Animal Poisons Helpline (2026)

29/04/2026

DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is a widely used insect repellent that helps protect against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies. In Australia, products contain anywhere from lower concentrations (around 10%) to highly concentrated formulations (up to 80%) and are available as sprays, creams, gels, and lotions. These products are mainly intended for human use, although limited use exists in some animals such as cattle, dogs, horses, and pigs.

Pets are most commonly exposed by licking treated skin, chewing or knocking over containers, or being accidentally sprayed during application. Small exposures often cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, or mild stomach upset. Larger amounts, or exposure to stronger products, can affect the nervous system and may cause wobbliness, disorientation, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures. If DEET gets into the eyes, it may cause redness, watering, squinting, pain, or irritation. If inhaled, it can irritate the airways and may lead to coughing or difficulty breathing.

The risk of poisoning depends on the route of exposure, product concentration, and amount involved. If your pet has been exposed to a DEET-containing product, you can contact the Animal Poisons Helpline for a rapid risk assessment, guidance on immediate first aid, whether veterinary treatment is required, or if home monitoring is appropriate.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides expert advice to pet owners and can be reached on ☎️ 1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US), or +1 917-722-5958 (CAN).

If you are a member of a veterinary team, you can also join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group, which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. To stay up to date with the latest pet poison alerts and receive updates direct to your inbox, visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date and subscribe.

04/03/2026

With mushroom season approaching, the Animal Poisons Helpline is noting an increase in cases and calls following mushroom ingestions in companion animals, most commonly dogs.

The mushroom in the attached image is Galerina marginata, commonly known as the “Deadly Skullcap”. Galerina marginata is a small brown mushroom that contains lethal amatoxins, the same toxins found in Death Cap mushrooms. These toxins cause severe liver damage and can be fatal if ingested by pets or people. While amatoxin containing Galerina species are considered rare, there have been confirmed cases in Australia reported to the Animal Poisons Helpline.

Galerina marginata typically has a small brown cap and grows on wood, particularly rotting conifer wood, with a preference for wet, mossy environments. It often has a ring on the stem called an annulus, which looks like a small skirt or collar around the stalk. Another identifying feature is its rusty brown spore print. A spore print refers to the colour of the microscopic spores the mushroom releases, which can be seen if the cap is placed on paper and left for several hours, leaving behind a coloured imprint. While these features can help with identification, many toxic and non-toxic mushrooms look very similar, and visual identification alone can be difficult. Pets who ingest this mushroom may develop vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and in severe cases acute liver failure. Signs are often delayed in onset can and will present as worsening liver damage progresses, and so early veterinary assessment can be life-saving in these cases.

During this time of the year, wild mushroom ingestions are one of the most common reasons for calls to the Animal Poisons Helpline. Pet owners are advised to:
🍄‍🟫Regularly inspecting gardens and lawns, particularly after rain or humid weather
🍄‍🟫Promptly removing any mushrooms and disposing of them securely in the bin
🍄‍🟫Keeping dogs on a lead during walks to prevent ingestions

If your pet has ingested a wild mushroom or anything else they should not have, you can call the Animal Poisons Helpline. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides expert advice to pet owners and can be reached on ☎️ 1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917-722-5958 (CAN).

If you are a member of a veterinary team you can also join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. To stay up to date with the latest pet poison alerts and receive updates directly to your inbox, visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date and subscribe.

11/02/2026

Ci******es are commonly and accidentally ingested by pets and can lead to unexpected poisoning in many domestic animals, including dogs, cats, and birds. While used ci******es may seem harmless, they can still be toxic if chewed or eaten. All parts of a cigarette are considered toxic, including cigarette butts.
Pets are most often exposed by eating ci******es or cigarette butts, accessing ash trays, or picking up discarded ci******es while out on walks.

The toxic component in ci******es is ni****ne. The Animal Poisons Helpline also receives frequent calls about other ni****ne-containing products, including e-ci******es, ni****ne liquids, pouches (white snus), and ni****ne replacement products such as gum and patches. However, traditional cigarette exposures remain the most common, accounting for approximately 42% of ni****ne-related calls, with signs of toxicity reported in more than 20% of cases at the time of the call.

Ni****ne is rapidly absorbed through the mouth, skin, airways, and gastrointestinal tract. As a result, clinical signs can develop quickly, often within 15–60 minutes of exposure. The onset and extent of effects are dependent on many factors including the dose, route of exposure and formulation of the product. Early signs of poisoning include vomiting, drooling, excitement in tremors. Larger ingestions may result in seizures, weakness, paralysis and breathing difficulties. Birds are particularly sensitive to ni****ne and can develop neurological signs following small exposures.

To help keep your pets safe around ci******es:
🚬Store unused ci******es securely and out of reach
🚬Keep ash trays and cigarette butts inaccessible and dispose of them appropriately
🚬Be mindful of discarded ci******es when walking your dog

If your pet has ingested any type of ni****ne containing product, it is important to immediately phone the Animal Poisons Helpline or your veterinarian, even if they look well. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides expert advice to pet owners and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917-722-5958 (CAN).

If you are a member of a veterinary team you can also join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. To stay up to date with the latest pet poison alerts and receive updates directly to your inbox, visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date and subscribe.

29/01/2026

Pokew**d (Phytolacca americana) is a large, toxic perennial plant native to North America that has been introduced to Australia. It is easily recognised by its bright green, elliptical leaves and green to white flowers, which mature into red-purple berries borne in elongated clusters on a distinctive purple stem.

Pokew**d has a limited distribution across Australia but is considered a w**d in all states and a declared pest in Western Australia. It can be found in a variety of environments, including disturbed soil, roadsides, rural properties, and home gardens.

The plant contains several toxic compounds, including saponins and oxalates, and all parts of the plant are poisonous to pets and livestock, with the root and green berries being particularly toxic. Animals that ingest pokew**d may develop gastrointestinal signs such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In more severe cases, clinical signs can include excessive salivation, reduced appetite, loss of coordination, and tremors.

Pet owners are advised to:
🌿Keep pets leashed while walking and closely supervise them around unfamiliar plants or w**ds.
🌿Prevent access to pokew**d or other toxic plants if it is present in the garden and arrange for safe removal where possible.
🌿Avoid overgrown verges and areas with disturbed soil where toxic w**ds are more common.

If you suspect your pet has ingested pokew**d, or any other potentially poisonous plant, contact the Animal Poisons Helpline immediately, even if your pet appears well:
Australia: 1300 869 738
New Zealand: 0800 869 738
Singapore: 3106 4216
United States: (917) 722-5958
Canada: +1 917-722-5958

If you are a member of a veterinary team, you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. To stay up to date with the latest pet poison alerts and receive updates directly to your inbox, visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date and subscribe.

13/07/2025

Privet berries, produced by plants in the Ligustrum genus, start off green and ripen to a dull purple colour as they mature. Typically fruiting during autumn and winter, privets are common garden and landscaping plants, grown for their glossy green leaves and attractive flowers. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, appearing in clusters that create a pretty display.

Privets contain a chemical called oleanolic acid, which is responsible for the toxic effects seen following ingestion of the plant. Pets that ingest any part of the plant (most commonly the berries) can develop gastrointestinal upset, with common signs including vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite and abdominal pain. In more severe cases, following large ingestions animals may become unsteady on their feet, weak and develop increased heart and breathing rates.

To help prevent accidental poisoning from Privets and other toxic plants:

✅ Regularly clean up any fallen berries to stop pets from eating them.

✅ Keep a close eye on your pets when walking in areas where toxic berries may be present.

✅ Consider fencing off berry-producing bushes or trees to keep pets away.

✅ Pet proof your garden by removing highly toxic plant species where possible.

If your pet has ingested something they should not have, you can phone the Animal Poisons Helpline for rapid, up to date advice. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides expert advice to pet owners 24/7 and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917-722-5958 (CAN).

If you are a member of a veterinary team, you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. To stay up to date with the latest pet poison alerts and receive updates directly to your inbox, visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date and subscribe.

26/06/2025

Mothballs are sometimes used in wardrobes, storage areas and suitcases to deter moths and other insects. Whilst they may be effective for protecting clothing and other fabrics, mothballs pose a significant poisoning risk to pets. The Animal Poisons Helpline receives calls every year regarding curious dogs and cats that have chewed on or ingested mothballs.

There are three common active ingredients found in mothballs; camphor, naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene. Each of these substances can be toxic to pets. Pets may be exposed by eating mothballs directly or by breathing vapours in poorly ventilated spaces. Whilst poisonings are relatively rare, even small exposures can potentially result in severe effects.

Camphor, used in some older or imported mothballs, can cause rapid onset signs such as drooling, vomiting, tremors and seizures. Pets that ingest naphthalene can develop vomiting, lethargy, diarrhoea, and in severe cases seizures and red blood cell damage. Cats are particularly sensitive to naphthalene and exposure can be life-threatening without urgent treatment. Paradichlorobenzene is less toxic but can still be dangerous.

To reduce the risk of mothball poisoning in pets:

✅ Avoid using loose mothballs in areas accessible to pets, including wardrobes, garages and storage containers.

✅ Check ingredient labels and dispose of old or unlabelled mothballs safely.

✅ Opt for pet-safe alternatives, such as cedar blocks or sealed garment bags when storing clothes.

✅ Keep pets away from freshly treated items and ensure good ventilation if using these products indoors.

If your pet has ingested any type of mothball, it is important to immediately phone the Animal Poisons Helpline or your veterinarian, even if they look well. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides expert advice to pet owners and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917-722-5958 (CAN).

If you are a member of a veterinary team you can also join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. To stay up to date with the latest pet poison alerts and receive updates directly to your inbox, visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date and subscribe.

16/06/2025

🐾 A big thank you to Simply Seaw**d for becoming an Animal Poisons Helpline Business Supporter for 2025–2026! 🌿 Their generous support helps us continue providing expert toxicology advice to pet owners across Australia, 24/7.

Simply Seaw**d is a passionate, pet-focused company known for their all-natural dental health supplement made from Ascophyllum nodosum - a type of seaw**d that has been researched for its potential to support oral health in cats and dogs. The team at Simply Seaw**d are committed to giving back, having supported many animal-related charities. We’re especially grateful for their recent fundraising efforts at the Perth Oz Feline Fair, where they helped raise awareness and funds for the Animal Poisons Helpline. You can check out their range at www.simplyseaw**d.com.au 🐶🐱

24/05/2025

Engine oil, also known as motor oil, is a lubricant used in engines to reduce friction and wear. It is a common household automotive product that poses a risk to curious pets, with the Helpline frequently receiving calls about pets that have licked or walked through oil spills, particularly during DIY car maintenance.

Ingestion of small amounts of engine oil may cause gastrointestinal upset including drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Skin contact may cause irritation or inflammation, especially with prolonged exposure. Long-haired pets are particularly vulnerable, as oil can be difficult to remove without thorough bathing. In some cases, aspiration of oil into the lungs during or after ingestion can result in aspiration pneumonia, a serious condition that requires urgent veterinary attention.

Pet owners should also be mindful of engine coolant (antifreeze), which may be drained into the same container as used engine oil during vehicle servicing. Ethylene glycol-based engine coolants are highly toxic and can cause severe kidney damage or death if not treated promptly. To help keep pets safe around automotive products:

✅ Store engine oil, coolant, and other vehicle fluids in sealed, clearly labelled containers out of reach of pets.

✅ Clean up any spills promptly and dispose of used oil and coolant safely through designated collection facilities.

✅ Prevent pets from accessing garages or driveways during vehicle maintenance.

If your pet has ingested or come into contact with engine oil, phone the Animal Poisons Helpline for advice even if your pet looks well. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides expert advice to pet owners and can be reached on:

📞 Australia: 1300 869 738
📞 New Zealand: 0800 869 738
📞 Singapore: 3106 4216
📞 United States: (917) 722-5958
📞 Canada: +1917-722-5958

To stay up to date with the latest pet poison alerts and receive updates directly to your inbox, visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date and subscribe.

24/05/2025

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a popular ornamental plant prized for its perfumed, bell-shaped white flowers. Whilst beautiful, this plant poses a serious poisoning risk to pets.

All parts of the Lily of the Valley plant are toxic, including the flowers, leaves and stems. The plant contains toxins known as cardiac glycosides, which interfere with the normal electrical activity of the heart. These toxins are similar to digoxin, a medication used in both human and veterinary medicine to treat heart conditions. Due to its high concentration of toxins, caution is recommended when this plant is present around pets.

Although pet poisoning from this plant is not commonly reported, it can occur following relatively small ingestions. Pets may be exposed when chewing on garden plants, biting into bouquets, or drinking from vases containing the flowers. Because of the potency of these cardiac glycosides, even a small nibble has the potential to result in harmful effects.

Early signs of poisoning may include drooling, refusal to eat or drink, vomiting (in those animals that can vomit) and diarrhoea. As poisoning progresses, animals may become weak, lethargic and unsteady on their feet. In severe cases, poisoning may affect the heart's rhythm, resulting in a slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat, collapse, or even death. Signs can occur within a few hours of ingestion, and the severity will depend on the amount consumed and the size of the animal.

Lily of the Valley should not be confused with “true lilies” (Lilium or Hemerocallis species), which are particularly toxic to cats and can cause acute kidney failure even with minor exposures. To help prevent Lily of the Valley poisoning, pet owners should:

✅ Keep floral arrangements containing this plant out of reach, and discard vase water safely.

✅ Supervise pets in gardens, especially those with a history of chewing on plants.

✅ Avoid planting Lily of the Valley in areas accessible to pets.

Whilst prevention is always best, accidental poisoning can happen. Veterinary care for plant exposures can be costly. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection during these stressful events. The Animal Poisons Helpline is proudly sponsored by Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance, who are currently offering two months free on their Nose-to-Tail Cover during the first year for Helpline followers.

👉 Learn more at: https://quote.bowwowinsurance.com.au/?promo=AP368

If you suspect your pet has ingested Lily of the Valley or any other poisonous plant, contact the Animal Poisons Helpline immediately, even if your pet looks well:

📞 Australia: 1300 869 738
📞 New Zealand: 0800 869 738
📞 Singapore: 3106 4216
📞 United States: (917) 722-5958
📞 Canada: +1917-722-5958

If you’re a veterinary professional, we invite you to join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group, which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and emerging trends.

16/05/2025

💀 Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive and toxic chemical used in a range of industrial products including rust removers, aluminium cleaners and heavy-duty household or automotive cleaners. Whilst not commonly found in everyday homes, exposure can occur through accidental spills, improper storage, or during vehicle maintenance. Though rare, pet exposures to hydrofluoric acid can have devastating consequences.

Unlike other acids, hydrofluoric acid causes tissue damage through two mechanisms. It produces chemical burns and it also penetrates deeply into tissues, where it binds to calcium and magnesium in the body. This can lead to serious electrolyte imbalances, resulting in muscle weakness, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, and even death. In pets, exposure typically occurs through ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation of vapours.

Clinical signs of ingestion may include drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If the skin is exposed, redness, swelling, and severe pain may develop. These signs may be delayed, which can make early recognition challenging. Importantly, even small exposures can lead to life-threatening complications. Following any exposure, prompt decontamination and veterinary treatment are critical. Treatment may include aggressive flushing of exposed areas, pain control, intravenous fluids, calcium supplementation, and in severe cases, intensive monitoring for cardiac effects. To minimise risk to pets:

✅ Avoid storing hydrofluoric acid-containing products in homes with animals.

✅ If these products are essential, keep them in locked cupboards well out of reach of pets.

✅ Dispose of cleaning products or vehicle maintenance chemicals according to label directions.

✅ Clean up any spills immediately and restrict pet access to treated areas until completely dry and safe.

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to hydrofluoric acid, contact the Animal Poisons Helpline or your veterinarian immediately even if your pet looks well. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917-722-5958 (CAN). If you are a member of a veterinary team you can also join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. To stay up to date with the latest pet poison alerts and receive updates directly to your inbox, visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date and subscribe.

17/04/2025

🌸 Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as the Madagascar periwinkle, is a perennial flowering plant in the Apocynaceae family. It is widely used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive, star-shaped flowers, which come in a variety of colours. The most common variety is bright pink with a slightly darker centre. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this plant is also valued for its significant medicinal properties, as it contains the alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine, which are used in chemotherapy for cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma.

Although reports of companion animals ingesting this plant are uncommon, Madagascar periwinkle has the potential to cause poisoning if ingested. In cattle and sheep, repeated ingestion over several days has been associated with neurological signs such as unsteadiness and tremors. Other possible effects include hypotension (low blood pressure), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Because of its chemotherapeutic properties, ingestion may also lead to bone marrow suppression; however, this risk is not well characterised in animals.

While it is not necessary to remove this plant from the home, pet owners should be mindful to:

✅ Keep toxic plants in areas that are inaccessible to pets, such as on high shelves, in hanging baskets, or on tall stands.

✅ Be cautious with clippings and dispose of plant debris in a secure outdoor bin away from your pet.

✅ Provide alternative safe greens, such as pet grass, to redirect chewing behaviour.

Ensuring the wellbeing of your pet is paramount, but veterinary care for poisoning can be costly. Toxic plant exposures may require diagnostics, hospitalisation, or even specific antidotes. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in these events. The Animal Poisons Helpline is proudly sponsored by Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance, which is currently offering two months of their Nose-to-Tail Cover free during the first year for Helpline followers. Visit https://quote.bowwowinsurance.com.au/?promo=AP368 for more information.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free expert advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on:

📞 1300 869 738 (Australia)
📞 0800 869 738 (New Zealand)
📞 3106 4216 (Singapore)
📞 (917) 722-5958 (United States)
📞 +1917-722-5958 (Canada)

If you suspect your pet has ingested Madagascar periwinkle or any other poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poisons Helpline immediately. If you’re a veterinary professional, we invite you to join our Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group, which is regularly updated with toxicology tips and emerging trends in animal poisonings.

Animal Poisons Helpline

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