Every year hundreds of animals are unwittingly poisoned by their owners, simply because they left their medication out, they gave their pet medication meant for another species or they “treated” them to chocolate.
The most common inquiries made to veterinary surgeries worldwide – include:
Chocolate – while it might be a treat for you, chocolate can cause toxic effects in your pet. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine which is similar to caffeine and its concentration increases with its quality and type (in general, the darker the chocolate the higher the concentration). Small doses can cause various symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors and seizures
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) –  Commonly available as over the counter pain management and for cold and flu symptoms (e.g. ibuprofen). Small doses can be highly toxic and may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, gastric ulceration and kidney failure.

Flea and tick medication - these medications are very safe for your pet but if you dose your cat with medications intended for canines or a small dog with a dose intended for a big dog your pet might experience adverse reaction such as excessive drooling, vomiting and agitation.
There are many dangers to your pet in and out of the house that should be considered and, as a result, we have compiled a list of items in our advice section to help you keep them safe:

• An A to Z of pet poisons – Drugs, and health and beauty products

• An A to Z of pet poisons – household and garden items

• An A to Z of pet poisons - flowers, plants and trees

• An A to Z of pet poisons – food

Obviously, this list isn’t exhaustive and, as a result, if your pet is showing signs and symptoms that are out of the ordinary and you think it may be something they may have eaten we recommend that you seek veterinary advice straight away.