It's a fact, cats and dogs are curious by nature and love investigating new sights, sounds, smells and visitor activity within their home environment.

Whilst we all do out utmost to ensure all our family members (including our pets) are kept safe within the home, you might be alarmed at some of the 'everyday' household items that could potentially put your pets health at serious risk.

Inside The Home

• Chocolate is deadly for dogs and cats. So make sure this Christmas you don't leave that wrapped box of chocolates under the tree for your beloved pet to devour while you are out of the room.
• Human medications, including aspirin, panadol, ibuprofen, cold medicines, anti-depressants and vitamins can be toxic to your pet.
• If you own a bird make sure he is well away from the fumes generated from non-stick cooking surfaces and self-cleaning ovens. Pump and aerosol sprays can also be deadly for birds, including air freshener, deodorant, hairspray and insect sprays.
• Cooked leftovers such as chicken bones can cause serious problems for your cat or dog. Cooked chicken bones can easily shatter and cause choking. Other foods to avoid your pets 'getting their paws on' includes onions, onion powder, alcohol, yeast dough, coffee beans or grounds, avocados and any food with mould growing on it!
• Some household plants are poisonous, including zalea, lilies, mistletoe, and philodendron.
• Make sure you keep your string, yarn, rubber bands and dental floss away from playful paws as these items can potentially cause intestinal blockages or strangulation.
• Kids toys with removable parts should be kept out of reach from your pet, even some pet toys can be hazardous if they have plastic eyes or squeaky bits that can be chewed off and swallowed.

Outside The Home

• Antifreeze is one of the biggest killers of pets in some international states. Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol has a sweet taste that attracts animals, unfortunately it is deadly even if consumed in small quantities. Research shows at the 1 teaspoon can kill a healthy cat!
• Lawn chemicals, including some forms of fertiliser and plant foods, as well as insect killers such as snug pellets, can be easily accessible and fatal to pets.
• De-icing salts used to melt snow and ice are paw irritants that can be poisonous if licked off.
• Speedi-Beet a form of beet that is fed to horses can be deadly to dogs as it is kept in a dry form but once water is added it expands dramatically. Many dogs enjoy 'chowing down' on the bag of Speedi-Beet until the food starts expanding in their stomach.

If you think your pet is having a poisonous reaction please phone your vet immediately. In the USA you can contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on their hotline.