(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) is sharing tips to help keep your new family member safe for National Pet Poison Prevention Week.

According to HSPPR, in 2024, the Animal Poison Control Center received over 400,000 emergency calls. HSPPR said that by following a few steps, you can keep your pets safe.

Step One: Check houseplants

HSPPR said dogs like Everett are going to sniff, lick, and maybe even nibble on everything in sight because they are curious. HSPPR said some common houseplants are actually toxic to pets and can cause upset stomachs or worse, like lilies, which can cause kidney failure in cats. HSPPR recommends doing your research and swapping any toxic plants for pet-safe alternatives.

Step Two: Kitchen Safety

Along with chocolate, other no-go foods are onions, grapes, coffee beans, macadamia nuts, and even some peanut butters. A food ingredient called xylitol can cause liver failure if ingested in large amounts. HSPPR recommends keeping people’s food out of reach of pets.

Step Three: Lock up medications and chemicals

HSPPR warns pet owners to keep medications, vitamins, and cleaning supplies out of reach of pets. Common medications such as ibuprofen can cause internal bleeding, kidney failure, or even seizures in pets.

Step Four: Outdoor awareness

Dogs like Everett love to sniff everything outside, however, yards, garages, and daily walks can have dangers such as fertilizers, pesticides, and unsecured trash. HSPPR recommends keeping an eye on your pets to make sure they are not sampling something sketchy.

Step Five: Be emergency-ready

HSPPR said to save your vet’s number and closest emergency vet’s contact information in your phone, as even with the best precautions, accidents can happen.

HSPPR said poison prevention can keep pets like Everett stay, happy, healthy, and out of trouble.