Prevent Accidental Poisonings

Many household items can prove to be lethal to your pets -- know what they are and how to keep your animals away from them. A list of household dangers is available at the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center.

Plants are often overlooked, but some plants, if ingested, cause ailments ranging from mouth irritations to stomach problems, and some can be fatal. Examples of toxic plants include azalea, oleander, castor bean, sago palm, Easter lily, azalea, rhododendrons, and Japanese yew.

People often make the mistake of thinking that people food is okay for pets. Sometimes it is, and sometimes it is not. Here are some foods to avoid giving to your pets.

• Milk is not easily digested by most adult animals and can cause them to develop diarrhea.
• Bones are very dangerous. They can lodge in a dog's passageways or cut its intestines.
• Chocolate can be lethal and should be avoided at all times.
• Onions can destroy a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia.

Also, be as vigilant at poison-proofing your house for a pet as you would be for a child. Keep cleaning products in a high, closed cabinet. There should be nothing below counter level because liquid drain cleaners, as well as tub and tile cleaners, can be lethal. Also, take precautions in the garage -- bags of insecticide and auto care liquids need to be stored high off the ground.

Another critical step in avoiding pet poisonings is to read labels. Flea control is commonly labeled specifically for dogs or cats. This is because the agents used for dogs are not safe for cats. Follow the label directions and amounts correctly.

Some pet owners may mistakenly think that the medications used to treat human symptoms will work for animals, as well. Never give your animal a human medication. Even something as simple as aspirin can be lethal to your pet. Products such as Acetaminophen and any aspirin product can cause stomach bleeding in your pet. Medications such as birth control and vitamins can also cause internal bleeding.

Cats tend to be attracted to unusual flavors, so keep them away from calamine lotion, diaper rash ointments, sunblock, and analgesic ointments. These products contain an acid related to those in aspirin and will prove toxic if ingested.

And remember, administer only medications prescribed or approved by your veterinarian.

*This article was reprinted with permission from the American Humane Association.