Entry for March 07, 2008/ Poison Proof Your Home

I know you have seen me post things like this before. I always think, never enough.

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO POISON-PROOF YOUR HOME?
Ready to do a littlehomework, pet parents? National Poison Prevention Week is almost here─March 16 to March 22─and because our pets depend on us to keep them safe, we think it’s the perfect time to review the harmful substances your furry explorers may encounter at home. Here are just a few ways to ensure that your household is pet poison-proof:

• Keep prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, cold and flu preparations and antidepressants behind tightly closed cabinet doors.
• Make sure chocolate, coffee andother potentially dangerous foods are kept out of pets' reach.
• When using products to eliminate fleas, ticks and other pests, follow directions exactly. Be sure the item you’re using has been formulated specifically for your pet, and check with your veterinarian before using it.
• Many common household plants such as lilies, azaleas and kalanchoe can cause surprisingly severe, even life-threatening effects in pets. Please check our complete lists oftoxic andnontoxic plants.
• Take care to use cleaning products that have been proven safe for use around pets. If you do use bleaches, detergents or disinfectants, keep your pets away from the cleaned areas until the product has dried thoroughly, and be sure to store the products in a secure place.

Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) online for lists of specific items that could be dangerous to pets. And if you fear your pet has been poisoned,don’t panic. Call the APCC hotline at (888) 426-4435. Please note that a consultation fee for this service applies.

P.S.: Got questions about dangerous household items? Why not ask our ASPCA experts directly!? Join our live Ask the APCC chat on Thursday, March 20, from noon to 2:00 P.M. in theASPCA Online Community. Dana Farbman, CVT, Senior Manager, Professional Communications, and Dr. Eric Dunayer, Veterinary Toxicologist, will be ready to answer your toughest questions about pet poison control.

Happy Friday all and have a good weekend.

susan and the Furry kids