Other Health Hazards

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	Our pets rely on us to give them food, shelter, attention, medical care and training. In return, they give us companionship, protection, enjoyment and love. They also need for us to be aware of potential hazards which may not be immediately obvious to us or them.


	Prevention is obviously the best option, but we should ALWAYS be prepared in the event that our pet becomes poisoned despite our efforts. Keep phone numbers for your veterinarian, local emergency veterinary service and the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-ANI-HELP) in a convenient and conspicuous location.


		Indoor Hazards

	Some foods that may be harmful: Alcoholic Beverages Avocados (toxic to birds, mice, rabbits, horses, cattle and dairy goats} Chocolate (baker's, semi-sweet, milk, dark) Coffee (grounds and beans) Hops (used in home beer brewing) Macadamia Nuts Moldy Foods Onions, onion powder Potato leaves and stems (green parts) Rhubarb leaves Salt Tea (caffeine) Tomato leaves and stems (green parts) Yeast, yeast dough

Medications

An overdose or wrong use of a medication prescribed for your pet can be seriously harmful. Always keep tubes and bottles where pets cannot get to them.

Since the body chemistry of humans, dogs and cats are all different, it is important to keep our animals away from all medications. Do not give any of your medications to your pet, including over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, cough or cold medicines or decongestants. Never give your dogs medication to your cat.


	Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, anti-depressants, vitamins and diet pills are all examples of human drugs that can be lethal to animals.

	Plants Many household plants are potentially harmful to your pets. For more information, visit our poisonous plants page.

	Insecticides Read all instructions carefully before using any insecticide, including flea treatments for your pet. Keep all mice, rat, roach and ant baits in areas which are inaccessible to them. Keep packaging materials and the dates that the bait was put out in case your pet does accidentally ingest it. Emergency care may depend on this information.

Household Chemicals

Keep all household cleaners and detergents where your pets cannot get into them. This may mean removing your pet from the room where you are using such materials. Mothballs, potpourri oils, coffee grounds, homemade play dough, fabric softener sheets, dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are all potentially lethal to animals.


	Outdoor Hazards

		Items that should be kept away from your pet are: Gardening and lawn care supplies Automobile supplies (especially anti-freeze and windshield washer fluid) Construction or remoldeling equipment and materials.


	If your pet should get into paint, stains or varnish, DO NOT use paint thinners or removers to clean the animal. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center for removal instructions.


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