Thousands of dogs and cats suffer and many die each year by accidental ingestion of household poisons, including pesticides, popular houseplants, medications and common foods. As a pet owner please be aware of that many household products can be dangerous and even deadly to your four-legged family member.

Coffee grounds, fabric softener sheets, mothballs, potpourri oils, homemade play dough, dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, pennies could be dangerous for your pet.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications shall be kept out of your pets’ reach, preferably in closed/locked cabinets above the counter.

Especially a dog can easily bite into the containers and eat the content. Cold and cough medicines, painkillers, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills can be lethal to animals, even in small doses.

Read all of the information on the label before using a product on your pet or in your home. If a product is for use only on dogs, it should never be used on cats; if a product is for use only on cats, it should never be used on dogs.

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.

Make sure your pets do not enter areas in which foggers or house sprays have been used for the period of time indicated on the label.

Make sure your pets do not go on lawns or in gardens treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until they have dried completely. Always store such products in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, ask the manufacturer and/or your veterinarian for instructions.

When using rat, mouse, snail or slug baits, or ant or roach traps, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your pet. Some bait contains sweet smelling inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter or sugar that can attract your pets.