PET PROOFING YOUR HOME - Can you recognize Poisons & Hazards? Damaging Medications Pain Killers such as ACETAMINOPHEN (Tylenol), NAPROXEN (Aleve), and IBUPROPHEN (Advil) can cause kidney failure, stomach ulcers, and liver damage in as little as a tablet. Flush medications down the toilet instead of using trash. NEVER give your pet ANY medication not under the direction of your vet. Keep all medications (otc/prescription), Diet pills and multivitamins (especially those containing Iron) securely locked out of reach. Dangerous Plants and Treatments Ingestion of common house plants can be fatal! Remove azalea, oleander, mistletoe, sage palm and yew plant material from home. Remove all lilies from homes with cats. Consult with the manufacturer of fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides before use. Allow all chemicals to dry completely before allowing pets to enter. Store chemicals in secured area. Deadly human foods CHOCOLATE, GRAPES, RAISINS, coffee grounds, alcohol, BREAD DOUGH, cigarettes, macadamia nuts and other human foods in small amounts can also be highly toxic and fatal to your pet. Do not feed human food to pets without first consulting the poison control center or your veterinarian. Keep human foods in secured cabinets (child locks work well) Everyday Household Hazards Many simple household items are toxic in very small quantities. Do not allow your pet to access pennies, mothballs, potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, Lysol, dishwasher detergents, homemade play dough or hand & foot warmers. Keep automobile chemicals in secure storage. Remove cleaning supplies from the reach of pets. Don't allow pets to access areas containing rat & mouse baits, and or roach traps, or snail & slug baits and NEVER allow pets to access animals that can contacts these baits. Remove pets from areas of spillage before cleaning the area.   WINTER PET CARE TIPS: For inside animals, add protective screens around fireplaces and install carbon monoxide protectors Keep the thermostat level; animals are sensitive to temperature changes. Regular brushing of the coat helps distribute natural oils to the skin. Inspect paws regularly for cracked pads, broken nails, or snow/ice damage Signs of frostbite include: red or swollen areas of skin Watch pets for hypothermia (lowering of body temperature) Add straw to doghouse for insulation. For outdoor cats, provide a snug, warm bed off the cold ground Outdoor pet's water bowls can freeze Antifreeze poisoning : Antifreeze smells good and taste great to pets, if you suspect antifreeze-poisoning transport to vet immediately , do not wait for symptoms to appear. It will be too late. Outdoor cats get into car engines for warmth. Knock on hood or honk horn before starting engines. Outdoor dogs and cats need shelter out of the cold, wind and elements. Bring Pets in if weather conditions are severe.   Symptoms of hypothermia: Mild Symptoms: Low body temperature (90 - 94 degrees) Mental depression Lethargy Weakness Shivering Moderate Symptoms: Low body temperature (82 - 90 degrees) Low heart rate Stiff muscles Decreased respiratory rate Stupor Severe Symptoms: Low body temperature (less than 82 degrees) Coma, fixed and dilated pupils Inaudible heart sounds Difficulty breathing Mild cases of hypothermia may be treated by: Drying the body surface if the animal is wet. Wrapping the animal in towels or blankets Applying an external heat source (hot water bottle, heating pad, electric blanket) Bathing the pet in warm water if the above methods are not available   DO NOT APPLY HEAT SOURCE DIRECTLY TO SKIN ALWAYS SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FROM YOUR VETERINARIAN AFTER YOUR PET IS STABILIZED