An essential part of effective pet care is creating a safe home environment. March is Pet Poison Awareness Month, and the staff at Kapolei Pet Hospital in Kapolei, HI, want to share several common household poisons that could harm your pet. By familiarizing yourself with these, you’ll not only know when you need to seek emergency treatment if something happens, but most importantly, take steps to ensure your pet doesn’t have access to them.

3 Household Poisons Every Pet Owner Should Know

1. Medication

Whether it’s basic over-the-counter pain relief pills, cough syrup, or prescription medication, anything meant to treat illnesses in humans is toxic to your dog. This also includes vitamins and supplements. As a pet care precaution, always keep your medications locked away and out of reach, as your pets may still chew through the bottle if they’re left alone long enough. If you suspect they’ve ingested any, contact a veterinarian for emergency care.

2. Chocolate

You’ll find chocolate in almost every home, and while it’s typically the most well-known poison to dogs, pet owners still manage to give them accidental access to it. Chocolate can be fatal because it has a high concentration of methylxanthine, which is harmful to pets. It can cause vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, and in the most serious cases, seizures and pulse irregularities. Keep chocolate out of reach, and remind your guests and children to always keep it away from pets.

3. Cleaning Products

Pets often have easy access to household cleaners if they’re stored under the sink. Most of these are toxic to both them and humans and can cause severe internal damage when ingested. Take pet care precautions to store cleaners in a safe space and add pet-proof locks to cabinet doors to ensure they don’t get them open.

By taking a few extra pet care steps, you can rest assured knowing your furry friends are safe. The staff at Kapolei Pet Hospital offer a variety of pet health care services and are committed to ensuring yours remain happy and healthy. Call (808) 462-8040 to schedule an appointment, and visit the website and Facebook page for more pet care advice.