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Dog ate liquid potpourri? Toxic: what to do now

Liquid potpourri can cause chemical burns to a dog's lips, tongue, gums and throat, and breathing trouble that may start hours later.

If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now

United States

ASPCA Poison Control+1 (888) 426-443524/7, 365 days a year · A consultation fee may apply · Run by the ASPCA for pet owners and vets.
Pet Poison Helpline+1 (855) 764-766124/7 · A fee applies; their website has the current price · Serves the US, Canada and the Caribbean.

Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI

United Kingdom

Animal PoisonLine+44 1202 50900024 hours a day · A fee applies; their website has the current price · Run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service for pet owners; for collapse, fits or breathing trouble, call your vet.

Canada

Pet Poison Helpline+1 (855) 764-766124/7 · A fee applies; their website has the current price · Serves the US, Canada and the Caribbean.

Australia

Animal Poisons Helpline1300 869 73824/7 · From A$79 per consultation; their website has the current price · Staffed by poisons information consultants with emergency vet or pharmacy backgrounds.

New Zealand

NZ Animal Poisons Helpline0800 869 73824/7 · Charges apply · The NZ National Poisons Centre does not advise on animals and refers pet owners here.

Belgium

Centre Antipoisons / Antigifcentrum070 245 245Animal questions: weekdays 8:00 to 16:00; weekends and public holidays 10:00 to 16:00 · Free call · Human poison center that also takes animal questions; human emergencies get priority, so call your vet first.

France

CNITV (Centre National d'Informations Toxicologiques Vétérinaires)+33 4 78 87 10 408:30 am to midnight, every day · Veterinary poison center that answers vets and pet owners; call your own vet first if you can.

JM

Pet Poison Helpline+1 (952) 853-171624/7 · A fee applies; their website has the current price · Serves the US, Canada and the Caribbean. This is the number it gives for other Caribbean islands; it also lists a toll-free number for the Caribbean, +1 (877) 416-7319.

PR

Pet Poison Helpline+1 (877) 416-731924/7 · A fee applies; their website has the current price · Serves the US, Canada and the Caribbean; this is its toll-free number for callers in the Caribbean and the US Virgin Islands.

Singapore

Animal Poisons Helpline+65 3106 421624/7 · Ask about the fee when you call · Australia-based animal poison service; this is the Singapore number listed on its site.

Switzerland

Tox Info Suisse14524/7 · Swiss poison center that also tells owners how risky an animal exposure is; from abroad call +41 44 251 51 51.

TT

Pet Poison Helpline+1 (952) 853-171624/7 · A fee applies; their website has the current price · Serves the US, Canada and the Caribbean. This is the number it gives for other Caribbean islands; it also lists a toll-free number for the Caribbean, +1 (877) 416-7319.

VI

Pet Poison Helpline+1 (877) 416-731924/7 · A fee applies; their website has the current price · Serves the US, Canada and the Caribbean; this is its toll-free number for callers in the Caribbean and the US Virgin Islands.

Find an emergency vet

Liquid potpourri and dogs: key facts

Verdict: Toxic · Emergency: get help now
What it can do: Drooling, pawing at the mouth or face, red or burned lips, gums or tongue, swollen tongue and vomiting. All 8
How fast: Mouth signs soon after; breathing noises can start 6 to 12 hours later
What to do now: Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
Sources: VCA Animal Hospitals, Merck Veterinary Manual. Reviewed 9 October 2026.

What should I do if my dog ate liquid potpourri?

Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
Wash any potpourri off the skin or fur with liquid dish soap.
Seal the bottle in a bag and bring it to the vet.

Don't

Don't make your dog vomit or give activated charcoal unless a vet tells you to.

Symptoms to watch for

Drooling
Pawing at the mouth or face
Red or burned lips, gums or tongue
Swollen tongue
Vomiting
Low energy
Fever
Noisy or hard breathing

When signs appear: Mouth signs soon after; breathing noises can start 6 to 12 hours later

Why

Many liquid potpourris contain cationic detergents, which burn the mouth, skin and eyes much like strong alkalis. Only a few licks can be harmful.

Sources

Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.

General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.