Remember these tips to keep your pets healthy and safe

In honor of this week’s designation as National Poison Prevention week, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is alerting pet owners of some common household items that can pose a risk to their furry family members.

Household Plants
With spring around the corner, many of us are filling our homes with beautiful fresh flowers and plants. Lilies, a common spring flower, have been known to cause severe kidney damage or even death when pets ingest even a small portion of the plant. It is best to keep these flowers out of reach of your animals and consider not bringing them into the house if your pet has a history of chewing plants.
 
Medications
Many over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen are the most common human medication ingested by pets, and they can cause damage to a pet’s stomach, kidneys and liver. You should always follow your vet’s instructions and never give a pet medication not prescribed to the animal. Pill bottles as well as inhalers should always be kept out of reach as animals can easily chew through containers and accidentally ingest the medications inside.

Human Food
Who doesn’t love sharing a meal with a friend? Unfortunately, some foods should be off limit to pets. Many are aware that chocolate is a risk to dogs and cats, but other foods such as grapes, onions and macadamia nuts can also hurt your pet. Always make sure the food you’re giving to your pet does not cause any harm or toxicity issues by asking your vet or doing your own research. Don’t forget about your feathered friends either, as avocados contain a toxin called persin that can be deadly to birds, and Teflon coatings on pans have been known to cause near instant death in birds.
 
Remember, always contact your local veterinarian or a poison helpline if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous. Being informed is the best way to keep your pet and your family safe from accidental poisonings. The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center recommends always being prepared for an emergency by saving the National Poison Helpline (1-800-222-1222) in your mobile phone and practicing safe storage habits for potentially dangerous items in and around your home.