This month begins a series of how to render first aid to your pet.

Information about poisoning by ingestion or topical exposure can be found on the American Veterinary Medical Association website.

In general, any products that are harmful for people are also harmful for pets.

Examples of potential poisons include cleaning products, rodent poisons and antifreeze.

Common food items may be harmful to your pet, especially those containing xylitol. The AVMA brochure Household Hazards offers a summary of what foods and common household items may pose a danger to your pet. Find it at https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/householdhazards.aspx .

If your pet’s skin or eyes are exposed to a toxic product (such as many cleaning products), check the product label for the instructions for people exposed to the product.

If the label instructs you to wash your hands with soap and water after exposure, wash your pet’s skin with soap and water. Avoid getting any into its eyes, mouth or nose.

If the label tells you to flush the skin or eyes with water, do this for your pet as soon as possible only if you can do it safely. Call a veterinarian immediately.

If you know your pet has consumed something that may be harmful, or if the animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone your veterinarian, emergency veterinary clinic or the Animal Poison Control Center hotline 888-426-4435 immediately. There is a fee for the consultation.

Have the following information available:

• Species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved

• Symptoms

• Name/description of the substance that is in question; the amount the animal was exposed to; and length of time since exposure.

• Have the product container/packaging available for reference.

Collect any material your pet may have vomited or chewed and place it in a plastic sealable bag to take with you when you bring your animal in for veterinary treatment.

Early treatment gives the best chance for recovery.