Each year a sobering number of human medications top the list of common pet poisons. And a number of them are found in every household.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, are number one. Even small doses can cause stomach ulcers and severe kidney damage in pets. Antidepressants and pseudoephedrine (soo-dō-ef-ED-rin) in cold products can cause vomiting, increases in heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature, as well as seizures. Anti-diabetic drugs can also cause seizures by driving blood glucose levels down. Acetaminophen damages red blood cells and liver in cats and can cause liver damage in dogs. Even vitamin D supplements can cause life-threatening blood calcium spikes and kidney failure.

And the list goes on. So keep drugs stored securely and share your hugs, but not your meds, with your animal buddy.