It’s always tempting to slide your dog a piece of steak from the family dinner table, but many people aren’t sure which foods are safe for dogs to consume and which foods you need to avoid.

Here’s a quick breakdown on foods to avoid when it comes to your furry friends:

Alcohol

For the friend that thinks it’s funny to feed your dog beer your Superbowl party, alcohol is off limits for animals. This can cause a range of health issues including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect that your dog has gotten into your stash of booze, contact your vet immediately.

Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine

The common denominator among all these items is a substance called methylxanthines, an ingredient found in cacao seeds. Among less serious health issues, these items can cause seizures or even death when imbibed in excess.

Macadamia Nuts

Although Macadamia Nuts may only cause a temporary issue in dogs, they could cause weakness, depression, nausea, or digestive issues for a period of 12 to 48 hours.

Dairy Products

Dairy triggers food allergies in dogs, so it’s best to skip the cream-based human treats that you might be tempted to share. Diarrhea and digestive issues can also result from ingesting milk, ice cream, or yogurt.

Salty Snacks

Extra salty foods and snacks can make dogs extra thirsty, lead to excess urination and contribute to dehydration. Pretzels, popcorn, and potato chips fall into this category.

Grapes and Raisins

It is unknown what the exact ingredient is in grapes and raisins that causes harm to your dogs, however these food items have been known to lead to kidney failure in dogs. Until more information is made available, it’s best to avoid feeding your dog anything in the grape family.

Coconut and Coconut Oil

While most people believe that coconut oil is a cure-all for just about everything, it may not be safe for your dog in large amounts. There are properties in coconut and coconut oil that can upset your pet’s stomach and potentially cause diarrhea. Use caution and talk to your vet about these items before sharing them with your dog.

Raw or Expired Food

If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t feed it to your dog either. Check the expiration dates on things like eggs, lean meats, and produce to make sure that nothing has been spoiled.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested too much of any of the foods listed above contact your vet immediately. If you cannot get a hold of your vet, you can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

Many people tout the benefits of aromatherapy, especially when used in conjunction with essential oils and even meditation. Like most things that are good for humans, aromatherapy can also benefit your dog and be used to reduce anxiety related to separation, storm phobia, or past trauma. (Or just mellow him or her out before a road trip.)

The practice of aromatherapy dates back over 3,000 years to when Egyptians used aromatherapy in the form of incense to honor their gods. Additionally, for centuries, the practice of using essential oils, the derivatives of plant based materials that comprise aromatherapy, were the only known cure for many ailments and diseases.

According to OrganicFacts.net, “Some of the health benefits of aromatherapy include its ability to reduce anxiety, ease depression, boost energy levels, speed up the healing process, eliminate headaches, boost cognitive performance, induce sleep, strengthen the immune system, reduce pain, improve digestion, and increase circulation.”

While many of these benefits apply to humans, they can also apply to man’s best friend.

Aromatherapy can be a great way to help your dog relax or enhance their mood, but veterinarians should always be consulted before you use essential oils on your pet. As a rule of thumb, essential oils should also be diluted or diffused and not applied directly to your dog’s skin or coat.

Some safe essential oils to use are:

Lavender: Useful in acclimating dogs to new space or den. May reduce allergies, burns, anxiety, or give pets a sleepy feeling which is useful before travel.

Cardamom: Helps with digestion issues and has anti-bacterial properties.

Fennel: Balances pituitary glands and help diffuse toxins in the body.

Spearmint: Helps with weight reduction, colic, and digestive issues. (Also great for cats!)

Want to try aromatherapy with your dog? Select one of the safe essential oils above and start out by applying the oil to yourself and wearing around your pet so they can get used to the scent. Once they have become comfortable with the scent, dilute 3-5 drops (less for smaller dogs) by 80-90% with another safe carrier oil. Once diluted, essential oils are safe to apply to paws or fur (after blending in your own hands). Every animal is different, and you should consult your veterinarian before using essential oils with your pets, especially if there is a specific health ailment that you are trying to address.

Enjoy your aromatherapy and let us know how it goes with your dog!

When we accept the responsibility of bringing a dog into the family, we’re committing to providing them a safe shelter and also keeping them as happy and healthy as possible. While routine trips to the vet will keep your pet healthier and disease-free, here are some great things that you can implement at home to keep your dog in top health.

 Keep Your Pet at a Healthy Weight

To keep your pet’s weight in check, make sure that you are feeding them a healthy, nutritious diet and making exercise a part of their daily routine. When pets are overweight, it could actually reduce their life expectancy by two years. Even a slight weight loss for an overweight pet can make a big difference in their overall health. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight for your pet will reduce chronic illness such as kidney disease, heart disease, or even cancer. It will also lessen the risk factor of diabetes, and alleviate joint pain associated with arthritis.

Here’s a great infographic from the AVMA to determine what a healthy weight looks like for your pet:

Keep Your Pet Free from Parasites

A parasite is defined as “an organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host’s expense.” In dogs, common parasites include heart worms, fleas, mites, and ticks. Your veterinarian can advise you on which treatment will be the most effective for your pet.

If you’re looking for a natural remedy to prevent fleas and ticks try this recipe for natural flea & tick repellant made with:

• 8 oz of Apple Cider Vinegar

• 4 oz of warm water

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Dogs should always have access to a constant supply of water. Especially in extreme hold or cold, it is important to make sure that your dog is not exhibiting symptoms of dehydration, which may include sunken eyes, dry gums, lethargy, loss of skin elasticity, weakness or collapsing. Water should be changed every day, and the bowl should properly cleaned and sterilized once a week to prevent growth of bacteria.

Check and Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Dog are extremely prone to ear infections and ears also provide a warm spot to hide for the parasites mentioned earlier. Check your dog’s ears regularly (once a week), and daily for dogs that have floppy ears. An easy way to clean your dogs ears are by using equal parts vinegar and rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or swab. Strong smells, excessive scratching or irritation or discharge are all signs of an ear infection, and should be treated by a medical professional.

Keep Those Teeth Brushed!

Pros recommend that dog’s teeth are brushed everyday to get rid of plaque and built up bacteria. This will also help reduce “doggy breath” and give you a good opportunity to examine the mouth and make sure everything is looking good (no loose teeth, sores, or bleeding). Use a toothpaste made especially for dogs or you can make this DIY Toothpaste for Dogs using:

• 2 Tablespoons Baking Soda
• 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
• 2 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil

By following these easy at-home tips like these and taking your dog to the vet regularly, your pet will be happy and healthy for a long time to come!