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14 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday April 7, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Top 10 common household hazards to pets H ousehold hazards for pets can be fatal. Medications, plants, cleaners, chemicals, candy and foods common to many homes place your pet at risk if not stored properly. Here are the top 10 items to be aware of in your home, as identified by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (based upon findings in 2006). Human medications, such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements, are commonly consumed by pets. Store all medications in a secure cabinet above the counter and out of the reach of animals. Never give your pet any human medication unless under the direction of a veterinarian. Veterinary medications should also be treated with caution. Many medications are species specific. So if your dog gets diarrhea and your vet prescribes medication, don't assume that you can use it on your cat if it also develops the same condition. Insecticides pose another risk. There are many reports of unsafe use of products that eliminate fleas, ticks and other parasites. In order to ensure that you do not poison your pet while using these products, read all labels and once again follow the advice of your veterinarian. Overusing any insecticides can be harmful. Chemicals like rodenticides, household cleaners, petroleum based products, alcohols, acids and gases can all cause serious harm. Rat and mouse poison can cause life threatening problems for your pet, including bleeding seizures or organ damage. Bait should not be placed in areas where pets have access to the bait or to animals that have consumed the bait. There are alternatives to poison to solve your rodent problems. Bleaches, detergents and disinfectants can lead to gastrointestinal problems and burns in pets. Respiratory problems are another concern if products are inhaled. Keep them out of reach of pets and keep pets out of the area being cleaned. These household cleaners can be picked up on feet and ingested when the animal cleans itself: particularly true for cats. Water and food bowls can also become dangerous if cleaned with harsh chemicals. Other chemical dangers include antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners, pool and spa chemicals and home improvement products (solvents, paints and glues). For the sake of all pets and inquisitive small children in the household, store these well out of reach. Easter is a time of celebration and family gatherings. Plants and chocolates are a natural gift to bring to families hosting get-togethers, but be aware of the potential danger you are presenting to their pets. Plants ­ Lilies, Azaleas, rhododendron, sago palm kalanchoe and schefflera - are just a few of the offending plants that if consumed can cause harm to your pet. Discourage your pet from tasting any plants as they may lead to an upset stomach even if they are not toxic. Chocolate can also be toxic to an animal. Typically the darker the chocolate, the greater the risk of poisoning. If your pet ingests even a small amount of chocolate, check in with your vet. While the list of chemical based hazards is extensive, do not underestimate the physical hazards you may have in your home. These are not toxic, but pose a risk to pets if ingested. Items that can be easily knocked over, broken, chewed up or swallowed should be kept well out of reach of animals, particularly young animals. Puppies are at highest risk, especially those with an inclination to chew or swallow inappropriate objects. Even something as small as a wine bottle cork can be life threatening. To ensure that you provide a safe home for your animals, be mindful of the top 10 hazards you may already have in your home, but didn't realize could pose a threat to your animal's wellbeing. -- Submitted by the Oakville & District Humane Society. Welcome to Spice Your Kitchen. Making Your Cooking Fun & Easy ing Fu · Knives and Garnishing Tools · Spice Racks · Small Appliances · Cookware and Tableware · Linens, Aprons and Mitts · Bakeware · Barware · Espresso Makers and Accessories Hours: Monday-Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday CLOSED River Glen Mews Plaza 2530 6th Line, Oakville (905) 257-3500 T THOMSON THOMSON METALS AND DISPOSAL SCRAP METAL RECYCLING DOING A SPRING CLEAN UP? THOMSON METALS OFFERS THE COMMUNITY A "FREE DROP OFF SERVICE" OF YOUR OLD METAL Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. - 12 noon · TV towers · dryers, freezers stoves, washers · auto body parts · bicycles · lawnmowers · Barbeques · metal window frames · TV antennas · washtubs · metal tables · batteries · pots & pans · old wiring · wheelbarrows · aluminum lawn furniture · tire rims Top Prices Paid For Your Non Ferrous Metals: ALUMINUM, BRASS, COPPER, STAINLESS STEEL Sorry, we do NOT accept PROPANE tanks or hazardous waste. Zelco Dr. Appleby Line Metal Recycling Site 961 Zelco Dr., Burlington Harvester Road 905-681-8832