BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -  

More than 50 years ago congress decided in 1961 that the third week of March would be designated as national poison prevention week and those that are most vulnerable are our four legged family members.

More than 90 percent of all pet emergencies in 2012 were related to toxin ingestion.

So, poison prevention week is dedicated to educating pet owners on what house hold items are toxic and how to prevent it. 

Dr. Adam Landry of Bakersfield Veterinary Hospital explains what house hold item are most toxic to our pets. 

"We do encounter a lot of different things but there are some that are common to this area and pets get into most often. One would be chocolate, that's definitely one we see the most."

Chocolate is a leading cause of pet poisoning but other human foods including raisons and grapes, some things you wouldn’t expect but can cause kidney failure.

The number one pet poisonous items however, are human medications equaling 43 percent of all toxin calls.

A lot of people think you can give dogs certain pain relievers and most of them are very toxic with the exception of low dose aspirin" Dr. Landry explains. 

Rounding off the top five most toxic items, aside from human foods and medication, includes insecticides, rodenticides and vitamins and supplements.

A full list of toxins can be found on the pet poison helpline website at http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com

If you think your pet has ingested something harmful take action immediately and call your vet or the pet poison helpline at  800-213-6680.