A reptile sharing your home will be exposed to a barrage of chemicals. Even the most environmentally friendly humans maintain an assortment of chemical products in and around the home. The chemicals we use to keep our surroundings sanitary don't exist in natural habitats, so the threat of chemical poisoning will always be present for your pet herp.

Chemical poisoning can occur - with possibly fatal results - if your herp swallows, licks or has skin contact with a chemical or any chemically tainted substance or inhales toxic fumes.

Become familiar with the chemicals that can adversely affect your reptile or amphibian, since that knowledge could spell the difference between a healthy pet and an ailing one. Below are some common chemicals, and how to safeguard your herp from them.

Pesticides, fungicides and herbicides can be found on fruits and plants, and consequently, on insects that might accompany them. Protect your herp by thoroughly washing all fruits and greens. For tank decor, select only organically grown plants, and purchase greens, insects and other live food only from reliable sources. If you let your pet loose outdoors, choose organic weed killers and pesticides instead of common garden chemicals.

Chemical fumes are generated by paint, kerosene, propane and gasoline, of course. But did you know that Teflon-coated and other nonstick cookware generate chemical fumes? Products such as air fresheners and deodorizers may smell good to us, but they can be toxic to pets, including herps. Other sources of dangerous fumes include acetone, dyes, paint thinners and removers, lighter fluid, wood preservatives, self-cleaning ovens, hair sprays and other aerosols.

You should avoid using these products while your pet is in the house. Remember that fumes can travel through vents and under doors. If you simply can't avoid using them, remove your herp first, and allow the house to air thoroughly before bringing your pet back inside.

Corrosive or caustic chemicals (like petroleum products, acids and alkalis) are extremely dangerous. They will seriously burn your pet's mouth and throat tissues on contact. Should this occur, do not induce vomiting. Forcibly throwing up a corrosive substance will further damage your herp's digestive lining. Substances to watch out for include:

• Toilet bowl and drain cleaners
• Lime
• Floor, shoe and furniture polish
• Wax
• Oven cleaners

• Wood preservatives
• Dishwasher soap
• Lye
• Battery acid
• Phenol products
• Solvents
• Chlorine bleach
• Etching solutions

To protect your pet, always keep these products in a herp-proof area, and wash your hands thoroughly after using them. Of course, never store any of these items near your pet's enclosure, or where her food is stored. After cleaning the toilet bowl, keep the lid down, especially if you're pet is an iguana. Iguanas are particularly curious and investigative.

Other non-corrosive chemicals you need to be alert for include:

• Ammonia
• Bleach
• Detergents
• Phosphorus
• Glues
• Boric acid
• Carbon tetrachloride (used in liquid fire extinguishers).

Borax compounds, deodorants, fabric softeners, pine oil, and even dryer sheets should be carefully monitored as well. If you utilize any of these to clean your pet's cage or accessories, rinse thoroughly before letting your pet back into the area. If your pet wanders through the house, avoid shampooing your carpets, unless an organic cleanser is used.

Symptoms of Chemical Poisoning

Herps react differently to chemical poisoning, depending on the species, the time of day, and when they have eaten last. The following are general symptoms of poisoning:

• Breathing with mouth open or panting
• Foul smell from mouth
• Drooling
• Diarrhea
• Dry heaves or vomiting
• Lethargy
• Hyperactivity
• Rubbing mouth on ground or other surfaces
• Changes in skin color
• Scratching at face or mouth

The first thing to do is to find out which poison is responsible. If you know that a particular product is involved, read the label for the list of ingredients and for any instructions about accidental ingestion.

Immediately call your vet, the nearest animal-emergency clinic, or the National Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 4-ANIHELP (426-4435). There is a fee for the call, but the NAPCC is staffed 24 hours a day by veterinarians. If you take your herp to the vet, bring along a sample of the substance you think has poisoned her. This will help the vet determine the appropriate treatment.