By Daniela Caride Publisher

In 2009, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic household substances, including insecticides, cleaning supplies and prescription medications. Here are the highlights…

Human meds

Once again human medications accounted for most of the emergency calls. Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up meds accidentally dropped on the floor. Remember to keep all medications, including pain meds, antidepressants and decongestants, in a cabinet far away from your pet.

Insecticides and tick & flea products

Cats and dogs are often the unwitting victims of our efforts to battle flea infestations. The misapplication of spot-on flea and tick products can be especially problematic for cats. Talk to your vet about choosing the right flea treatment for your pet and never use products made for dogs on cats and vice versa.

Human foods

Some of the most delicious people foods — including citrus, avocado and raisins — can be poisonous to pets. Ingesting chocolate accounted for nearly half of all people food-related cases in 2009. So be sure to keep the chocolate hidden from your pet.

Household cleaners

Common household cleaners such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants were on ASPCA’s list as well. These products, when inhaled by your pet, can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.

Plants

Household plants were also the cause of poisoning emergency calls in 2009. Some of them can cause serious gastrointestinal problems for your pet if he nibbles on them. Lilies, for example, can be deadly. Check out ASPCA’s toxic plant list to see if your plants are safe.

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, call your vet immediately or call the ASPCA’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435. Read ASPCA’s complete list of the 10 most common pet poisons of 2009 here.

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Citric Aurora. (Photo courtesy of Fofuras Felines on Flickr)