While tasty, hot dogs are not the healthiest food for us humans, and they are even worse for pets. Hot dogs are packed with tons of salt and preservatives, both in levels that dogs are just not used to. Excessive amounts can lead to diarrhea and indigestion. It’s our recommendation to avoid them altogether, but if you must must must give in to temptation and treat your dog, please exercise moderation. Also, it’s helpful to cut them into bite-size pieces to avoid choking hazards.

Chips are pretzels are also full of salt that can cause excessive thirst and urination.  And who wants a dog peeing everywhere!?  In all seriousness, snack foods are just as unhealthy for dogs as they can be for us and we should exercise caution.  If your dog gets too many snacks it can lead to sodium ion poisoning, the effects of which can include vomiting, diarrhea, fevers and even death.

The leftover remains from ribs, steaks or chicken wings can be dangerous in the mouth of your dog.  Bones can splinter easily  and if they are digested they can cause puncture wounds in your dogs mouth, stomach or digestive tract.  They can also lead to obstructions and other health hazards.  For your dog’s safety, make sure everyone knows where they can safely dispose of their food.

Fruits in general are high in sugar and can lead to blood glucose issues, but the main culprits to watch out for are grapes and raisins.  They have been shown to cause serious kidney issues and even death when consumed by dogs.  Desserts that include chocolate or Xylitol are no-nos for dogs, as they can prove fatal quickly.

Many cookout foods are also choking hazards.  Hot dogs, bones, and corn cobs can get lodged in your dog’s airway.  Keep an eye out for anything that is larger than bite size.

An ice cold beer or mixed drink might be the perfect refreshment on a hot summer day, but it is not going to have the same effect on your pet.  Even a small amount, just a few licks or laps, can be dangerous or even fatal.  In a festive environment, once drinks start pouring it’s not uncommon for a few glasses to get abandoned here and there, so make sure you clean up after your forgetful friends.

 

How often should I take my dog to a vet?

Frequency of your visits to a veterinarian, largely depends on the health condition of your dog. If your dog is healthy, you can give a visit after every six months or so. However, if your dog is suffering from an illness, then you should ask the veterinarian how often you should visit. When you notice any abnormal physical or psychological behavior in your dog, it is recommended that you visit the veterinarian at the earliest.

How often should I take my dog for a walk?

There are no framed rules for how many times a day you should take your dog for a walk. However, you should take your dog for a walk, at least once a day, for thirty minutes. Walking is an essential part of the exercise routine of your dog, and it ensures good health of your dog. Training puppies to walk on a leash is a simple job and you need to take some simple steps for the same. Walking will not only avoid health problems like obesity, but will also help your dog to socialize.

How many and which vaccinations to give?

Vaccination is a very important part of dog grooming, that will ensure a healthy life of your pet. Whenever you get a new puppy, the very first priority should be vaccination. There are a number of vaccinations available for various types of dog diseases. There is a standard schedule designed for vaccination, depending on the breed of dog. Vaccinations are available for lyme disease, rabies, distemper, parvovirus, etc.

What should I feed my dog?

Dogs are omnivorous and you can feed your dog whatever is nutritious and healthy. Every dog owner should ensure a balanced diet for their pet, which compromises of commercial, as well as natural foods. While choosing commercial food for your dog, make sure that it is the one recommended by a veterinarian, as every dog breed has different requirements. A dog's diet should contain sources that will contribute 50% carbohydrates and 25% protein. An adequate amount of water is necessary to avoid dehydration. Making your own dog food is a good way to feed a nutritional diet to your pet. Onion, garlic, bread, raisins, cooked bones, etc, are some of the foods that you should not feed your dog.

Does my dog have allergies?

Allergies are some of the common reasons that cause itching and scratching in dogs. There are many factors that lead to dog allergies. If your dog scratches or itches frequently, then chances are that it suffers from some form of allergy. Here is a list of some common symptoms of dog allergies:

This is some great general information that people ask about their dog companions.

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