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Pet Health
Kittens and Puppies are naturally inquisitive, which can often lead to serious injury. Here are some tips on how you can make your house safer for the new arrival.
Shocking - Young animals love to chew when they are teething. Keep electrical wires out of reach or use a pet-repellent spray.
Chocolate - Chocolate can be dangerous. It contains theobromine, a powerful stimulant that is toxic to pets. Sweets, cakes and cookies can also upset a young animal's GI tract and lead to diarrhea and vomit, which can be serious.
Treats can be threats- Never give turkey, chicken or rib bones as a treat. They can splinter and cause serious injury.
Household killers - Cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, paint, gasoline, rat poison. Keep them locked up.
Antifreeze - Pets are attracted to the odor and sweet taste of antifreeze. Store it high and tightly sealed, wiping up any spills on the garage floor. Window-washing solution also contains antifreeze. And remember, engine warmth promotes cat naps, so honk your horn to wake pets under the hood.
House plants - Poisonous plants include lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem Cherry and plant bulbs.
Grass - If you treat your lawn with chemicals, keep pets away. Read and follow label directions carefully.
Collars - Puppies and kittens grow rapidly. Collars and harnesses can be rapidly outgrown, leading to serious wounds.
Personal care items and medications - Cosmetics, shampoos, skin creams, hair "perm" solutions, depilatories, suntan lotions, sleeping pills, antihistamines, aspirin and acetaminophen can all be lethal to pets.
Bags - Don't leave plastic bags out. Inquisitive young animals, especially kittens, can suffocate.
Small appliances - Watch out for hot irons, coffee pits and space heaters. Kittens and puppies will suddenly be able to jump to hew heights.
Fireplace - Always use a fireplace screen.
Toys that are not toys - Rule of thumb: If any or all of something will fit in a mouth, it's dangerous. Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbons and, yes, even pantyhose. Because what goes in must come out, often via surgery.
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