My dog ate psoriasis cream (calcipotriene / calcitriol) — what should I do?
🚨 RED — Go to an emergency vet NOW
Vitamin D analogue that is toxic at microgram doses: dangerous calcium rise and kidney failure, even from chewing a tube.
What to do now
- Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed.
- Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
- Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
- Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
📋 What to tell the vet / poison line
Have this ready when you call — it speeds up advice.
PawPanic rating: RED
Pet Poison Helpline charges an $89 per-incident fee (follow-ups included); ASPCA Poison Control says a consultation fee may apply. Your local emergency vet is also an option — call ahead on the way.
Why it's a problem
Vitamin D analogue that is toxic at microgram doses: dangerous calcium rise and kidney failure, even from chewing a tube.
Symptoms to watch for
Vomiting, thirst, increased urination, weakness, kidney failure.
When: 12-36 hours
Frequently asked questions
Is psoriasis cream (calcipotriene / calcitriol) dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Vitamin D analogue that is toxic at microgram doses: dangerous calcium rise and kidney failure, even from chewing a tube. Treat it as an emergency and contact an emergency vet or animal poison control immediately.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate psoriasis cream (calcipotriene / calcitriol)?
Vomiting, thirst, increased urination, weakness, kidney failure.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats psoriasis cream (calcipotriene / calcitriol)?
12-36 hours
What should I do if my dog ate psoriasis cream (calcipotriene / calcitriol)?
Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed. Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
Who can I call for help?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.
Dose guidance
Toxic at microgram doses; no safe home threshold. Any amount = RED.
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline: calcipotriene
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) — vitamin D3 analogues
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Vitamin D Poisoning in Dogs
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-14. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: calcipotriene, calcipotriol, dovonex, taclonex, calcitriol, psoriasis cream · Category: Medication · Last reviewed 2026-10-14