Foods your dog should never eat

There are some foods that should never go into your dog's mouth because of the
hazards they pose. Here's a list of dangerous foods, and their associated problems.

Alcoholic beverages: Besides intoxicating your dog, alcohol can cause liver issues, neurological problems, seizures, coma and death. It isn't funny or cute to let your dog drink a few laps of booze. Just like you would do with a child, keep alcoholic beverages out of a dog's "reach."
Apple seeds: Apples themselves make a healthy treat, but the seeds contain cyanide, so pitch the core.
Avocados: The American Animal Hospital Association mentions avocados as being toxic, although there is research indicating that these toxins are limited to the leaves and pits of Guatemalan avocados.
Caffeine: Coffee, tea and some colas can cause increased breathing, bleeding and heart arrhythmias. In large amounts, it will kill your dog.
Chocolate: This is also extremely dangerous, attacking the gastrointestinal and neurological systems. Chocolate poisoning is caused by an adverse reaction to the alkaloid theobromine. Keep the Halloween and Easter goodies away from your dog.
Fatty foods: Don't turn your dog into a junk-food junkie! If it isn't good for you, why would you give it to your best friend? Large amounts of fatty foods can cause pancreatitis.
Fruit pits and pear pips: Like apple seeds, these also contain cyanide.
Garlic: In large amounts, garlic can make a dog anemic.
Grapes and raisins: These can cause organ failure. Dogs have been known to choke on grapes.
Hops: Like to brew your own beer? Keep your dog away from the hops. A dog with hop poisoning may pant heavily, experience seizures and die.
Macadamia nuts: Symptoms from eating macadamia nuts include severe abdominal pain and neurological issues.
Moldy foods: Certainly you wouldn't give these to a dog on purpose, but a crafty canine will discover a way into your trash. We found this out the hard way when one of our Mastiffs got into a trash bag that my husband forgot to take to the outdoor trash can. Cleaning up after a 170-pound vomiting dog in the middle of the night is not something I'd like to do again!
Mustard seeds: Gastroenteritis is usually the result for a dog who eats a large amount of these.
Nutmeg: This spice is not so nice for a dog. Ingestion can lead to tremors, seizures and death.
Onions and onion powder: Like garlic, onions can cause anemia in dogs.
Potato and tomato leaves and stems: Your dog may get serious stomach issues from eating the green parts of potatoes and tomatoes.
Rhubarb leaves: These are particularly dangerous, causing organ failure.
Salt: Excessive salt intake leads to salt toxicity, which in dogs leads to swelling and fluid retention in the brain. The dog may experience seizures, coma and death. If you make homemade playdough for your kids, keep the dog away, as most recipes call for a lot of salt.
Xylitol: Ingesting this artificial sweetener will trigger a spike in insulin, leading to a dramatic drop in blood sugar, which will throw your dog into shock and liver failure. Watch out for candy containing this product.
Yeast dough: If your dog eats raw dough, it will expand in your dog's stomach just like it would in an oven. Also, the fermentation of the yeast is toxic to the animal.
An "excessive amount" to a Chihuahua will be different than that of a Great Dane. But if you can keep these foods away from your dog, then you don't have to worry about how much is too much.

Now we get to subject of bones. Never give your dog cooked bones. They can easily splinter and get stuck in the dog's throat or digestive tract, requiring life-saving (and expensive) surgery. Raw, large joint bones are a much better alternative. The bones must be big enough that the dog can chew on them without swallowing them whole. Just remember to never leave a dog alone with one in case a big piece does chip off, and always inspect bones carefully for loose pieces. Also throw away any raw bones that have been sitting out past two days, as they can attract bacteria.

If you think your dog has eaten something poisonous or has swallowed a large piece of bone, take your buddy to the vet at the first sign of distress. And if you are in doubt over whether something you're eating is safe to share with your dog, it's better to just keep it to yourself. That way, you'll know your friend will be around to beg another day.

Tips to Keep Pets Warm

When the seasons move from summer into fall and winter, people adjust their routines and plan for colder weather. At the same time, take a few minutes to prepare your pets for the changing seasons. The following is a list of dos and don'ts to help you give your pets the cold-weather care they deserve.

Do provide proper shelter: If you can't keep your dog indoors during winter months, provide an elevated structure with a door to protect pets from wind and weather.Provide dry, clean bedding materials such as straw or blankets and replace bedding if it becomes damp or wet.Find a house large enough for you dog to be able to stand up and turn around, but small enough to retain her body heat.
Do provide indoor dogs with a warm sleeping area away from drafts.

Do use caution around bodies of water. Keep pets away from rivers, ponds and lakes as they begin to freeze. Continue to use caution even when the water appears completely frozen.

Do keep hair around paw pads trimmed. Less hair will help keep paws free of ice and snow, which can quickly ball up between footpads and create uncomfortable walking conditions for pets.

Do check paw pads for small cuts and cracks. Consider dog boots for dogs that react negatively to walking on ice and snow - especially dogs that react to snow removal products.

Do clean your dog's paws after walks to remove salt and snow removal chemicals, which can be toxic to pets.

Do check your dog's ears, tail and feet for frostbite. Just as dogs are sensitive to hot summer sidewalks, cold winter walkways may cause pain or contribute to frostbite. A dog that continually lifts individual legs off the ground during a winter walk may feel the effects of frostbite. Frostbitten skin may appear red or gray. If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog's feet in a blanket or towels to gradually warm them and contact your veterinarian.

Do provide the proper type and amount of food for the season. Dogs housed outdoors and dogs that participate in strenuous outdoor activities may require additional food during colder weather. On the other hand, indoor dogs that exercise less frequently in colder months may need less food.

Do provide adequate fresh, unfrozen water. If your dog lives outside, consider investing in a heated water bowl. Indoor dogs also may require more water to combat dry winter air.

Do invest in a pet sweater for shorthaired breeds. Watch for telltale signs that your pet is cold. Like us, pets will shiver in response to being chilled.

Do keep puppies and older dogs indoors except for short periods of time. As with humans, young and old dogs are more susceptible to the effects of the cold.

Do keep dogs on a leash - especially during bad weather or snowstorms when they can lose their ability to find their way by smell.

Do pay attention to snow removal. Avoid piling snow near fences and creating an escape route for curious pets.

Do keep identification tags updated in the event your dog runs away.

Do clean up antifreeze spills immediately. Many dogs like the sweet smell and taste and, unfortunately, even very small amounts can be lethal to them. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to your veterinarian immediately. There may be time for Antizol-Vet, an anti-freeze antidote, to help your dog. Also consider using an animal-friendly anti-freeze.

Do maintain your pet's grooming schedule. Regular brushing keeps your dog's coat supple and prepared for the cold. However, when you bathe your pet, be sure to dry his coat thoroughly before allowing him outside.

10 Tips to Keep Your Senior Dog in Good Health

Dr. Dan's 10 Tips to Keep Your Senior Dog in Good HealthDaniel P. Carey, D.V.M.Director, Technical Communications, Research and DevelopmentThe Iams Company

1- Book a veterinary examination every six months for all dogs five to seven years or older.
2- Have basic blood and urine tests done for a baseline around age five so there's a normal set of figures to consult if your dog gets sick. Annual blood tests thereafter can help your veterinarian identify diseases in their earliest and most treatable stages.
3- Feed your dog a high-quality senior food that's balanced to provide age-appropriate nutrients. 4- Maintain vaccinations. An older pet's immune system may not be as strong as it used to be, which can make him susceptible to disease. Foods with specialized senior antioxidants can enhance the immune system, too.
5- Be alert to any changes in behavior or appearance, and treat simple medical problems immediately.
6- Regularly brush your dog's teeth at home and have your veterinarian clean them as needed. 7- Brush or groom your dog at least once a week and use this time to check his body for unusual bumps, lumps or sores.
8- Continue your senior dog's exercise routine or gradually work up to a few short walks each day. Talk to your veterinarian if you dog tires easily or has any trouble breathing.
9- Maintain a routine to avoid stress.
10- Give your senior dog some tender, loving care every day - it will keep you both young at heart