Make sure your next adventure in the car is a safe and successful one by following these pointers. Manage the motion sickness. Most pets become nauseated when riding in a car, so plan ahead and talk to your veterinarian about medication to keep these queasy feelings in check before you hit the road. Get your paperwork in order. If you're traveling out of state, you need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, also known as a health certificate, for your pet. This document confirms that your pet has been examined by a veterinarian, is free from signs of infectious disease and is current on vaccinations. Visit with your veterinarian. Even if you're not traveling out of state, discuss any additional vaccinations or parasite control your pet may need if you're going to an area you've never been before. Update your pet's identification. Make sure your pet's ID tag has your cell phone number on it—or use a temporary travel ID tag with this information during your trip. If your pet has a microchip, make sure it's registered with your current contact information, too. And keep a current picture of your pet on your cell phone so you can share it in the event your pet gets lost. Check your accommodations. Make sure pets are welcome at your destination, whether it's a hotel or a friend's or family member's home. It's also a good idea to bring a kennel for your pet if you need to leave him unattended for any period of time. Think safety first. Make sure you've got an appropriately sized carrier or a safety harness for your pet. If your pet is traveling in a carrier, make sure it's level in the back seat. And consider putting a breathable piece of fabric over the carrier to conceal sights and sounds from surrounding traffic. Prepare for pit stops. Make frequent stops to allow your dog to stretch his legs and relieve himself. But think twice before using the designated pet relief areas at rest stops. With so many dogs visiting those areas, they're a prime target for unwelcome parasites and disease. Instead, take another exit and find a fresh patch of grass near a school or church (please pick up after him). Put together a pet care package. Don't forget food, water, dishes, toys, treats, bedding, leashes and collars, and your pet's medication, if applicable. Make sure your pet feels just as comfortable and safe on the road as he would at home. INFORMATION PROVIDED By DR. MARTY BECKER AND THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION GETTY IMAGES/MICHAEL PHILLIPS

The veterinarians and toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline have released their top 10 list of household items that generated the most poison consultations for dogs and cats in 2013. The items below are presented in order of frequency, with number one being the item that caused the most emergency calls to Pet Poison Helpline. If at any time you think your pet has ingested a toxin, call your veterinarian. Top 10 toxins for dogs Chocolate: Dark equals danger-ous! Baking and dark chocolate are the most toxic, and milk chocolate can be dangerous if ingested in large amounts. Xylitol: This sweetener found in sugarless chewing gum and candy, medications and nasal sprays causes a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure only in dogs (not cats). Non-steroidal anti-inflamma-tory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen, naproxen and so on, found in products such as Advil, Motrin and Aleve, are not easily metabolized by dogs; ingestions can result in stomach ulcers and kidney failure. Over-the-counter cough, cold and allergy medications: Those that contain acetaminophen or decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, are particularly toxic. Rodenticides (mouse/rat poison): These may cause internal bleeding (brodifacoum, bromadiolone and so on) or brain swelling (bromethalin), even in small amounts. Grapes and raisins: These harmless human foods may be tasty to you, but cause kidney damage in dogs. Insect bait stations: These rarely cause poisoning in dogs - the bigger risk is bowel obstruction when dogs swallow the plastic casing. Prescription ADD/ADHD medications: Amphetamines such as Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine and Vyvanse can cause tremors, seizures, cardiac problems and death in pets. Glucosamine joint supplements: Overdoses of these tasty products typically only cause diarrhea; however, in rare cases, liver failure can develop. Oxygen absorbers and silica gel packets: Iron-containing oxygen absorbers found in food packages or pet treats can cause iron poisoning. Silica gel packs, found in new shoes, purses or backpacks, is rarely a concern. What to do if your pet gets poisoned First, take a deep breath. The more calm, cool, and collected you are, the sooner you can seek the correct medi-cal attention. Then get a handle on the situation by taking the following steps: Remove your pet from the area. Make sure no other pets or children are exposed to the area, and safely remove any poisonous material. Check to make sure your pet is breathing normally and acting fine otherwise. Collect a sample of the material, along with the packaging, vial, or container. You'll need that information to help your veterinarian or a pet poison expert assess the situation. Don't give your dog any milk, food, salt, oil, or any other home remedies. Doing so will likely complicate the poisoning. Never induce vomiting without talking to your veterinarian or a pet poison expert - doing so may be harmful. Get help . Program your veterinarian's phone number into your phone, as well as an emergency veterinarian's number and a pet poison hotline number. Our number at the Folsom Vet Hospital is (916) 985-4700 There are two 24-hour hotlines: Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-668 ($35 per call) American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal's Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 ($65 per call). Remember that a pet's prognosis is always better when a toxicity is reported immediately, so don't wait to see if your pet becomes symptomatic before calling for help. Calling right away is safer for your pet and could help you save on treatment costs in the long run. Remember that there's a narrow window of time to decontaminate in cases of poisoning.