Be aware of the plants you have in your home and yard. The
ingestion of azalea, oleander, castor bean, sago palm, Easter lily
(in cats only), or yew plant material by an animal can be fatal.
Never allow your pets to have access to the areas in which
cleaning agents are being used or stored. Cleaning agents have a
variety of properties; some may only cause mild stomach upset, but
others can cause severe burns of the tongue, mouth and stomach.
Store all cleaners, pesticides, and medications in a secured
area.
Most baits contain ingredients that can attract your pets. When
using rat, mouse, snail or slug baits, or ant or roach traps, place
the products in areas that are inaccessible to your companion
animals.
Never give your pet medication unless you are directed to do so
by a veterinarian. Many medications that are safe for humans can be
deadly for animals. For example, one extra strength (500mg)
acetaminophen tablet could be fatal to a cat.
Food items that potentially could be dangerous include onions,
onion powder, chocolate (bakers, semi sweet, milk, dark), alcoholic
beverages, yeast dough, coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered
espresso beans), tea (caffeine), salt, macadamia nuts, hops (used in
home beer brewing), tomato leaves and stems (green parts), rhubarb
leaves, avocados (toxic to birds, mice, rabbits, horses, cattle, and
dairy goats), cigarettes, cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, moldy or
spoiled foods.
Many common household items can be dangerous to animals.
Mothballs, potpourri oils, pennies, homemade play dough, fabric
softener sheets, dishwashing detergent, and batteries.
Automotive products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze should
be stored in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. As little as
one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less than one
tablespoon can be lethal to a 20-pound dog.
Before buying a flea product, consult your veterinarian,
especially when treating sick, debilitated or pregnant pets.
Read all of the information on the label before using a product
on your pet or in your home. Always follow the directions.
If a product is labeled for use only on dogs, it should never be
used on cats; if a product is labeled for use only on cats, it
should never be used on dogs. Never use permethrin spot-on products
(which are labeled for dogs only) on your cat.
Make sure your companion animals do not enter areas in which
insecticidal foggers or house sprays have been applied for the
period of time indicated on the label.
If you are uncertain about the proper usage of any product,
contact the manufacturer and/or your veterinarian for instructions.
