Here are some tips, courtesy of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, to keep your pets safe this summer season.

¢ Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets.

¢ Do not apply sunscreen or insect repellent products not labeled specifically for animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting, diarrhea), excessive thirst and lethargy.

¢ Keep matches and lighter fluid out of reach. Certain kinds of matches contain chlorates, which could damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing, or even kidney damage. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and nervous-system problems.

¢ Never use fireworks around pets. Exposure to lighted fireworks can result in severe burns to the face or paws of curious pets.

¢ Keep your pet on its normal diet. Any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals.

¢ Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of pets’ reach.

Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous-system depression, and if inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia as well.

¢ If you suspect your pet may have been exposed to a potentially toxic substance, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 immediately for assistance.