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Pet poisoning is serious and almost entirely preventable. With diligence, pet owners can keep their companion animals safe.

Various household substances and foods found in a typical house can be poisonous to pets, and such items include:

•chocolate

•grapes/raisins

•xylitol (ar tificial sweetener)

•alcoholic beverages

•rodenticide

•acetaminophen/ibuprofen • antifreeze

• macadamia nuts

•onions

•houseplants

•mushrooms

•aloe

•cleaning products

•avocado

•flower bouquets

•veterinar y medicines (when eaten in bulk and not used as directed)

•recreational drugs Anyone who suspects a dog has ingested something toxic can contact their veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888426-4435 immediately.

In the event that a vet or poison control organization suggests inducing vomiting, pet owners can follow this formula for making an emetic to make dogs vomit. Hydrogen peroxide is an irritant to a dog’s intestinal tract and typically works within 10 to 15 minutes of being ingested. The proper dosage, according to the American Kennel Club, is one teaspoon of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide per five pounds of the dog’s body weight by mouth, with a maximum dose of 3 tablespoons for dogs who weigh more than 45 pounds. Only induce vomiting under the guidance of an expert and within two hours of the dog consuming the substance.