PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Dog ate skin cancer cream (5-fluorouracil)? What to do
5-Fluorouracil skin cream is extremely poisonous to dogs. Even a lick or a chewed tube can cause severe vomiting, seizures and death.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Keep the tube and bring it with you.
- Go to a vet right away. Fast treatment gives the best outcome.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Signs to watch for
- Severe vomiting
- Vomiting blood
- Diarrhea, sometimes bloody
- Tremors
- Seizures
When signs appear: 30 minutes to 6 hours
Why
This cancer drug destroys fast-dividing cells. It damages the gut, nervous system, liver, kidneys and bone marrow, and many dogs that eat it die.
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline: 5-Fluorouracil
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicosis in Animals From Human Topical Agents
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Poisonings from Human Prescription Drugs
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.