Watch Out! It's Poison!

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Some interesting and helpful tips about poisons your pet might get into from pawnation.com:

Sometimes it seems like our trouble-making pets will eat anything. Their hoovering ability comes in handy when you spill chicken soup on the floor (tongues being just as good as mops). But unfortunately, it's all too easy for our pets to get into substances that can harm them.

The ASPCA Poison Control Center recently released a list of the top 10 poisons that affected cats and dogs in 2009. So take note, and be sure keep these toxic substances far away from your pets in 2010!

Human Medicines
Human drugs were the top cause of pet poisoning in 2009, the ASPCA reported. Last year, the Poison Control Center managed more than 45,000 calls from people whose pets had swallowed pills such as pain relievers, cold meds and antidepressants.

Insecticides
One of the most common insecticide problems was misuse of flea and tick products. Make sure to talk to your vet about how to properly use these products.

Human Food
Most people know chocolate is dangerous to dogs. But did you know that grapes, raisins, avocados and products containing xylitol (like sugar-free gum and candy) can also be harmful to your pets?

Plants
Dozens of common houseplants, including azaleas, rhododendrons, sago palm and kalanchoe are dangerous for pets. Lilies are particularly toxic for cats, and can cause deadly kidney failure.

Vet Medicines
Almost 8,000 cases of pet poisonings in 2009 involved pets that were given medicines incorrectly. Make sure you follow instructions and talk to your vet about how to safely apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines for your cat or dog.

Rodent Killer
Poisons that are attractive to mice and rats can also smell tempting to dogs and cats. Be sure to keep your pets away from potentially deadly rodent poisons.

Household Cleaners
Bleaches, detergents and disinfectants can cause serious gastrointestinal and respiratory problems. Keep cabinets locked to prevent your pets from swallowing or sniffing the harmful substances.

Heavy Metals
You know lead poisoning is bad for babies, but it's just as dangerous for your furry friends. Keep your pets away from paint chips, linoleum, and the dust produced when you sand the walls in older homes.

Garden Products
Fertilizers and other garden chemicals can cause severe stomach upset in dogs and cats. So let your dog stop to sniff the roses, but not the fertilizer, please.

Household Chemicals
Our homes often contain a lot of chemical substances, from antifreeze to paint thinner to drain cleaner. Such substances can cause stomach upset, respiratory problems and chemical burns in dogs and cats.