Our pets are so very dear to us. We care for their every waking moment, and for many pet owners, our pets are our children.

Like most children, pets often get into things they shouldn’t. This curiosity, however, can be life-threatening. Poisonous hazards are all over the average home. The way we childproof our homes for our human members we should also pet-proof them for our animal family members.

The experts at North Shore Animal League America want to help keep your pets safe by sharing some helpful advice on how to protect your pets from a plethora of poisonous hazards.

Medications and Vitamins:
As you would for your children, you should keep all medications – human and animal – out of your pet’s reach. Plastic bottles and child-resistant caps can easily be chewed off, so it’s best not to leave them lying around. Vitamins – especially those containing iron –can be extremely hazardous and even deadly – especially to cats.

Household Chemicals:
Cleaning supplies such as disinfectants and bleaches, personal hygiene products, potpourri, insectisides, rodenticides and just about every household cleaner can be toxic if ingested. Also remember that even if your pet rubs up against them and licks their coat, they can still fall victim to these poisons.

Outdoor Chemicals:
While we love to keep our property at its best, there may be even more reasons to “go green.” Some of the products that make are gardens grow can be deadly to our pets. Keep these harmful chemicals far away from your pets: herbicides, fertilizer, anti-freeze, pool chemicals, paint and even paint chips. Just about every outdoor chemicals can be toxic if ingested. Rule of thumb – if it’s a chemical, keep it away from your pets. Not only could they ingest them, they can also get chemical burns on their bodies.

Human Food:
There are many foods that are harmful to our pets. They range from dangerous to deadly, so be sure to keep them away from all of the following: avocados, chocolate, garlic, gum, grapes, onions, raisins and certain mushrooms.

Plants and Flowers:
Certain common household and outdoor plants can be extremely hazardous to your pets. Many can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested and some can even be deadly. Here are just a handful of plants and flowers you should keep your pets away from: lily, ferns, hyacinth, iris, tulips and especially Easter lily, tiger lily, lily of the valley and morning glory.

If You Think Your Pet Has Ingested Poison:

•Call your vet immediately and follow his directions.

•Watch your pet closely for any signs or symptoms of illness.

•Try to identify the ingested substance. Look around to see if anything has been chewed or if there is any evidence lying around. Look in your pet’s mouth for any residue of if your pet has vomited, look to see if there is any identifiable substance in it.

•Collect any evidence you find and seal it in a plastic bag or container for possible identification.

•NEVER induce vomiting yourself unless instructed by your veterinarian.

Prevention is the key to avoiding a toxic situation. However, should your pet ingest something toxic, call your veterinarian immediately. Always keep the number to your vet and a poison control hotline in quick and easy reach.