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Step 1
Program the number to the Animal Poison Control Center in your phone - (888) 426-4435. It is available 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. Be prepared to provide the breed, age, sex, weight, and symptoms of your pet.
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Step 2
Keep a pet carrier easily accessible if you need to rush them to the veterinarian. Also, keep a muzzle handy if your dog is prone to biting when scared or over-excited.
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Step 3
Create a first-aid kit with the following items: Syrup of Ipecac, Toxiban Activated Charcoal, Veterinary handbooks, turkey baster or syringe (to administer medicines), saline eye solution, artificial tear gel (to flush toxins), mild shampoo (to bathe after skin contamination), and tweezers (to remove stingers and stickers).
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Step 4
Lilies and azaleas are two common household plants that can be harmful to some animals. Keep all plants where your dog can't get to them.
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Step 5
Keep all medications where your pet can't get to them, even over-the-counter drugs. Ibuprofen is especially harmful to dogs.
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Step 6
Know what foods can be harmful to your dog. You should never give your dog alcohol, coffee, avocados, onions, or grapes.
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Step 7
Never use any product on your dog that is not specifically formulated for them. Always read product labels.
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Step 8
Educate yourself. You are less likely to panic in an emergency situation if you have already educated yourself. Also, you will be reassured to know you have the Poison Control and veterinary phone numbers stored in your phone, as well as a complete first-aid kit.
