How to Prevent Accidental Poisoning of Your Pet

Beagle

In many ways pets are like children. They are curious and tend to get into things that could be harmful to them. We need to care for our pets and protect them. We can help keep our pets safe by pet proofing our homes. Accidental poisoning often results from pets ingesting substances such as household cleaners or antifreeze. Many of these poisonings could be prevented if pet owners would take a few necessary precautions.

Instructions

How to Protect Your Pet from Accidental Poisoning

1. Put household cleaners on high shelves out of reach. This is usually effective in preventing dogs from getting into household substances, but you have to go a step further with cats. Since cats can easily get into high places you may need to put latches on cupboard doors or store household cleaners in a utility closet that you can keep closed or locked. Make certain that your pet has no access to the room.

2. Keep pets out of areas such as the basement or garage where chemicals, automotive products or other potential poisonous supplies may be kept.

3. Clean up spills, leaks and other messes that may be hazardous to pets. If you're working on a car or other project wipe up spills immediately and don't leave messes or open containers lying around.

4. Don't let pets roam around outside unsupervised. Dogs and cats are notorious for tearing up garbage and putting their noses where they don't belong. Keep cats indoors. Walk your dog on a leash or keep him in a fenced in yard for his own protection.

5. Make sure your pets have a plentiful supply of food and water so that they won't be as tempted to search for their own source if they do get outside. Of course, keeping your pet well fed is still no guarantee that he won't rummage through the neighborhood garbage. Keeping your pet out of harm's way is really the best way to prevent accidental poisoning.