Pet Health : 10 Toxic Foods for Dogs

<div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Maintaining good pet health for your dog includes knowing what not to give her. By making sure that you know about the most toxic foods for your dog, you can ensure that your pet stays healthy and avoids unneeded trauma or pet health issues. The following are 10 common household foods that are extremely toxic to dogs.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUzXqwSCVsD6zkW7YNiYQDiUpqpBSC1-gEJFGY9_qvJy5GmTnHc6KZP4SXD90BmXoSB3DGc0YOut3fuLd6P6ZEM5s7xgV0IgZGHcN5OxLWydju47mM86Q4yz6okBwVUn-C30Epfk3BijJ/s1600/pet+insurance+reviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUzXqwSCVsD6zkW7YNiYQDiUpqpBSC1-gEJFGY9_qvJy5GmTnHc6KZP4SXD90BmXoSB3DGc0YOut3fuLd6P6ZEM5s7xgV0IgZGHcN5OxLWydju47mM86Q4yz6okBwVUn-C30Epfk3BijJ/s640/pet+insurance+reviews.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>1. Chocolate, coffee, tea, soda and anything else with caffeine</b><br />These items all have compounds that are known to be toxic to dogs, causing severe heart and nervous system damage. Be very careful not to let dogs get even a bit of these things, be they in icing, cocoa powder or even chocolate milk. The quantity needed to affect a dog varies with body mass, but avoid them at all costs.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>2. Mushrooms</b><br />These can be extremely injurious to pet health, and even fatal, to dogs. Some kinds are worse than others, so it is best to prevent your dog from coming into contact with any mushrooms of any type. Ensure that dogs are not attracted to wild mushrooms either as these are poisonous to everyone, including humans.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>3. Onions and garlic </b><br />These can cause severe liver damage and can be fatal in certain quantities. Make sure that you prevent your dog from having any kind of onion, be it dried, shredded, on pizza or of any color. Watch out for garlic and garlic oil or powder that can be found on bread and other commonly eaten prepared foods.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>4. Nuts</b><br />Most nuts are bad for dogs; macadamia nuts are the worst. Nuts have compounds that accelerate the growth of bladder stones and weaken the bones.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>5. Avocado and persimmons</b><br />Avocados cause fluid accumulation in the lungs and are very toxic to dogs. Every part of them, including fruit, pits, jacket and leaves, are dangerous. The same goes for persimmons.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>6. Tomatoes, potatoes and rhubarb</b><br />Tomatoes, especially unripe green ones, are toxic and can cause all sorts of problems that can lead to heart failure. Potato jackets are especially bad for dogs, as is the entire rhubarb plant. In fact, some parts of rhubarb are toxic to humans, too.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>7. Grapes and raisins</b><br />It is not known why grapes cause sickness in dogs, but they are dangerous nonetheless. If your dog eats them, you can take her to the veterinarian to pump her stomach. Unfortunately, effects are not noticeable immediately.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>8. Nutmeg </b><br />This appears in various foods, especially those eaten around the holidays. It can be lethal to dogs. Avoid feeding gingerbread cookies, eggnog and other nutmeg-laced products to your canine friend.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>9. Alcohol</b><br />While it is something that may happen in movies and on television, dogs should never ingest liquor of any sort in real life. Alcohol causes various behavioral problems (similar to humans) and may cause seizures, cardiac arrest and death, depending on how much alcohol a dog has consumed.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <b>10. Baking soda, baking powder and yeast </b><br />Leavening agents can cause serious gastrointestinal problems for dogs including spasms, seizures and heart problems. Effects may not be noticed immediately, so make sure you get your dog to the vet quickly.</div> <span style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /><br /></span></div> </div>

8 Exercises to Do with Your Dog

<div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></h2> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Get Fit with Fido</h2> <div class="imageContent" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Once it’s warm outside, everyone wants some fun in the sun. But if you’re a dog owner, you may feel badly when you head out for exercise while your pooch whimpers from behind the window. Instead of facing a daily guilt trip, bring along your furry friend! Believe it or not, there are plenty of activities you can do with your pup that’ll give both of you a wonderful workout. From swimming to biking to fetch, here are eight ways you can get fit with Fido.</div> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1Ura-9f_WE/UdfoTNE6LII/AAAAAAAAAKA/g-mxdDZ_xEM/s1600/Exercises+for+dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1Ura-9f_WE/UdfoTNE6LII/AAAAAAAAAKA/g-mxdDZ_xEM/s400/Exercises+for+dogs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /><br /></span><br /> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></h2> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></h2> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></h2> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></h2> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></h2> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></h2> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></h2> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Walking</h2> <div class="imageContent" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> It’s one of the most common ways dog owners stay active with their pet, but there are better (and worse) ways to go about it. “Walking is easiest for everybody because it requires no special training and it’s the one activity that poses the least risk of injury to pets,” says Marty Becker, DVM, pet expert at Vetstreet.com and author of <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Your Cat: The Owner’s Manual</em>. “But don’t start out too brisk with your pets, especially if they’re overweight or obese.” Instead, begin easy like you would if you were trying a new fitness routine and build up your dog’s endurance. Dr. Becker’s rule of thumb: Walk two blocks for every 10 lbs. of dog and add a few blocks each week as long as you and your pup are up for it.</div> </div> <span style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/cU/02-woman-walking-beagle-dog-lgn.jpg" /><br /><br /></span><br /> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Running</h2> <div class="imageContent" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Perhaps the best thing about running with your pooch is that once you get him used to it, he’ll be the one getting you out the door. “Even on those days you don’t want to run, that dog will make you miserable unless you go out at the appointed time,” says Dr. Becker. But some breeds, like Dalmatians, retrievers, Australian shepherds and pit bulls, are better at running than others. On the flip side, toy breeds aren’t natural runners, nor are breeds with short noses, like bulldogs, because breathing can be difficult. Taking it slow and building up applies even more to this sport, since you risk overexertion. “If your pet has been a couch potato, check with your vet before you begin a regimen,” urges Katherine Miller, PhD, director of anti-cruelty behavior research at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). “And if your pet seems reluctant to peel himself off the couch the next day, back off because he’s probably not having fun. You want him to keep thinking it’s a game.”</div> </div> <span style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/qX/03-woman-running-dalmation-lgn.jpg" /><br /></span><br /> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Fetch</h2> <div class="imageContent" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> This simple game is a great way to keep everyone active. While Rover runs to retrieve and return the ball or stick, you’re throwing over and over, which works out your upper arms. “I dart from one side of the yard to the other with my dog, plus I do squats as I pick up the balls,” says Barbara Bushman, PhD, professor of kinesiology at Missouri State University and editor of the <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">American College of Sports Medicine’s Complete Guide to Fitness & Health</em>. “I also do arm swings and leg swings between throws and, since neighbors can't see our play yard, I’ll break out some dance moves when setting up for the next throw.” </div> </div> <span style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/VP/04-dog-ball-mouth-lgn.jpg" /><br /></span><br /> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Agility Training</h2> <div class="imageContent" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Dogs love obstacle courses through which you lead your pet to jump over bars, run through tunnels, leap off platforms and more. And moving quickly and precisely is quite the workout for both canine and owner. Often, though, it’s the person, not the pooch, who messes up. “I challenge people to get up from their chair the same way every night,” says Dr. Becker. “Dogs follow your every move, so they know when you’re making a mistake.” Try agility training on your own or do a few introductory classes first. “Head to the dog park or playground and run around the equipment. Or set up your own obstacle course with cones to run around and hurdles to jump over,” says certified personal trainer Nicole Glor, owner of NikkiFitness. “Put a treat at the end of the course or give a treat for each completed obstacle.”   </div> </div> <span style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/7g/05-dog-agility-jump-lgn.jpg" /><br /><br /></span><br /> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Yoga</h2> <div class="imageContent" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Not only does “doga” improve strength and flexibility, but it also bonds owners and pets. “It gets you in touch with your dog. And then you’ll notice more places where the dog is licking, warmer or inflamed than you would from looking at him curled up at the foot of the bed,” says Dr. Becker. As far as actual poses, teach your pooch to do his own moves in addition to using him similarly to how moms use their children in baby yoga. “Teach your dog to do upward and downward dog. Then, do planks over him while he’s lying down. You can do seated stretches with a little dog in your lap, you can both lay down and practice happy doggie pose (aka happy baby pose) and you can do final relaxation together,” says Glor. “Just avoid tree pose, so you don't get mistaken for a potty target!”</div> </div> <span style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/AG/06-woman-dog-yoga-lgn.jpg" /><br /><br /></span><br /> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Strength Training</h2> <div class="imageContent" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Your pup may not be able to pump iron, but toning your muscles is an easy addition to your walking routine. “Do lunges with the dog as you walk, then have him sit while you squat and do calf raises. Aim for 50 lunges and 50 squat raises per walk,” recommends Glor. If your dog is small enough, use his weight as resistance. “Have him jump up to bite a stick you’re holding and do a biceps curl with the doggie attached. Lower your arm and release the stick and your pup. Do 10 reps,” recommends Glor. Just be sure to stay close to the ground and not lift him too high, in case he lets go. “Another small dog exercise is tricep dips with him in your lap—he’ll love the elevator ride!”  </div> </div> <span style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img src="http://www.womansday.com/cm/womansday/images/TZ/07-dog-obedient-stay-lgn.jpg" /><br /><br /></span><br /> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Swimming</h2> <div class="imageContent" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Swimming is one of the best workouts there is, for both you and your pooch! The non-impact sport offers cardio and resistance training. But, like running, not all breeds are a good match. Bull dogs, pugs and Chihuahuas aren’t super swimmers, so stick to land routines with them. Most retrievers and spaniels like water, as well as Newfoundlands, poodles and Portuguese water dogs. “You can swim with them or slingshot something into the water for them to fetch,” says Dr. Becker. </div> </div> <span style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span><br /> <h2 class="slideTitle" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Biking</h2> <div class="imageContent" style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Similar to running, you’ll need a special breed if you want to take your pooch on a bike ride—golden retrievers, Labradors, pit bulls, Weimaraners and other big, muscular breeds are usually okay. And again, it’s important to build up your four-legged friend’s fitness level slowly until he has the endurance to run alongside you. Start by walking your bike with you on one side and your pup on the other. Then, do practice runs on your block during which you slow to a stop, turn and practice getting your dog’s attention. Ready to ride as he runs alongside? Don’t tie your dog’s leash to the handlebars or other part of the bike: If he pulls, you risk tipping over. Instead, hold the leash in your hand. All that said, biking has lots of benefits. “It strengthens your bond, reduces pet behavior problems and makes you both happier,” says Dr. Miller. “There are so many under-exercised dogs, and when dogs aren’t tired, they’re looking for something to do, like get into the garbage, bark at neighbors and other naughty things. The tired dog is the good dog.”</div> </div> <span style="border: 0px; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /><br /></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </div> </div>