As a pet owner, protecting your pet is likely one of your main priorities. Are you doing your part to prevent your pet from being poisoned? On average, 200 pets suffer from poison each year with the majority of these incidents being accidental. In most cases, pet owners are unaware of the hidden dangers right in their own home. It's important to familiarize yourself with some of these hidden dangers as well as some prevention tips to keep your furry friend safe.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze is known as a silent killer of animals. If your car is leaking antifreeze, make certain you clean it up right away. Antifreeze has a sweet flavor that attracts pets. However, when consumed it can lead to kidney failure or death.

Ibuprofen

It's important that you are keeping any ibuprofen away from your pet. When consumed by a pet, the ingredients in this medication can restrict blood flow to the kidneys and eats away at the lining of their stomach. Keep your pills in a secure medicine cabinet and never leave even a single pill sitting on the counter.

Azaleas

While a beautiful addition for your outdoor garden, azaleas aren't good for your pet. Azaleas contain an ingredient known as grayanotoxin. When consumed in even a small amount, it can prove fatal to your pet. It's best to avoid having this plant anywhere around your home.

Prevention Tips

As with any medical emergency, prevention is the best form of protection. Here are a couple of tips that can help you keep your pet safe and avoid an accidental poisoning.

Never leave chocolate out. Chocolate is a tasty treat for both humans and dogs alike. However, consuming chocolate can prove to be fatal for your pet. If you are enjoying chocolate make sure you are putting away any leftover pieces in an area that your pet cannot easily access.

Carefully place pest bait. Should you be having your home treated for a pest infestation, it's important that you think carefully when it comes to the location of any bait products you use. Many bait products contain ingredients that are designed to attract animals, including your dog. If consumed, bait products can cause an adverse health reaction in your animal.

When it comes to caring for and protecting your dog, you play the most important role. Make certain you are keeping your pet's health a priority by keeping dangers away from your pet. If you are concerned about your dog being poisoned, make certain you are seeking prompt medical attention from resources like After Hours Veterinary Emergency Clinic Inc.