1. Be aware of the plants you have in yourhouse and in your pet’s yard. The ingestion of azaleas oleanders mistletoe sago palms Easter lilies or yew plants could be fatal.

2. When cleaning your house never allow your pet access to the area where cleaning agents are used or stored. Cleaning products have a variety of dangerous side effects to pets. Some may only cause a mild stomach upset while others could cause severe burns on the tongue mouth and stomach.

3. When using rat or mouse balls ant or roach traps or other pest bait place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. Most baits contain sweet-smelling inert ingredients such as jelly peanut butter and sugars which can be highly attractive to your pet.

4. Never give your animal any medications unless under the direction of your veterinarian. Many medications that are safely used in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. One extra strength acetaminophen tablet could kill a cat.

5. Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of your pet’s reach preferably in a closed cabinet. Pain medications cold medicines antidepressants vitamins and diet pill s are common examples of human medication that could be potentially fatal even in small dosages.

6. Never leave chocolates unattended. Approximately one-half ounce or less of baking chocolate per pound of your animal’s body weight can cause serious problems. Even small amounts can cause pancreatic issues.

7. Many common household items have been shown to be lethal in pets. Miscellaneous items that are highly toxic even in low quantities include:

• pennies (high concentration of zinc)
• mothballs (contain naphthaleneor paradichlorobenzene) – one or two balls can be life threatening in most animals
• potpourri oils
• fabric softener sheets
• automatic dish detergents (contain cationic detergents which could cause corrosive lesions)
• homemade play dough (contains high quantity of salt)
• winter heat source agents such as hand or foot warmers
• cigarettes
• coffee grounds
• alcoholic beverages.

8. All automotive products such as oil gasoline and antifreeze should be stored in areas away from pet access. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly in a 7 pound cat and less than one tablespoon could kill a 20 pound dog.

9. Before buying or using flea products on your pet or in your household contact your veterinarian to discuss what types of flea products are recommended for your pet. Read all information before using a product on your pet or in your home and always follow label instructions. When using a fogger or house spray make sure to remove all pets from the area for the time period required.

10. When treating your lawn with fertilizers herbicides or insecticides always keep your pets away from the area until it dries completely. Always store such products in an area that will ensure no possible pet exposure.