Anyone who has a pet will agree that they are family members. If you have a pet living in your home, then you’re responsible for pet safety.

Unfortunately, there are more than 100,000 cases of pet poisoning in the U.S. every year, many of which are the result of common household substances. To ensure California pet owners are aware of these potential dangers, March has been designated Pet Poison Prevention Month.

Improve Pet Safety by Understanding Poison Risks

The odds are that you do everything possible to keep your pets safe. However, there are many common household items and foods that can poison your pet if you’re not careful.

The following are a few of those items that you should be aware of:

• Flea and tick products – The anti-flea and tick products you spray on your pet’s coat may protect them against flea and tick bites, but they can also be poisonous if your pets ingest them.
• Herbal products – Any type of herbal supplements you’re taking can prove deadly for your pets.
• Household products – Many common household products contain chemicals that can poison your pets. These include products such as bleach and paint thinners.
• Human food – Certain foods cause severe allergic reactions in different types of pets. Some of the more toxic foods for pets include:
  • Alcohol
  • Avocados
  • Chocolate
  • Grapes
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Raisins
• Medications – Any medications you take can poison your pet, including over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and cold relievers. Almost all prescription medications, including antidepressants, can poison your pets as well.
• Plants – Certain plants can be toxic to your pets if ingested. Such plants can include azaleas, daffodils, lilies, sago palms, and tulips.

Keep Your Pets Safe from Poisonous Products

As you can see, there are many household products that are a risk to pet safety. Understand the poison dangers of the products around your home and make sure that you keep them away from your pet.

For more safety awareness tips for the California home, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store.