How to Keep Your Pet Safe

Pets can be poisoned by common household products, plants and foods. Make your home poison-proof. Follow these tips to protect your pets.

• Keep the telephone numbers for your veterinarian, an emergency clinic and the Poison Control Center in a convenient location.
• Keep household cleaning products out of reach of your pets, such as in cupboards or on high shelves.
• Throw away empty containers in a place where your pet will not play with them.
• Quickly clean up spills of gasoline, cleaning solvents and antifreeze. Antifreeze is especially dangerous because pets and children like the taste. Even a small amount can be fatal.
• Keep pets out of the area when using fertilizer, insecticides or herbicides.
• If you drop a pill, pick it up quickly. Human medications can be dangerous for pets. Never give your pet medication unless specifically prescribed by a veterinarian. Keep medications in a cabinet.
• Make sure the plants in your home and yard are not toxic. Check our plant list for more information.
• Use flea and tick sprays, shampoos and collars cautiously. Follow the directions. If your pet doesn’t act normally after you use these, discontinue use, rinse your pet in clean water and call your veterinarian.
• Put ant traps and rat and mice poison where pets can’t get to them.
• Keep alcohol away from your pet.
• Give your pet safe toys to chew on.
• Make sure you know what types of foods are safe for pets.
• Check our list of products and plants harmful to pets.
• Keep your pet in a pet-safe area when you’re not home.
• Store automotive products such as oil, gasoline and antifreeze where pets can’t access them.