

Step 3: Act with Care

The Uh-Oh Mini Kit

Quick-reference support you can toss in your bag or glovebox.

• Symptom tracker
• Notes for what was eaten and when
• Emergency contact card
• Quick guidance on when to call the vet

The Uh-Oh Kit

Deeper at-home support for bigger or more complex uh-ohs.

• Full instruction booklet
• “When to Call the Vet” quick-reference table
• Vet notes section
• Medication reference guide
• Expel Quickly (hydrogen peroxide) with detailed instructions

Common Dangerous Items

If your dog can reach it, sniff it, or steal it, there’s a good chance they’ll try to swallow it. Some hazards can literally clog the works, while others are sneakily toxic. The ASPCA breaks these risks into three super-helpful categories, which are super handy if you’re unsure what your dog got into:

• 🌿 ASPCA Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants Database for Dogs
• 🍽️ ASPCA: People Foods That Are Dangerous or Toxic to Dogs
• 🧴 ASPCA: Poisonous Household Products Harmful to Dogs

From there, here’s a quick reference to the troublemakers vets see most often — separated into items that can block or injure the digestive tract and substances that are toxic even in small amounts.

Preparing for Gatherings & Busy Days

Crowded homes and busy kitchens make accidental ingestions more likely. A little preparation goes a long way.

The Takeaway

Accidental ingestions are always stressful — but with The Uh-Oh Kit at home and The Uh-Oh Mini on the go, you’ll have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to respond quickly.

Being prepared turns a potential emergency into a manageable moment.

When your dog eats something risky, knowing what to do next can make all the difference.

Preparation turns panic into “I’ve got this.”

Dr. Nikki Meredith, DVM is an emergency veterinarian and co-founder of Puppylation Health. She’s passionate about giving pet parents the confidence and tools they need to handle everyday “uh-ohs” with calm and care. Her expertise fuels everything from The Uh-Oh Kit to our wellness series, Vet Tips, No Trips.