When adopting a pet, it does not matter if you purchase her from the local pet store or save him from the local humane society, once a pet enters your home they are quickly going to become part of your family. When welcoming a new animal to your home, they are going to be more than just there to greet you when you enter the door or bark at individuals who pass by the house. If you have never adopted a pet before, you probably have not truly experienced all of the benefits of owning a pet.

Meet People

Whether you are new to the area or you are just looking for new friends, there really is nothing better than having a pet with you. Dogs are perfect for interacting with individuals, as there are probably cafes and restaurants near your home that allow you to eat and sit with your four-leged friend. There are even pet social media websites that allow you to communicate and meet others who have pets and share your same interests.

Stay Healthy

It is a proven fact that individuals with a pet are going to weight less than those who do not have a pet. Whether it is chasing a cat around the house or taking your dog for a walk, owning a pet is an excellent exercise option. There are all sorts of different activities you can do with your pet, including jogging, hiking or even yoga (yes, there is yoga classes for dogs).

Beat the Blues

Pets know when you are feeling down. Whether it is a sixth sense or they can read your emotions, they are always there to lend you a shoulder to cry on or just a buddy to snuggle with. There is a reason there are pets used in therapy sessions around the world.

Animals discover information about their environment by smelling and tasting first, and then using their vision and hearing as back-up “detectors”. Dogs are no exception to this instinctual behavior and often suffer consequences from simply wanting more information about the world around them.

Dangerous to a Dog’s Health

Hazardous substances lurk indoors and outdoors for curious dogs intrigued by things that smell (and possibly taste) interesting. Common items consumed by dogs that may induce poisoning include:

• Medications–depending on the type of medication the dog consumes, one pill may be toxic while two pills may not harm the dog. Always call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested any kind of medication
• Pesticides–sweet-smelling pesticides meant to attract mice, rats and other pests also attract other mammals like dogs and cats. In addition, your dog’s flea and tick collar may make him ill if it falls off and he decides to chew on it.
• Antifreeze–the ethylene glycol in antifreeze that prevents your car’s radiator system from freezing in the winter is sweet-tasting but toxic to your dog. Don’t leave antifreeze jugs uncovered in your garage and always fix broken radiators so that your dog doesn’t lick antifreeze leaks laying on your driveway.
• Plants and flowers–hyacinths, tulips, azaleas and hydrangeas are just a few plants that may poison your dog if he eats them

Other consumables potentially toxic to dogs: chocolate, onions, garlic, xylitol (found in toothpaste), grapes, raisins and avocados.

Signs That Your Dog May Be Poisoned

• Excessive drooling
• Extreme thirst
• Disorientation/lethargy/clumsiness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing/panting
• Muscle tremors
• Nosebleeds
• Seizures or convulsions

Treatment for Poisoned Dogs

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center urges dog owners to take unconscious or seizing dog to an emergency veterinary clinic as soon as possible. If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance but the dog is not in distress, you can call the ASPCA at 888-426-4435 for professional advice about what to do or your local veterinarian.

Most people use a variety of cleaning supplies throughout the home, never realizing the potential hazards these products pose to their furry friends. A startling number of common household cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to pets. Here is a look at some of the most dangerous chemicals, as well as the surprising places you will find them.

Pine Oil

Pine oil is common in all-purpose cleaners such as Pine Sol. The oil is actually the distilled resin of pine trees. Pine oil is dangerous to dogs, cats and birds. Early symptoms of pine oil poisoning include irritation inside the mouth, drooling and vomiting. It can also cause an upset stomach and a fever. Severe cases of pine oil poisoning can damage the central nervous system and kidneys. Pine oil can also cause lung damage if your pet inhales it.

Formaldehyde

This chemical is widely recognized as poisonous, leading many pet owners to assume that it doesn’t have many household uses. However, formaldehyde can be found in a variety of products. It is common in laundry detergent, dish soap, furniture polish, body wash and hand soap. Shockingly, it can even be found in Nature’s Miracle and Zodiac pet shampoos. When inhaled, formaldehyde causes asthma in pets, and it is also a known carcinogen in humans and animals.

Glycol Ethers

Glycol ethers are found in carpet cleaners, spot removers and glass cleaners. This chemical can be difficult to spot in cleaning products. Check the labels for “glycol.” Some of the most common glycol ethers are ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and diethylene glycol. This substance can cause anemia, kidney damage and lung damage in dogs and cats.

Ammonia

Most pet owners are aware that ammonia is a dangerous substance. However, they might not realize how common it is among cleaning products. Ammonia is often found in oven cleaners, degreasers, glass cleaners and stainless steel polish. It can cause irritation or burns to mucous membranes, and your pets can develop asthma after inhaling the fumes.

Summertime is coming quickly and even pets can succumb to the heat. That is why it is ever so important to be mindful and vigilant of them, too. Like children, they can easily become overwhelmed by the scorching heat, especially pets that live further south where the heat is beyond hot. But, regardless of how hot it is, Summer is the time to make sure pets are not left in vehicles and that they are properly hydrated. They may get sick or even die if they are not.

Keep in mind that outdoor pets are especially at risk. Some will not even drink water that becomes warm due to sunshine or heat. So besides keeping an eye on the water bowl, try to utilize other methods for keeping your pet hydrated. For example, switching to wet pet food instead of dry food helps to combat dehydration. Using ice cubes as a treat also keep the pet both cool and hydrated.

Additional things that can be done include providing as much shade as possible for your pet and limiting the amount of exercise an animal gets during the hottest hours of the day. Animals, like people, can get heat stroke if they become too hot and dehydrated. Watch your animal’s behavior closely to prevent this from happening. And remember, of course, the best way to prevent it is to keep your pet as cool as possible and as well watered as possible.