- Don't panic. Rapid response is important, but panicking can interfere with the process of helping your pet.

- Take 30 to 60 seconds to safely collect and have at hand any material involved. This may be of great benefit to your vet and/or APCC toxicologists, as they determine what poison or poisons are involved. In the event that you need to take your pet to a local veterinarian, be sure to take the product's container with you. Also, collect in a sealable plastic bag any material your pet may have vomited or chewed.

- If you witness your pet consuming material that you suspect might be toxic, do not hesitate to seek emergency assistance, even if you do not notice any adverse effects. Sometimes, even if poisoned, an animal may appear normal for several hours or for days after the incident.

Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

The telephone number is (888) 426-4435. There is a $55 consultation fee for this service.

Be ready with the following information:
- the species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved
- the animal's symptoms
- information regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known), the amount of the agent involved and the time elapsed since the time of exposure.

Have the product container/packaging available for reference.

Please note: If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic.

Have you heard that a specific product or substance could be dangerous to your pets? Our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center set the record straight on a variety of substances, from cleaning products to popular houseplants.

Is Christmas cactus poisonous to cats?
-D.S.

D.S., Zygocactus truncactus and Schlumbergera bridgesii (both have the common name Christmas cactus) are potentially poisonous to both cats and dogs. Ingestion in dogs can result in vomiting, blood-tinged diarrhea and depression. Cats can experience the same signs, plus incoordination and appetite loss.

According to our experience, the most common effects seen are typically limited to gastrointestinal upset. However, it is still a good idea to discourage your cat from nibbling on these plants.

Someone told me that raw yeast dough could expand in dogs' stomachs, and could even be fatal. I have a hard time believing that dough could withstand the actions of powerful stomach acid. Can you enlighten me?
-MaryAnn H.

You raise an excellent question, MaryAnn. It is indeed true that raw yeast dough can rise and expand in a dog's warm and moist gastrointestinal tract, and potentially result in a life-threatening emergency. Many species of yeast (including Saccharomyces cerevisieae, which is commonly used in the leavening of bread) are actually acidophilic-that means they like acidic environments. Therefore, stomach acids may actually play a role in enhancing the rising process when raw yeast dough is consumed.