The prospective dog owner plans ahead for their new dog. The seasoned dog owner knows that not everything can be planned for. But it is possible to plan ahead for a very serious and common emergency - poisonous hazards for dogs.

There are many toxic foods and plants for dogs. All of the toxins that affect dogs are too numerous to mention in an article so it is best to research anything you aren't sure about. Ask your vet or check with an animal organization like the ASPCA .

Some Inside Plants Poisonous to Dogs

• Aloe Vera
• Caladium
• Chrysanthemum
• Dumbcane
• Elephant's Ear
• Emerald Fern
• Hyacinth
• Philodendron
• Weeping Fig
• Yew

Some Outside Plants Poisonous to Dogs

• Azaleas
• Daffodils
• Foxglove
• Ivy
• Morning Glory
• Nightshade
• Oak
• Green Potato
• Rhododendrum
• Wisteria

Human Foods That Poison Pets

• Avocado: All parts are toxic to dogs
• Chocolate: Contains Theobromine, a cardiac stimulant which can be fatal to dogs
• Fruit Pits and Seeds: Most contain cyanide
• Garlic: Contains Thiosulphate, though a small amount, so a lot would have to be ingested to be toxic. Keep in mind, it builds up in the system
• Grapes: Affects a dog's kidneys
• Macadamia Nuts: Affects the nervous system
• Mushrooms: Affect the nervous system, kidneys and heart
• Nutmeg: Can cause seizures and central nervous system damage
• Onions: Contains same toxin as garlic, though in much larger amounts
• Raisins: Same as grapes
• Sugar-Free Foods: These contain Xylitol, which can cause liver failure in dogs
• Tomatoes, Potatoes and Rhubarb: Parts of these contain oxalates, which can be toxic to dogs

Holiday Hazards For Dogs

The holidays are a very hectic time for dogs and dog owners alike and it's easy to miss some of the plants and foods poisonous to dogs specific to that time.

• Christmas: Many of the plants used for Christmas decorating are toxic to dogs, including Holly, Mistletoe and Poinsettias. It's best to find safe substitutes.
• Easter: Lilies are highly toxic to dogs, as are Tulips.
• Fourth of July: Alcohol can be toxic to dogs so during your BBQs, do keep the beer to yourself.
• Halloween: We all know that chocolate is poisonous to dogs but excessive sugar from any source can be as well.
• Thanksgiving: Trim that turkey well and keep the gravy for the humans. Too much fat intake, especially over a short period of time, can be toxic.

General Signs Of Poisoning

Though there can be signs that are specific to each toxin, the most common are:

• Abdominal Pain (your dog may whine and his stomach will be tender to the touch)
• Coma
• Convulsions
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Irregular Heartbeat
• Labored Breathing
• Lethargy
• Swollen Limbs
• Vomiting

Immediate Treatment of a Poisoned Pet

If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms or even if you just suspect he ingested something toxic, call a pet poison hot line such as the ASPCA (1-888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Hot Line (1-800-213-6180). Your l...

Many dog owners leave out water for their dogs all the time with the thought that they'll drink as much, or as little, as they need. But how much water does a dog need? Monitoring your dog's water intake can improve their health, prevent illness and insure proper hydration. While some dogs naturally do this on their own, some either under-drink or over-drink. Too little water can lead to dehydration in dogs, kidney stones, organ failure and even death. Drinking too much water can lead to stomach bloat, electrolyte imbalances, and Hyponatremia (water toxicity).

Also, keep in mind that if your dog is under-drinking or over-drinking, it could be a sign of an underlying illness. Under-drinking can indicate Parvo, Leptospirosis, or Pancreatitis. Over-drinking can signify a bladder infection, another type of infection, or diabetes. Have your vet check your dog if he's doing either.

Optimal Drinking

How much water a day should a dog drink? How much and how carefully you have to monitor him depends on several factors:

• Size: On the average, a healthy dog drinks about 1/2 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.
• Food: A healthy diet is as important as water and the type of food your dog eats affects his water intake. Dogs that eat only dry food will need a little more water than those that eat canned. Also, avoid ingredients that can artificially increase your dog's thirst such as sodium.
• Age: Puppies need about a 1/2 cup every two hours and need to be closely monitored. Senior dogs tend to naturally monitor themselves.
• Exercise: Bring water along on any exercise excursion with your dog. The bottles that have the drop down cup work well. After exercise, give your dog ice cubes to start and then just a little water at a time to prevent bloat.
• Weather: Summer means more panting which means an increase in water intake.
• Medications: Check with your vet to see if you need to decrease or increase your dog's water intake while taking a medication.

Checking for Dehydration in Dogs and Overhydration in Dogs

To look for dehydration in dogs, grab a piece of skin at the back of your dog's neck. Stretch it out, then let it go. A properly hydrated dog's skin will snap quickly back into place, while the skin of a dehydrated dog will return slowly and form a "tent" in the process. You can also check your dog's gums for dehydration - wet, slippery gums are healthy. Dull, sticky gums suggest dehydration.

Dogs who overhydrate will often vomit, act confused or become lethargic.

Insuring Proper Hydration

Knowing the amount of water your pet should drink helps you determine if your dog is an under-drinker or an over-drinker. There are a few ways to manage these pooches:

Under-Drinkers

• Behavior Modification: Whenever your dog goes to get a drink, praise him and give him a treat.
• Strategic Placement: Keep water near his bed, near his food and anywhere he normally plants himself.
• Up the Flavor: There are f...

Watch Out for the "Scoot"

You might have seen one of the many videos on You Tube where a dog is scooting his butt across the floor in a most humorous way. Not only is it unfair to the dog, who has no idea millions of people are laughing at his expense, it's also a sign of a potentially serious problem - impacted or infected anal glands.

It may not be something you want to bring up at the next vet visit but it's important that you do. Learning how to care for your dog's anal glands will help insure he stays healthy and may save you the cost of an emergency visit to the vet later on. Anal glands are a dog's calling card - they emit a small amount of fluid when pressured by urinating or defecating and that fluid has your dog's own unique smell. They can also release the smell when a dog is excited, for example when meeting another dog. If the glands aren't expressed (releasing built up fluid) naturally and regularly, they become impacted which can lead to infection or even a rupture of the glands.

Regular Care of the Anal Glands

Some dogs never have a problem with their anal glands so it's up to you to be aware of the warning signs. The famous scoot across the floor is a good indication that your dog needs his anal glands expressed. Other signs are a fishy odor around your dog's behind, your dog licking near his rectum, or soft stools. If you notice any blood where your pup has scooted, go to the vet immediately, as it is a sign of an infection.

By feeding your dog a higher quality dog food with fewer or no cereal fillers, your dog will likely produce firmer stools which will naturally express the anal glands.

Table Scraps are more likely to cause soft stools.

There are some supplements that are thought to support the anal glands such as the product "AnalGlandz." Be sure to check with your vet before starting any supplement.

This is really recommended as an expert is less likely to hurt your dog and can do it quickly and efficiently. You can bring your dog to the vet to get the glands expressed when you notice a sign that they're impacted. You can also bring him to the groomer. A groomer is a good choice because she likely sees your dog every few months and, thus, there's less time that the glands are going unchecked.

Again, this is not recommended but if you're determined to express the glands yourself, here are ...