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Prevention: Keeping Your Pet Safe | Preparation and Quick Action |
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Prevention: Keeping Your Pet Safe

Medical care Pet Emergency Services Inc. - Gainesville Florida It is important to know how to recognize some of the signs and symptoms that indicate your pet may be ill or need emergency care. However, adopting a proactive approach to keeping your pet safe is the best pet insurance you can have.

For example, be sure to keep household items (cleaners, pesticides, etc.) out of reach, choose non-toxic plants, and, if in doubt, keep all plants out of reach. New kittens or puppies, in particular, are notorious for getting into things and exploring the world with their noses and mouths. Be sure to provide safe toys and treats to occupy their time and keep them away from potentially dangerous household items.

Below is a brief list of just a few potential house plant and household dangers your pet might encounter. We've included a list of helpful links below that provide further information on potential dangers and how to keep your pet safe.


Toxic plants

The following plants and household substances may contain a wide variety of poisons. Most cause vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps. Some cause tremors, heart and respiratory and/or kidney problems which are often difficult for owners to interpret:

  • amaryllis
  • elephant ears
  • pot mum
  • chrysanthemum
  • poinsettia
  • asparagus fern
  • glocal ivy
  • ripple ivy
  • azalea
  • heart ivy
  • spider mum
  • bird of paradise
  • sprangeri fern
  • creeping charlie
  • jerusalem cherry
  • umbrella plant
  • crown of thorns
  • needlepoint ivy
  • dumb cane (highly lethal)

Poisonous household items

  • Acetaminophen
  • Antifreeze
  • Lead
  • Aspirin
  • Lye
  • Bleach
  • Matches
  • Boric Acid
  • Metal Polish
  • Brake Fluid
  • Mineral Spirits
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Mothballs
  • Carburetor Cleaner
  • Nail Polish & Remover
  • Christmas Tinsel
  • Paint & Remover
  • Chocolate
  • Cleaning Fluid
  • Perm Solutions
  • Deodorants
  • Phenol
  • Detergents
  • Photo Developer
  • Disinfectants
  • Rat Poison
  • Drain Cleaner
  • Rubbing Alcohol
  • Dye
  • Shoe Polish
  • Fungicides
  • Sleeping Pills
  • Furniture Polish
  • Soaps
  • Gasoline
  • Suntan Lotions
  • Hair Colorings
  • Tar
  • Herbicides
  • Turpentine
  • Insecticides
  • Windshield Fluid
  • Kerosene
  • Wood Stains
  • Laxatives

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