Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

I Think My Neighbor Poisoned My Dog, What Can I Do? Vet-Approved Advice

Written by: Ed Malaker

Last Updated on February 17, 2025 by Joe Burns

VET APPROVED

Dr. Chyrle Bonk Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Chyrle Bonk

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Discovering that your pet is the victim of poisoning is a terrifying and heart-wrenching situation, especially if you believe that your neighbor is to blame. Many of us feel that our pets are members of the family, and our initial reaction to someone hurting them might be one of anger, confusion, and a deep sense of helplessness. However, you’ll need to approach the situation with a level head and informed actions so you can get your pet the help that they need. Here’s a list of things that you can do to put this emergency behind you while keeping your dog safe.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Here’s What to Do

1. Consult a Veterinarian Immediately

At the first sign that your dog has consumed poison, try not to panic, but contact the vet immediately, as only a few minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Signs of poisoning can vary but often include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, lethargy, incoordination, and seizures. Explain the situation to your vet, who will provide instructions on what to do next, which will usually include taking your pet in for tests and treatment.

💛 🐶 Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!
PangoVet

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!


2. Gather Evidence

If you suspect foul play, try to gather any evidence that you can find, which often includes suspicious food or treats in the yard. This can be useful if legal actions become necessary. If possible, instruct someone else to do it while you contact the veterinarian, as it might help the vet determine what type of poison your dog ate.


3. Report the Incident

Once your dog is safe, report the incident to the local authorities. Filing a report is crucial because it creates a formal document that might be important in future legal actions and alerts the right people about potential dangers in the community.

police, cop, police uniforms
Image Credit: cocoparisienne, Pixabay

4. Install Cameras

Consider installing cameras on your property to catch any poisoners in the act. In many cases, cameras can also deter crime, even if they aren’t properly connected.


5. Communicate With Your Neighbor

If you have reason to suspect that one of your neighbors is behind the attack, it can be helpful to have a direct but calm conversation with them to see if there is a reason behind it. In many cases, the neighbors didn’t know that they were putting a dog in danger and were only trying to eliminate a rodent problem or another pest. A calm conversation can help you determine your neighbor’s intent and allow you to inform them of how their actions hurt your dog so that they can use other methods to fix their issue that won’t endanger your pets.

brown and white concrete house under blue sky during daytime
Image By: Dillon Kydd, Unsplash

6. Seek Legal Advice

If a calm conversation is not practical, it only leads to hostility, or it turns out that they were indeed trying to harm your dog, you may choose to seek legal advice from a lawyer who specializes in animal law. Legal professionals can advise you on how to proceed from there.


7. Brush Up on the Law

Learning and understanding your local laws is vital when it comes to the legal actions that you can take, and they can vary depending on where you live. Check your state and local government websites, and talk with local animal shelters and officials to learn more about the laws in your area.

young woman looking her laptop while holding a cup of coffee in the kitchen
Image By: Josep Suria, Shutterstock

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Induce Vomiting If My Dog Eats Poison?

No. The best thing to do when you discover that your dog has ingested poison is to contact the vet immediately and follow whatever advice they provide.

Is It Illegal to Poison Dogs?

Yes, poisoning a dog is considered to be animal abuse and is illegal in all 50 states, with punishments varying from time in prison to hefty fines.

How Can I Protect My Dog From Poisoning?

Keep a constant watch on your dog when they are playing outside and install security cameras around your property. Secure the yard with a tall fence if possible.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Even if you suspect that a neighbor has poisoned your dog, don’t panic or do anything rash. Consult your vet immediately to get advice on what steps to take to get your pet out of danger. Then, scan your property for any clues and evidence about what might have happened and collect whatever you find to give to the vet or authorities later. Once your pet is out of danger, you should report the incident and install cameras around your property. If you can keep your cool, talk with your neighbor to hear their side of the story to see if it was an accident, but if it only leads to hostility, you may need to seek legal advice and brush up on the law to prevent any future actions against your pet.


Featured Image Credit: EugeneEdge, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Comments

2 thoughts on “I Think My Neighbor Poisoned My Dog, What Can I Do? Vet-Approved Advice”

  1. My neighbor admitted to me he poisoned my dog. I have him on video where he says this and that my dog wasn’t the only one. He also states that my dog and others would go and poop in his garage and that he was tired of it. I filed a police report and according to them, he said he was only trying to protect his goats that were never even mentioned in his confession with me & that he shouldn’t have under city limits. He also said the dogs wouldn’t do no harm to them he just was tired of cleaning after them. He also told the officer he made meat and added coyote poison; I believe he baited the animals into his property rather than them just going in. According to many the case doesn’t seem that bad, I want justice for my dog as well as the others found dead. What can I do? This happened in Texas. 9/17/24

    1. Hi Litzy, We're really sorry to hear about what happened to your dog, that must be incredibly distressing. It sounds like you've already taken all of the right steps, unfortunately, we can't give legal advice as we are not lawyers, but websites like justanswer.com might be able to assist?
      Your feelings are completely valid, and seeking justice for your dog is important. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family, or professionals during this tough time.

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.