The best way to save your pet from an accidental poisoning is to know which items are poisonous and to keep those out of your pet's reach.

What do you need to know?

We touched base with Dr. Steven Hansen of the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center to find out.

Some poisonings are a result of something an animal gets into, like a household product. But a surprising number of cases come from something intentionally given to an animal by an owner who's trying to help. The classic example of the latter is when an elderly cat is given an extra-strength acetaminophen for arthritis. The owner is trying to help, but unfortunately, even one capsule of this common human medicine can kill a cat.

Dogs can find ways into trouble their owners never envisioned. This includes opening cabinets to get cleaning products and counter-surfing to reach food items and pill vials.

You need to realize that pets are basically like toddlers who can open any childproof container, and you should take similar precautions:

• Keep products such as medications, harmful foods and cleaning products in a secure cabinet above countertop height.

• Use a kitchen garbage can with a lid.

• Always read labels, especially on flea and tick products, and on lawn and garden products. Store out of reach in a high cupboard, not under the sink.

• Be familiar with the plants in and around your home, and have only nontoxic plants.

• Never give any medication or supplement to your pet unless recommended or approved by your veterinarian.

• Many toxic substances aren't well-known to dog owners. For example, don't let your dog have significant amounts of raisins or grapes, macadamia nuts, moldy cheese, chocolate, onions, garlic or anything made with xylitol, which is a deadly ingredient for pets. If xylitol is in something in your home, your dog needs to be protected from it.

• Once preventive measures are in place, you need to know the signs of poisoning. Many (but not all) substances first cause stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. It's not fun, but vomit must be examined for evidence of chewed packaging, plants, food, pills or other important clues.

Many poisonings progress to weakness and depression or nervous stimulation, including tremors and seizures. Pets may stop eating and drinking, or may drink excessive amounts, which could suggest liver or kidney involvement.

Rapid or slow breathing, with changes in tongue and gum color – from pink to white, blue or brown – is important.

If you suspect poisoning, stay calm. Panicking will not help your pet and may waste precious time. If your pet is not showing any serious signs of illness described above, contact your regular veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, to determine if your pet needs to be seen, or if treatment needs to be given at home before you head to the veterinarian.

If your pet is having difficulty breathing, is having seizures, is bleeding or is unconscious, go to your regular veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately. Take any evidence including chewed containers and labels and even vomit. This information is key to helping your veterinarian save your pet.

Be sure to always keep handy the numbers of your pet's regular veterinarian, your local veterinary emergency clinic and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. It could save your pet's life.

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Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Email them at petconnection@gmail.com or visit www.petconnection.com. Back columns: www.sacbee.com/spadafori.