Those pills your doctor told you to take may be good for what ails you, but they could prescribe disaster for your animal companions. Last year alone, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled more than 28,000 cases of pets who'd accidentally ingested human medications including anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, flu medicines and diet pills. For example, just one regular-strength, 200-milligram ibuprofen tablet can cause stomach ulcers in a 10-pound dog. "Most pet owners simply do not know that human medications can be dangerous to pets," says Steven Hansen, D.V.M., Senior Vice President, APCC. "While these medications can be helpful to humans, they can pose a serious and even life-threatening risk to animals!"

To help get the word out about how to keep animal companions safe from accidental poisoning, the ASPCA is stepping up educational efforts during National Poison Prevention Week, March 21-27. If you share your home with a pet, please exercise the following cautions:

• Human medications are not formulated for pets; never give your animal companions medication unless you are directed to do so by a veterinarian.
• Keep all drugs in closed cabinets out of your pets' reach. Even small amounts can be lethal to pets. And keep in mind that cats have the ability to jump onto tables and countertops, where medications can easily be knocked over. Childproof containers do not deter dogs from chewing open bottles and ingesting the contents.
• Remind your guests to store their medications safely as well.
• If you suspect that your pet has ingested human medication, or any potentially dangerous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435. For more information, please visit the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center online.

According to statistics compiled by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), more than 875 instances of pet birds being exposed to potentially dangerous common household items have been reported since January 2003. As the majority of companion avians have limited activity outside their cages, poisonings are not common. But birds with free household access are at potential risk of exposure to toxicants. Our experts at the APCC offer the following poison prevention tips to keep your companion avian in the "sing" of things:

• Birds are highly sensitive to inhalant fumes, so please avoid exposing yours to fumes from self-cleaning ovens and overheated TeflonTM- or SilverstoneTM-coated pans, automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, glues and paints, insecticidal fumigants, perfume and hair spray.
• Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of beak's reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anticancer drugs, vitamins and diet pills are all examples of human medications that can be lethal to birds, even in small amounts.
• Never allow your bird access to areas in which cleaning agents are being used or stored. Should your pet ingest them, he could suffer from a range of symptoms, depending on the substance, from mild stomach upset to severe burns of the tongue, mouth and crop.
• Foods and beverages that could be dangerous to birds include:
  • avocados
  • chocolate in any form
  • coffee & tea
  • moldy or spoiled foods
  • onions & garlic
  • tomato leaves and stems
  • yeast dough

If you suspect your bird has gotten into a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For additional bird safety tips, please visit ASPCA online.