Every day, veterinarians treat puppies and dogs that have gotten into human medications; most, which can be or are toxic to our canine companions. The degree of danger often depends on the type and amount of medication consumed as well as the size, age and general health of the dog. Smaller breeds, especially Toys, puppies and senior dogs are at higher risk of serious or fatal incidents. Dogs with pre-existing health problems such as liver, kidney or heart disease are also extremely vulnerable. Check with your veterinarian before administering any human medications. Most likely they will approve of a buffered or baby aspirin as a general pain reliever. Follow their instructions! It vital, for the safety of your puppy or dog, to make sure all medications are out of their reach. If you have a climber or counter surfer, put your medications in...

We have raised Dalmatians for over 20 years. Winston and Lady have had two litters with a total of 21 puppies – what an experience. They were perfect parents, mates and companions for years. They grew into their role as family members very quickly. We developed a love and trust based on constant and concerned care. We learned very early how important it is to know how to trim your dog’s nails. Lady’s nails were especially a challenge because they 1) grew so fast, 2) grew very heavy and thick and 3) were quickly uncomfortable if not trim and neat. Some Skill Develop With Trial and Error Like most dog owners, we learned some skills by trial and error. Our vet was a very big help but there were special talents we had to develop on our own. You probably already know that putting off clipping a dog’s nails ends up in broken...

Ah, garlic! As a woman who loves to cook and to eat, I am thrilled to learn about all the wonderful health benefits of my favorite seasoning. I cook for all the members of my family and that includes our furry babies. My dogs eat a healthy cooked, natural human grade dog food that I prepare. For centuries garlic has been used as a blood tonic. There has recently been controversy over feeding dogs garlic. Too much can cause a disease called hemolytic anemia. Too much, means 50 cloves at one time – that is too much for anyone! Conservative use of one or 2 cloves per 50lb dog a few times a week has so many benefits. Now even the AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) recognizes garlic as safe. The AAFCO gathers information from professional toxicologists from the entire US and is responsible for monitoring the safety of...