General symptoms of poisoning

Oral or skin irritation
Upset stomach / Vomiting / Diarrhoea
Weakness
Rapid breathing
Fever
Drooling
Coma
Heart failure
Depression
Excitability or lethargy
Tremors / Seizures / Fitting
Increased Thirst
Dilated Pupils
Dizziness / Loss of Balance
Disorientation

Plants that are most popular in gardens/home but are poisonous to dogs

Daffodil (especially the bulbs)
Castor oil bush (dogs love the seeds)
Cherry laurel (common hedging plant)
Laburnum (and related species)
Lilies / Lily of the Valley (especially toxic to cats)
Philodendron (popular ornamental house plant)
Azalea
Foxgloves
Ivy (some species)
Rhubarb
Yew
Christmas plants to avoid
Poinsettia
Mistletoe
Holly Berries
Many families include a Christmas tree as part of their holiday decorations. Some dogs and cats like to drink the tree water; the water itself is not poisonous, but if a fertilizer was added to the water it may be poisonous. This fertilizer may cause the pet to suffer with diarrhea and vomiting. It is better to try to prevent the pets from drinking tree water by keeping it covered.
More Poisonous Plants
Alfalfa (in quantity), Aloe vera, Amaryllis, Apple (seeds), Apricot (stone), Asparagus Fern, Autumn Crocus, Azalea, Baby’s Breath, Bird of Paradise, Box,Caladium, Calla Lily,CastoBean, Ceriman, Cherry (seeds and wilting leaves), Christmas Rose, Cineraria, Clematis, Cordatum, Corn Plant, Croton, Cuban Laurel, Cyclamen, Daffodil, Devil’s Ivy, Dieffenbachia, Dracaena, Dragon Tree, Elephants Ears, Emerald Fern, Foxglove, Geranium, Indian Rubber Plant, Ivy, Kalanchoe, Lily of the Valley, Lillies, Philodendron, Mother in Laws Tongue, Marijuana, Mistletoe, Morning Glory, Narcissus, Nephytis, Nightshade, Oleander, Onion, Peach (wilting leaves and stone),Pencil Cactus, Plumosa Fern, Poinsettia, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Pothos, Potato Plant, Primrose, Rhododendron, Swiss Cheese Plant, Tomato Plant (Green fruit, stems and leaves), Weeping Fig, Wisteria,Yew
LilliesLillies are a very popular flower and are a favourite to be included in bouquets, please be aware of giving and receiving bouquets with any poisonous flowers in them if animals will be around them. It could only take a small speck of pollen to cause a reaction. I say this from personal experience, I had no knowledge of lillies being poisonous. I had received some as a gift and placed them on the dining table. I did not know a petal had dropped to the floor and my dog, the greedy thing she is, had eaten it. A few hours later she started to shake a little, it got worse very quickly and she looked so poorly. Her eyes glazed over and her tongue and gums turned grey, she vomited the entire contents of her stomach and still shaking became very lethargic. This all happened in the space of 30 minutes, it was very scary, I had never seen her so poorly. We rushed her to the emergency vet, she asked if anything new had happened in the house, any new plants/flowers. Yes it was the lillies that caused so much painic, the vet gave her a anti-nausea injection and within hours my dog was back to her normal self. It is strange to think that one small petal caused her to be so poorly.

HouseHold Plants: Both Indoor and Outdoor

It is really important to be aware of what plants you have inside and ouside of your house. There are alot of plants that are poisonous to dogs, the severity of the poisoning varies on the plant and can cause sickness and diarrhoea with severe cases of poisoning leading to coma and death.Dogs can be poisoned by plants if they eat or even just chew part of the plant, the flower, the bulb or the plant leaves. Flowers heavy in pollen can also drop pollen onto the pet’s coat, which could then be licked off and ingested by your pet.

The Maremma Sheepdog

Description
The Maremma Sheepdog is a massive, noble distinctive-looking dog with a bear-like head. The jaws are strong with a scissors bite. It has a black nose that often becomes slightly pink-brown with age. The ears are v-shaped, pointed and rather small. The eyes have a lively, intelligent expression, but are not large. The nasal canal is straight. The tail is low set and thickly feathered with dense hair. The deep, well-rounded ribcage extends to the elbows. The long, harsh, and very abundant hair has a slight wave. The under-coat is dense. Coat colors include white with markings of ivory, light yellow, or pale orange on the ears.

Temperament
The Maremma is a friendly and well-balanced flock guardian. For several decades, it has also achieved success as a companion dog. Sober and dignified. This loyal, brave, and determined dog makes an excellent guard-dog without being a constant barker. It is correctly described as affectionate but not dependent. Working lines who are put out to work will not easily follow your every command submissively, as they are bred and trained to be independent. You must display calm, but firm, confident and consistent leadership towards the dog in order to make then listen. It is very intelligent and its training requires mutual respect in handling and voice, and above all, consistency. It gets along with other dogs and pets and can be slightly reserved with strangers but not strongly so. People who are not welcome on your property will be stopped in their tracks. The Maremma is not as large as many of its fellow flock guards, but he still possesses comparable endurance and strength, as well as the ability to make up for the extra 50 pounds it lacks. It is alert and independent. A flock guard of impressive dominance and lifelong dedication, the breed takes control over its flock. When humans are part of the dog's pack, the humans must be pack leader over the dog. Allowing any dog of any size to be a human's pack leader is dangerous, as dogs instinctually communicate their displeasure with a growl and or a bite. Humans who keep flock guard type dogs as companions must understand how to calmly, but firmly display their authority over the dog. Passive owners will not have a successful human/dog relationship. As a pet, they are not very attached or overly outgoing. Nevertheless, this rugged wolf-slayer breed has adapted into a marvelous companion, without loosing its extraordinary working abilities. It will defend both house and master, and it is particularly attentive with children. The Maremma is a marvelous sheepdog and loves its work. It is a terrible enemy of the wolf, but tame with man. Held in high esteem by shepherds, especially in the mountains where it thrives in the snow; resistant to both cold and brambles. This is not a breed for beginners.
Height, Weight
Height: 23.5-28.5 inches (60-73 cm.) Weight: 66-100 pounds (30-45 kg.)
Living Conditions

The Maremma Sheepdog is not recommended for apartment life. If they get enough exercise, they will be calm indoors. Accustomed for centuries to wide-open spaces, it needs at least a large yard. The all-weather coat allows it to sleep outdoors. The Maremma is not well-suited for very hot weather. It should never be shorn, but should always have plenty of shade and a large bowl of water on hot days.

Exercise
This breed needs space - mentally as well as physically. If they are not working as an active flock guardian, they need to be taken on daily, brisk walks. A short walk around the block three times a day is not enough for this dog. Long and alternating walks are necessary. It must have frequent opportunities to run free. When it gets enough exercise, freedom and space, it will be quiet in the house.
Life Expectancy
About 11-13 years.
Grooming
All weather coat requires regular, thorough combing and brushings to remove all dead and loose hair. Take extra care when the dog is shedding.
Origin
Some claim at one time there were two separate breeds: the Abruzzese and the Maremmano. The Abruzzese was more of a mountaineer and had a longer body, while the Maremmano had a slightly shorter coat. However in the 1950's the two were officially established as a single breed with a hyphenated name, Maremmano Abruzzese. This is a classic European flock-guarding dog, probably a close descendant of the great, white Eastern sheepdogs that slowly spread across Europe over 2,000 years ago. The Karabash and Akbash sheepdogs of Turkey, the Kuvac of Slovakia, the Kuvasz and Komondor of Hungary, and the Pyrenean Mountain Dog of France are all included in its blood. The ancestors of the Maremma evolved to become smaller than their fellow herd guardians while retaining the independence and aloofness of their heritage. Although it is now seen regularly in Great Britain, this breed is still rare in other countries outside Italy. It is strong-willed and not easy to obedience train, but makes a super guard. Its Country of origin is Italy.

Ten Things All Pet Owners Should Know

1. Your pet needs to go to the vet. Start saving now.
Every pet needs to be examined by a vet occasionally. Illnesses that are caught early are often treatable, and regular vet exams are your best weapon. Even the healthiest pet may have an accident, calling for immediate emergency care. Older pets may be in pain from age-related deterioration. Face it, you're going to have to take your pet to the vet sooner or later. Be prepared to pay for it!
2. You're the human, you set the rules.
Don't let your pet boss you around. Decide on the rules, and enforce them consistently. Don't let your pet get his way if it goes against the rules -- he'll just try that much harder the next time. Animals may not seem to have long memories, but they sure remember how they got their own way the last time!
3. Animals love a boring routine.
Pets want to know what to expect -- it makes them feel secure. Yours will be happiest if they are fed at the same time every day, sleep in the same spot at night, and can count on you to always come home at a certain time. They'll get by if the routine occasionally changes, but keeping their day predictable keeps them predictable, and happy.
4. Good food and lots of exercise equals a long life.
We all know we should eat healthy foods in moderation and get plenty of exercise. The same goes for our pets. Healthy living prevents illness, and you won't have to see the vet as often! If a small pet is confined to a cage, give it lots of space and things to climb on or explore, to encourage exercise. Reserve treats like dog biscuits or table scraps for very special occasions.
5. Everything ends up in their mouths.
To you it's an electrical cord, but to your dog, it's a chew toy. Keep in mind that your pets will chew on anything, and keep dangerous items out of reach! Encourage them to chew on toys instead by providing lots of them, especially new ones once the old ones have lost their appeal.
6. Bacteria do not make good pets.
A clean environment keeps everyone happy and healthy. Pets are dirty, and need lots of cleaning. On a weekly basis, brush your dog's teeth, wash out the gerbil's water bottle, and scoop out the cat's litter box! If you don't, you're in for bacterial and parasitic infections, painful tooth decay, and the smell...!
7. Tight security saves lives.
Keep your pet confined safely. Escape-proof all cages and fences, walk your dog on a leash, and keep your cat indoors. The outside world is full of speeding cars, unfamiliar animals, pesticides, and even pet thieves. Just in case, make certain all dogs and cats have sturdy collars with tags, or have been tattooed or micro-chipped.
8. There are too many homeless animals already.
Lost pets without tags usually end up being put to sleep at the shelter when they lose their way home. Even worse off are the pets who never had homes to begin with. There aren't enough good homes for all the animals out there, so have your pets spayed or neutered, and do not allow them to breed! In America alone, four million cats and dogs are put down every year. That's far too many! If you want another pet, consider adoption instead.
9. When in doubt, look to nature.
When confronted with a pet problem, find out how your pet would have lived in the wild. Need to know how warm your frog's tank should be? Research his natural habitat and try to copy it. Want to keep your dogs from fighting? Read up on pack behavior in the wild. Our pets evolved to live in the wild, and by understanding their natural environment, needs, and social behavior, we can help them live with us more comfortably.
10. It all depends on you.
Ultimately, when you accepted this animal as a pet, you agreed to take care of him. This means feeding, habitat, health, safety... you are responsible for it all. It takes a lot of time and money to care for a pet properly. However, it is certainly worth it! There are over 100 million households worldwide with at least one pet, and they can't all be wrong! Take care of your pets, so you can have a long, enjoyable life together.

American Cocker Dog Breed Information

An American Cocker is the USA version of the English classic.

Height, weight: it shouldn't be over 38,7 cm high; weighs around 14 kg.

Fur, color: short and fine hair on the head, medium size on its body and longer on the sides and on its stomach. Color black, golden, chocolate-brown, or black and fiery. One, or two of these colors, may also be combined with white.

Appropriate for: capricious people who love elegance, willing to brush them every single day, and for the fond people that love the canine expositions.

Not Appropriate for: those who are not willing to brush them when they come back from their walks.

As a member of the family: a good companion, is not a good guardian but a good companion to all the members of the family. They are prohibited, from the first day, to have any extra special treats, and much less from the table. If you allow it from the beginning, you'll have a problem and it'll be the first one to be at your table, even before you set out the tablecloth.

Breed's character: happy and stable. To be able to train it, you must not let it get away with doing whatever it wants by using its charm, you'll get carried away with its adorable face, which it loves to use as sweetener.

Common sicknesses: otitis, has a tendency to obesity. And in the summer, dry spikes may introduce into its skin, causing it to get infections.
Life expectancy: 14 years or more.

Doberman Dog Breed Information

The Doberman is powerful and muscular, runs very fast and is a incorruptible guardian.
Height, weight: up to 72 cm; and 45 kg. Very elegant aspect
Fur, color: short, hard and dense. Black, dark brown or blue with rusty red, perfectly outlined fire.
Appropriate for: people who enjoy sports or who seek a good guard dog.
Not Appropriate for: people who don't like sports, have fast reactions, or want to be taken guarded.

As a member of the family: if included when young will be very caring with the family and children.
Breed's character: moody, brave, firm, naturally strong. The skin tension on the face doesn't let you guess it's mood. Psychologically sensitive. Actually is a one man's dog. Bred in the XIX century by Louis Doberman as a defense dog.
Common sicknesses: hair loss
Life expectancy: up to 14 years

Chihuahua Dog Breed Information

The Chihuahua is a miniature dog gets its name from a town in Mexico, found at the top of the Sierra Madre.
Height, weight: its height is never more than 20 cm; weighs 500 g and 2,5 kg. It's funny.
Fur, color: short, thick and shiny; or long and soft. In every color, single colored, spotted or with shades.
Appropriate for: those who look for an easygoing lapdog.
Not Appropriate for: those that don't know how to handle little things.
As a member of the family: Affectionate, it hardly ever barks, but it growls in a very funny and special way, if there is a suspicious presence around. Very intelligent. And is not a dog for children.
Breed's character: resistant, valiant and fearless. Naturally, it likes to move around. Very lively. It comes from the mixture of Chinese breeds (taken to Mexico for commercializing).
Common sicknesses: difficulty in giving birth and has dental problems.
Life expectancy: up to 14 years.

World's Tallest Dog: Boomer, North Dakota Newfoundland Is World's Biggest Dog

World's Tallest Dog:

Boomer, North Dakota Newfoundland Is World's Biggest Dog

THE BEST DOGS FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

If you have children, especially small children, you need a dog that can tolerate kids. Not all dog breeds are good for families with children. Many people assume that small dogs are gentle and kid friendly, which is not always true. Some small breeds are gentle with kids. However, large dogs in the working class, herding dogs and retrievers are more placid by nature and often have the patience of a saint when around young children. If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, here are some great child-friendly breeds to consider.

Boston Terrier – If you prefer a small dog, this little one is gentle, intelligent and well mannered. They do not bark a lot, compared to other small dogs. They are extremely good with children and older people as well. They are playful and want to be part of the family.


Jack Russell Terrier – This is another small dog with a lot of adjectives to describe it, including perky, merry and devoted. Jack Russell Terriers are also kind to children. Be sure to set rules for this breed though; if not they will take over. A few years ago we rented a cottage on a creek in North Carolina. The neighbors let their dogs (an old yellow lab like ours and a Jack Russell Terrier puppy) run free all day, and the Jack Russell (Andy) drove our poor Abby crazy. He chased her and nipped at her, barked non-stop, and we could not make him stay home in his own yard. His owners were not very wise to let a puppy run free all day while they were at work. We found out that he was afraid of the creek that ran across the property. Abby soon realized that if she went in the creek and stood in the water for a bit, Andy would get bored and go home!
Bearded Collie – This dog is full of energy, and requires firm and consistent training. They are fun dogs and are excellent for families with children. The Bearded Collie is a real tail wager, and very adorable. They are the ancestors of the Old English Sheep Dog, and look a little like them.

Beagle – This dog is gentle, lively and curious, and loves everyone. They are excellent with children as well as with other dogs. They do not generally get along well with cats unless they were raised together. Beagles are very determined, as our neighbor’s dog illustrates for us regularly. The dog is a rather chubby older beagle, and on numerous occasions we hear her barking while she chases the rabbits on our property. We have seen her heading back home with her tongue and belly dragging the ground. She will never catch a rabbit, but she will never stop trying.

Boxer – This breed is an easy learner and quite intelligent. Boxers do well in competitive obedience training. They are loyal and affectionate, and they get along very well with children. It is in the Boxer’s nature to want to protect the family and the home.

Golden Retriever – This a beautiful, graceful dog that’s easy to train and is always patient and gentle with children. Golden Retrievers are friendly with everyone; therefore they have little value as a guard dog! They do make wonderful pets for families, though.

Labrador Retriever – I saved this breed for last since I didn’t want to play favorites. This is the breed I know best from experience. A Labrador Retriever is a loving, affectionate and patient dog that is highly intelligent, loyal, willing, and high-spirited. They love to play, especially in water, as they love to swim. Labs have an excellent, reliable, temperament and are extremely friendly, superb with children and get along with other dogs. They crave human leadership and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Labs are easily trained. Abby was easy to train as a pup and even at 11 she learns new things daily. She loves people and age does not matter to her at all!

No matter which breed you choose, you need to remember that puppies chew. If your kids leave toys in reach, those toys will be the object of the pup’s attention! Teach your children to be gentle with the puppy and remind them that puppies need a lot of sleep. Parents may need to put time limits on play early on. Teach the kids that the puppy needs time to be alone, as well as time with the family.

Get your kids involved early on in the care of the new puppy by helping out at feeding time. Let them pour the CANIDAE kibble into the feeding dish. Let the kids know that if they are gentle and loving to the dog, they will have a loyal friend for life.