How to Keep Your Dog From Being Poisoned or Lost

Your pets can be poisoned too. Follow the same poison- prevention tips given for children to protect your animals. The following are some additional tips specifically for your pet:

* Never give your pet any medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinarian. Many human medications can have dire consequences to animals, even in small amounts.

* Never give your dog chocolate. Dogs are particularly sensitive to chocolate, and it is extremely poisonous for them.

* Be careful with your pets around houseplants. Many common household plants can cause kidney damage to your pets if swallowed.

* Keep all medications out of an animal’s reach; you’d be surprised how easily some of them can get into a closed medicine bottle.

* Keep hydrogen peroxide available in case you need to make your animal vomit due to a poisoning. Do not give the peroxide unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian or a poison center.

* When treating your animal for ticks and fleas, read all product labels before you begin. Follow the safety recommendations given for both of you.

* Clean up areas in your driveway or garage where chemicals have been drained or leaked. A small amount of many chemicals can be fatal to an animal.

* Be aware of neighborhood poisons that may be lurking for your pet.

Finding a lost pet

* Put up signs in a two- to four-block radius of your home.

* Notify the mailman and neighbors.

* Check all animal shelters in your vicinity on a regular basis.

Vaccination and licensing information

* Remember that your dog must be vaccinated for rabies and you must have the rabies certificate available to obtain a license.

* The Orange County Animal Shelter provides low-cost rabies clinics on the first Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

* Contact your local veterinarian, who may offer or know about low-cost vaccination clinics.

* Such clinics may also be available at local pet stores.

What to do if you receive a citation for not having a dog license.

* You need to obtain a license before the court date.

* Once your dog is licensed, the licensing clerk will verify you have obtained a dog license.

* Show the court clerk your dog license when you make your appearance.

Sources: Times reports; Orange County Health Care Agency