Allene Tartaglia, Director of Public Relations for the Cat Fanciers' Association points out. "Part of being a responsible pet owner is to educate yourself on the many different health issues facing your pet. Removing dangerous plants from your cats home is an important part of having safer, healthier and happier pets."

Ten of the most poisonous plants are Marijuana, Sago Palm, Lilies, Tulip/Narcissus bulbs,
Azalea/Rhododendron, Oleander, Castor Bean, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe and Yew.

For more detailed information, go to http://www.aspca.org/apcc. You should take great care in selection of plants for yourself or when taking a plant as a gift to someone with a pet. In case of ingestion of any of the above plants call the ASPCA Animal Control Center at
1-888-426-4435.

Silica Gel is another cause for concern. With kitten season upon us there is some care to be taken with litter that has Silica Gel in it. It is used in many products to absorb moisture. You may have found packets of it in your new shoes. If consumed, it could cause a mild stomach upset and if a kitten were to lick litter from its paw, it may ingest enough to cause intestinal obstruction. Non-clumping litter is recommended for kittens.

Foods that could be poisonous to your pet are: alcoholic beverages, avocado, chocolate (all forms) and coffee (all Forms). Raisins and grapes were also found to be toxic in some dogs with unknown effect on other animals. All medications that you have in your home should be kept where your pet cannot get to them. Most are toxic, especially painkillers, cold medications and vitamins.

Warm weather brings with it some other concerns for your pets:

• Animal toxins — toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions
• Blue-green algae in ponds
• Citronella candles
• Flea products
• Swimming-pool treatment supplies

Car Travel Tips:
The ASPCA offers some of the following tips for car travel with your pet:

1. You should use a well-ventilated crate or carrier. It must be large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. Familiarize your pet with the crate or carrier before your trip.
2. If planning a long trip, take him on short drives first getting him used to spending time in the car.
3. Feed your pet a light meal three to four hours prior to leaving. Do not feed him in a moving vehicle, even when on a long trip.
4. Prepare a Pet Travel Kit. Include travel papers, food, bowl, leash, waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow making him feel at home.
5. Be sure your pet is wearing a collar with an ID tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number, and any other relevant contact information. Dogs should wear a flat collar, never a choke collar.
6. Animals should never ride with their head outside the window. It may cause him inner ear damage and lung infections, and flying objects could injure him.
7. Opt for bottled water or tap water from home. A different water source may cause upset stomach.

Hot Weather Tips:

1. You should never leave your pet alone in a vehicle - hypothermia can be fatal. With the windows open, a parked car can quickly become a furnace. Shade offers little protection, as the sun moves during the day.
2. Make sure playtime is in the cool of the morning or evening, but not after a meal or if it is humid outdoors.
3. Do not allow your dog to stand on hot asphalt. His body can heat quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
4. If taking your pet to the beach you must provide shade and plenty of fresh water. If he swims in the ocean he will need to be rinsed of the salt.
5. Bring pets inside during the heat of the day to rest in a cool part of the house.
6. Keep pets away from areas that may have been sprayed with chemicals. Be careful of coolant or other automotive fluid leaking from vehicles. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting just a small amount can be fatal.

CLOSING THOUGHTS
There are many web sites devoted to the welfare of your pets. You should take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the world of dangers your pet faces everyday.

We, at Animal alliance, wish you and your pet a healthy, hazard free summer.

Reference: ASPCA web site