Be good to your pets!

If you don't have a dog yourself, chances are you know someone who does.  If you're reading this, you know how nuts I am about my little boy.

Just wanted to share a list of foods that are poisonous to your precious pet, so don't give him a "treat" of these or else he may get deathly ill and possibly not even survive:

Chocolate

Cocoa

Grapes

Raisins

Avocados

Onions/Garlic

Macademia Nuts

There are probably more, other than the obvious chemical substances (including alcohol.) I know some guys think it's funny to watch their dogs drink beer like them - only a dead dog is no laughing matter.

If you have to feed your pets (including cats) people food, please be sure and check with your veterinarian if you've not sure. I know a lot of folks cook for their animals, but I trust they have done the research to know what's safe and what is not.

Also medicating your pets with people medications is a very dangerous thing to do! Please consider that cats and dogs have a different metabolism and what is ok for your dog, is probably not ok for your cat. Always, always, always check with a veterinarian - and they do give out advise for free over the phone if they think you're going to do something drastic! Never, ever give Tylenol® or Advil® - just because it may be ok to give your dog a baby aspirin once in a while, does not mean they can have other pain medications, such as acetominophen and ibuprofen. REMEMBER that Tylenol is fatal for cats!
 
You can read more to learn about things that you should not give your dog on Vet Info.com.
You can also get a pet question answered here.

Never skimp or try to save money by taking a chance with your pet's life if you don't want to see them injured. Most likely it will cost more money trying to save them than to treat them properly in the first place.

You know, aside from cats and dogs, I have owned several different species of animals for pets in my life time, including a California Rex rabbit, two chinchillas, a couple of Hooded rats, freshwater fish and a Teddy Bear hamster and always started out by buying a book about the animal. There is lots to learn and it makes for a much more enjoyable realationship. Look at it as an owner's manual for a living creature. Dogs and cats have been with us for so long that we think of them and therefore treat them like people (myself included) thus it should be ok to feed and medicate them the same - but they are not! Even different dog and cat breeds have different personalities and life styles that should be considered before making them part of our family. Buy a book. Learn about your pet and I promise, you both will be happier for it.