Dogs are like young children in that they can get themselves in serious trouble by ingesting poisonous substances around the home. If you own a pet you should try to pet proof your house exactly as you would if you had a young child or infant in the house.

There are many hazardous substances around the house that could make your pet very ill or even lead to his death so you should be aware of these things before tragedy strikes. Cleaning supplies can be extremely toxic to your pet and should never be left lying around where your pet could gain access to them. Always remove any residue on surfaces your pet may come in contact with.

Lawn products are also poisonous substances and should be used with care. If you spray your lawn or plants with chemicals you should be aware of the fact that your dog may lick or eat plants and grass and become seriously ill. Pets licking their paws after contact with chemicals can develop intestinal damage and even die. Plant sprays and treatments can be high toxic to pets and you should read a product's instruction leaflet carefully before using the product. If in doubt ask your vet if it's safe to use a certain product and how much time should elapse before you allow your pet back into the yard.

Medicines are very dangerous for your pet and should be kept in cabinets out of the reach of your pet. Pets love to sniff and explore and can get into cabinets so always make sure your cabinets aren't accessible to your pet, it's always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Aspirin is a very dangerous substance to a pet. Never leave aspirin lying around the house as it can alter the oxygen level in your pet causing him to swell, vomit and even die. If your pet displays symptoms such as vomiting, excessive salivation, seizures, tremors or excessive urination you should investigate immediately, he may have ingested something poisonous lying around the house. Pay attention to how you store cleaning supplies and lawn products, prevention is infinitely better than the cure in this instance. Also always be sure to dispose of dangerous substances safely; never simply throw something in the trash can assuming your pet won't have access to it.

Never give your dog medication intended for human use as it could make your pet very sick and even lead to death. The best person who can give you advice on treatment is your vet. Vets will sometimes prescribe human medication for your dog but you should never under any circumstances attempt to administer any drugs to your pet without the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

If you practice the same care and caution you would if you had a toddler in the house, your pet should be safe from the many hidden dangerous lurking in most households. Your vet should be able to provide you with a list of common household dangers you should look out for.

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