You must treat your pets as you would a small child. Keep ALL detergents, chemicals, and medications well out of reach.

Many people assume that cats are too fussy or too smart to be poisoned. But due to their small size, grooming habits and metabolism, poisoning can be a serious risk for cats.

Depending on the particular poison ingested, pets may show signs as varied as vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, seizures, jaundice, difficulty breathing, skin irritations and dermatitis.

Many everyday items are toxic and need to be kept away from your pet. For example, household chemicals, insecticides, rat and mice killers, antifreeze, oils, snail baits and slug baits must be kept out of reach of pets

Never give any human medicines to your pet without checking with your vet. Some can be fatal.

Lead poisoning from flaky lead based paints during renovations of old houses is a common problem. There are also various plants and foods which can be harmful to your pet.

It is extremely important that if you suspect that your pet has been poisoned that you seek veterinary advice immediately. It is helpful, especially in the case of rat and snail bait, if you can take a sample or the packet with you to the vet as it provides the vet with important information and will assist in treatment.