Pets can come in contact with toxins and its ingestion can prove extremely hazardous for the pet’s health and in some cases causing irreparable damage. As a responsible pet parent one must ensure a safe and gaiety environment for the pet to grow, gallop and gel well in the home.

Many household articles that may look harmless to us can pose potential harm to our pets if consumed by them. A careful look at the content that follows below can prove extremely helpful in acquainting oneself about the substances that can lead to animal poisoning and the preventive measures. If you own dogs, cats or pet rabbits, it is likely that they move unleashed and freely within the confines of your house. Keep these essential tips in mind about how to keep your extended family away from the items that are poisonous for pets but are found commonly in most Indian homes.

#1 - Common cleaning agents should be kept at bay and out of bounds for pets.
Always make sure that all the cleaning agents and dish washing detergents are stored in a designated place where your pet’s entry is restricted. The chemicals in these products can cause ulcers in the mouth and stomach, burns in the tongue and infection in the stomach.

#2 - OMG! Pet Poison in your very own Kitchen
As part of a responsible pet care regime ensure you feed your pet dog or cat with treats and food that is specially prepared for them with all the relevant ingredients and easily available at any pet store. Human food should be avoided at all times as an animal’s metabolism is very different from that of human beings and may cause seizures or frailty in pets. You must definitely never feed your beloved dog with chocolate, grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts. Avocado that falls under the super food category for humans can cause unfavorable health issues in dogs and other pets. Cigarettes and alcoholic drinks are injurious not just to humans but animals also that too in a much greater degree.

#3 - OOPS! Insecticides and pesticides might just kill more than what you want
Pesticides and Rodenticides might not just kill the pest causing nuisance but also your four legged pal. We purchase these products to fight cockroaches, ants and insects. After use these must be placed on a shelf that is at a height that cannot be reached by your beloved.

#4 - Beautiful plants can be poisonous too for pets!
Be mindful of certain flowers and plant varieties that you ought to avoid bringing in your yard or garden. Tulips, Easter lily, rhododendrons, daffodils, sago palms, and castor beans can prove fatal if ingested by the pet.

#5 - Differentiate dog food or medicine from that of cats
Never use any item meant for only dogs on cats or any other pet and vice versa. Your pet’s life is precious hence such foolishness should never be adopted.

#6 - Your Medicine for you could be a life saver but not for your pet
Store all the human medications and supplements in a closed cupboard, which is not within the reach of your furry buddy. Pain killers, over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen & Advil, vitamins, medicines for blood pressure and cancer, antidepressants are some examples of medications that can be extremely toxic even in a miniscule dose to animals.

#7 -Don’t administer medication to your animal companion without medical supervision
Only when you are directed by the veterinarian must you give your pet the necessary medicine. Always administer the prescribed medicine in the right doses. Also for treatment of ticks in pregnant or injured pet animals, always consult the vet before purchasing an anti flea product.

#8 - No entry on fresh greens!
A garden that is freshly fertilized and treated with pesticides should be a no entry zone for the pet until the substances have entirely dried out. Also spots of the home that have been exposed to fogging and insecticidal sprays should be kept closed for the pet for the stipulated period.

#9 - Automotive products suit vehicles not pets|
Oils, gasoline and other such items for motor vehicles must be stacked in areas that are hard to find for animal buddies.

#10 - Read Label Carefully
It is extremely important to read the information and instructions on the pack/label regarding the usage of any product on your pet. In case of ambiguity one must immediately get in touch with the vet or the manufacturing company for better understanding and use.
Some common animal poisoning symptoms
This may include unusual behavior, Diarrhea, drooling, black colored stool, too much or too less urination, vomiting, nausea, tiredness, weakness and loss of appetite.

If you think your pet is poisoned immediately contact/call your vet or an Animal Poison Control Center or a dog care center. At the Animal Poison Control Center guidance is effected by vets specializing in toxicology. The certified staff members offer treatment procedures depending upon the kind of reaction and response given out to the toxic substances by the animal. These veterinary toxicologists are well versed with the diverse responses that are given out to different poisonous substances by varied animal species.

Find the poisonous product or collect the vomit so that this proof can help the vet to recognize the type of poison involved in the emergency case.

Resources for Animal Health Care (Emergency Services) in India.

People for Animals (PFA) Hospitals: PFA is arguably the most popular and trusted animal care services organisation in India and have pet care hospitals in most Indian cities like Hyderabad, Pune, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Bangalore, Agra, Dehradun and Chandigarh among others.