Dog poisoning enquiries involving paracetamol increased by more than 40 per cent between 2023 and 2025, according to an analysis of data from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS). The figures cover actual or suspected poisoning or exposure and should not be treated as confirmed cases of poisoning.
Paracetamol enquiries rise sharply
The analysis, conducted by Mad Barn, compared enquiries recorded in 2023 and 2025. Paracetamol saw enquiries rise from 554 in 2023 to 776 in 2025, putting it among the most frequently reported agents in the latest figures.
Paracetamol is a common medicine found in many households, but veterinary guidance warns that medicines intended for people can be dangerous to pets. The Veterinary Poisons Information Service says paracetamol can cause serious problems in dogs, including damage to red blood cells and the liver. Signs of poisoning can include breathing difficulties, weakness, vomiting, swelling of the face and changes to the colour of the gums.
Other substances with bigger increases
Paracetamol was not the substance with the biggest increase between 2023 and 2025. Grapes and grape products recorded a 71.2 per cent rise in enquiries, increasing from 650 to 1,113, while chocolate enquiries increased by 68.4 per cent from 1,324 to 2,230.
Enquiries involving Allium species, including onions and garlic, rose by 53.2 per cent. Pharmaceutical vitamin D enquiries also increased, with the substance moving above paracetamol, xylitol and vitamin C in the ranking provided by VPIS.
Chocolate remains most reported
Chocolate remained the most frequently reported substance among those compared, with 2,230 enquiries in 2025. NSAIDs followed with 1,664 enquiries, while anticoagulant rodenticides accounted for 1,498. VPIS cautions that enquiry numbers do not necessarily show how toxic a substance is. The figures can also be influenced by factors such as how widely a substance is available and how easily animals can access it.
PDSA advises owners never to give their pets human medication unless it has been recommended by a vet. The charity also says owners should contact a vet immediately if they think their dog has eaten something potentially harmful. Dog owners are advised to keep medicines securely out of reach and never assume that a medicine safe for humans is safe for pets. If a dog may have swallowed paracetamol or another potentially poisonous substance, owners should contact a vet immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to develop. PDSA advises against making a dog vomit unless specifically told to do so by a veterinary professional.
