Even though you want to take your dog with you when traveling, it's not always easy. If you want to make the journey as comfortable as possible, there are some simple things that can make your trip more enjoyable for everyone, including your furry companion.   Food and Water Supply   When planning your trip, bring enough of your dog's food for the entire journey, plus some extra in case there are any delays. Do not rely on being able to purchase food while you are away because not all stores carry the same brands, and changing your dog's diet suddenly could cause adverse side effects.   Pack enough bottled water so your dog is never at risk of dehydration. This is even more important during summer months when hot days can exhaust your dog faster. Avoid using fresh local water because water systems vary from place to place, and a sudden change could cause diarrhea.   Bring along ice cubes in case your dog becomes carsick, or ask for a cup of ice during your gas station breaks. Ice forces your dog not to gulp down water too quickly, which could cause it to become even more nauseous. And don't forget to bring food and water bowls.   Secure Your Dog   When traveling in the car, make sure you keep your dog secured at all times. Although you may have an obedient dog, it may get distracted by things you cannot necessarily predict, such as dogs in other vehicles. This may cause unexpected excitement and distract you while driving, putting both you, your dog, and others on the road in danger. You may want to use a kennel carrier in the back of your vehicle or a special dog-friendly seatbelt to keep it secured.   Be sure to also pack multiple leashes to use while outside the vehicle. You should never let your pet roam free while at rest stops or your hotel. This is not only for safety reasons, but also because it is illegal to do so in many areas.   Ventilation   It is important to keep a window open or run the air conditioning in your car to ensure your dog is getting enough fresh air and doesn't overheat. While you may feel comfortable at room temperature, traveling may cause anxiety that can lead to your dog feeling overheated.   If you choose to open a window, make sure there isn't enough room for your dog to jump out. Many cars now also have child safety features that will allow you to disable the controls in the back seats. Use these to prevent your dog from stepping on the electric window controls and accidentally putting the window up or down.   Frequent Breaks   Just as you need to take breaks when you are driving, you should not forget about your dog. Your dog needs the chance for toilet breaks just as much as for exercise, as dogs tend to move around much more frequently than humans. Take these opportunities to provide fresh water, too.   Prepare for Emergencies   It is important to remember that accidents happen and being far away from home can make them even more difficult to handle. In addition to any regular medications that your dog may need, don't forget a pet first aid kit that includes bandages, gauze, and topical ointments in case you encounter the unexpected. Bring a copy of your dog's medical records in case you need professional treatment while abroad or proof of vaccinations.   Consider bringing your dog's favorite blanket and toys to help keep it calm and comfortable in scary situations. Never remove your dog's collar and check that your contact information is up-to-date and clearly readable before starting your trip. Even the most well-trained dogs can become spooked and run off, so you want to make sure you're easy to contact, just in case.   If you want to bring your dog with you while traveling, plan ahead to make it easier on both of you. Preparation can make your trip less stressful and more enjoyable.

  If you have adopted an older rescue dog, you will be giving them a second chance at the life they deserve. The thing is, they might come along with their own baggage. The good news is that you can train a rescue dog if you stick with it and have the patience to see them through the process. Here are four things that you need to do as your rescue dog's new owner to get them ready for a basic level of training.   1. Gaining Your New Pet's Trust A big part of training your new rescue dog will be getting them to feel comfortable and a part of their new pack. Your new dog will start to feel more comfortable when routines for feeding, bedtime and exercise are established. Use play and feeding to gain your dog's trust and use these as positive interactions to get your dog used to their new surroundings.   2. Garner What You Can About Your Dog's History Your dog's past will always be a mystery, but if there is any information you can gather about their previous environment you might be able better understand your dog's needs. If your dog was always in an outside environment, you can be more patient with housebreaking. It they were always with other dogs, you might even want to think about adopting another dog as a buddy.   3. Training for Owners as Well Get your dog in to see a professional trainer and be sure to have one-on-one lessons without other dogs present. If you have a dog that may be overly anxious or aggressive, a trainer will be able to teach you tips on how to calm you dog and establish dominance. A lot of training and guidance will fall into your hands, so you need to be ready to teach your dog how to be a part of your family and what the expectations are.   4. Get a Vet Visit In A veterinarian can assess if there are emotional or cognitive problems with your dog. There might be some problems with your dog that you can't undo, but it is good to know so that you don't lose patience and can switch training tactics if needed. If your rescue dog has physical limitations such as blindness or hearing loss, work with your vet and trainer to try different training methods.   If your rescue dog has come to you with little training or has behavior issues, it is still up to you to keep them safe and you under control. This might be a slow process, but is worth the effort once your dog starts to relax and become a part of your home. Most dogs want to learn and have your approval - you just have to know how to ask for it.

By Amber Kingsley When temperatures are on the rise, many of us worry about keeping our furry friends cool during the summer, especially during heat waves that sometimes seem to last forever. Even humans can have trouble cooling off, but we don’t have to wear fur coats all day long either.   But for most dog breeds, their coat can be compared to our home’s insulation, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Please consult with a professional groomer before making taking drastic measures, like shaving your dog. Animals with light-colored skin and hair can also be more susceptible to sunburn and other unhealthy skin conditions if their hair is too short.   So how can we help keep our dogs both cooler and healthy in the raging heat? Using some of the superfoods found in the infographic below, along with another popular new trend, coconut oil, along with these tips, can help keep Fido from frying in the heat. Coconut Oil   This popular new super substance is gaining popularity with more people today for its many health benefits that can be found from both consuming it internally as well as applying it externally and the same is true for our dogs. While fleas and ticks can be less active in hotter summer months, mosquitoes and the heartworm virus they carry, come out in full force. Coconut oil can be combined with other essential oils and non-toxic ingredients to make an effective insect repellent. A cool bath with added coconut oil can be a cooling, soothing way to make your dog’s coat and skin healthy and shiny.   Many dogs actually enjoy the taste of coconut and some pet owners are adding it directly to their diets, but others are adding a drop into each section of an ice tray, adding water and once frozen, they watch their canines play and crunch on these tasty, healthy coconut-flavored popsicles. If you’re worried about a possible choking hazard, add a few to their water dish instead.   A Nice, Cold Carrot   If you think your dog might not enjoy eating fresh vegetables like carrots, think again. I once owned a dog that loved this healthy orange treat and would chew on one for quite a while before eventually devouring all the shavings. A nice, cold carrot straight from the fridge can be a healthy summertime snack for many dogs.   Pumpkins and Sweet Potatoes   Some other orange (and purple) tinted favorites include sweet potatoes and pumpkin, which can both aid in a dog’s digestion. Slices of a sweet potatoes directly from the refrigerator can replace processed treats for many dogs. Solid pack pumpkin, the cans that some people buy to make homemade pumpkin pie, can be portioned and frozen for a cool, summertime snack. Avoid buying the brands with added sugar, spices and other additives.   Juicy, Delicious Blueberries              This antioxidant packed berry can be a big hit for some dogs, but beware, it has been known to cause stomach issues or food allergies with a few select canines. For a summertime treat, try adding a little bit of milk or water to some frozen blueberries. As they start to melt, the liquid becomes slushy and it can become like a fruity slushy or ice cream. Same warning as above, some dogs don’t tolerate dairy very well, so be careful.   You should always check with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet, but it’s a pretty safe bet they will approve with some healthier food choices for your beloved pet. Check out the other superfoods that are good for our pets on this infographic, “7 Superfoods to Add to Your Dog’s Diet.”

An Addisonian crisis is the result of undiagnosed Addison's disease in dogs. If your dog does not get immediate medical attention, she could die from multiple organ failure. The hardest part about Addison's disease is knowing your pet has it. Signs are subtle, and it takes an attentive dog owner to see the changes. Once diagnosed, Addison's disease is easily managed at a reasonable cost. Here are some tell-tale signs that your dog could be having an Addisonian crisis.   What is Addison's Disease?   Addison's disease is a genetic disorder where your dog's adrenal glands no longer produce the hormones necessary to deal with stress. The disease mostly affects female dogs, and it does not present symptoms until about the age of five.   Taking long walks, new dogs in the house, people moving in and out and a change of environment are all triggers for your dog's stress. Normally, your dog's adrenal glands excrete glucocorticoids to deal with the stress. In addition to glucocorticoids, the adrenal glands also release mineralocorticoids to balance electrolytes.  When these steroids aren't excreted during stress, your dog is unable to handle it, electrolytes become imbalanced, and your dog's heart and kidneys cease to function. The result is a tragedy, but you can avoid it by rushing your dog to an emergency vet who can stabilize your pet.   Signs of a Crisis   To identify symptoms, you must know your dog's behavior. Even veterinarians tell you that Addison's disease is an extremely difficult disorder to diagnose unless the vet knows to take blood work. First, your dog will probably be more lethargic. If your dog normally follows you around the house, she will probably stop and lay there as you move around.   Next, your dog will lose its appetite and show signs of anorexia. She might try to eat, but as soon as she eats, she will vomit it up.  Diarrhea is also a problem. Between the diarrhea and vomiting, the dog becomes dangerously dehydrated.   If you sleep with your dog, another noticeable sign is the shakes. The dog will shake as if she's cold or sick. She might try to sleep close to you for warmth, but she shakes and wakes you up.   What might throw dog owners off is that the dog will still drink water regularly. She will even walk regularly. Although, when she walks she won't want to go far distances and might even sit down. Your dog's behavior will be overall lethargic regardless of the activity.   If any of these symptoms are present with your dog, it's imperative that you immediately take the dog to a vet. If it's night time, find an emergency vet in your area. Dogs going through an Addisonian crisis will collapse fast, so it's important to act quickly.   Treating Addison's Disease   If you get your dog to the vet quickly, the vet will give the dog fluids, medication and stabilize her. Depending on how critical the condition, the dog could have sodium and potassium imbalances, a heart murmur and malfunctioning kidneys.   After your dog is stabilized, you can usually take her home after a couple of days. Your dog will be dependent on two medications: Prednisone and Percorten. Your dog will take daily doses of Prednisone. The dosage is determined by your vet. Percorten shots are given every month. Percorten is the more expensive treatment, but you can buy the bottle for about $200 and have the vet give your dog a shot for about $10 each visit. The Percorten bottle will last several months for a small dog. Prednisone is much cheaper. The Prednisone bottle costs about $15 each month.   A small dog will only need about 1.5mg of Prednisone each day. However, you'll need to double that dosage when you anticipate stressful times for the dog. For instance, if you take the dog to the vet, travel with her, introduce a new dog or have visitors, you need to double her dosage.   Prognosis for a treated dog with Addison's disease is very promising. As long as you get the dog to the vet during crisis symptoms, your dog will recover. Knowing your dog is key to identifying any further episodes, but with proper medication and treatment, your dog will live a long, happy life.  

Is your dog damaging your possessions or digging holes in your backyard? You may be tempted to enlist a trainer, but save your money. The answer to your dog woes may be as simple as modifying your behavior. Follow these tips to turn your bored and naughty dog into a happy and well-behaved pet.   Understand Your Breed's Traits Historically, dogs were expected to work alongside their owners. Herding breeds rounded up livestock. Terriers are chasers and diggers and were used to protect property from trespassers, both human and animal. Sporting dogs, including golden retrievers and labs, helped in the field and on the water to retrieve fowl and fish. These canine tasks are rarely needed during modern life, but your dog still has these natural tendencies. Do some research on your breed's traits, and then devise appropriate activities. For example, you'll find that herding breeds excel at dog sports, terriers enjoy agility courses and games of fetch, and sporting dogs are natural swimmers.   A Few Short Walks a Day is Not Enough If you have a dog that gnaws on table legs or devours slippers, clearly she needs another outlet. Commit to giving her a long walk every day. For some breeds, 30 minutes is enough, but high-energy dogs can benefit from at least an hour or more of vigorous exercise. And so can you! If you are unsure if your dog is a good candidate for a hike or a jog, consult your vet.   Respond to Your Dog's Barking Are you shushing your barking dog? Don't. Barking is one of the ways your dog communicates, so take the time to figure out what he's trying to say. If your dog approaches, looks you in the eye, and barks, maybe he needs to go to the bathroom. Some dogs bark when they're hungry or when they want the family to hang out in one room together. Others bark to alert you to a stranger, or to warn you that a thunderstorm is brewing well before you can hear it. As soon as your dog barks, acknowledge him by saying, "Do you need to go outside?" or "Thank you for letting me know the delivery man is here." Your immediate response will let your dog know he has been heard and understood, and it may result in less barking moving forward.   Schedule Playdates Many breeds are pack animals, and will thrive when socializing with other dogs. A visit to the dog park is a good first step, as long as your dog has all their necessary vaccinations. When there, make sure to keep an eye on her. If she's wagging her tail, enjoying chasing and being chased, and engaging in playful wrestling, that's good. If she seems intimidated by the group or is overly aggressive, then try a different socialization strategy. Your dog may prefer the company of just one dog at a time. Schedule playtime with a friend's dog, or suggest that a neighbor and their dog join you for an after-dinner stroll around the block.   Take Your Dog with You Many people leave their pets at home when they run errands or go to their child's game. But the more time he's left alone, the more bored and destructive he may become. As long as the temperature isn't too hot or cold, and pets are allowed at the venue, bring your dog. He will be thrilled with your companionship, and the exposure to a variety of situations will eventually tire him out. Plus, you won't find his dog bed ripped apart when you return home!   Unleash Your Dog Are your walks outdoors always on-leash? Start exploring the world off leash. Professional trainers recommend that this be done in baby steps, especially with a dog who has rarely been off-leash previously. Begin in an area where your dog won't be distracted by people, animals, and traffic, like your yard or a secluded area of a local park. Place bits of meat in your pocket, and then invite your dog to walk with you, rewarding her every so often with a treat. These outings may take place over several weeks and only last 15 minutes at a time. The key is to get your dog to respond consistently to your commands. Then gradually move your walks to areas that contain more distractions - examples include a neighborhood sidewalk or a popular trail. Have extra treats and a leash at the ready, in case your dog finds something so tempting that she can't resist an enthusiastic greeting. Over time, your repeated off-leash adventures will significantly build the rapport between you and your dog, and make her more responsive to your direction.         When it comes to addressing your dog's mischievous behavior, there's no need to spend money on a trainer. Instead, introduce your dog to new and interesting experiences, taking into account his breed and temperament. Your commitment to varying your dog's physical activities and increasing his socialization opportunities will result in a better-behaved pet

Playing fetch with your dog is an activity that's immensely enjoyable for the entire family, but if your puppy tends to ignore the ball when you throw it, or won't bring the ball back to you, it can be exhausting!  Although the skill of fetching is instinctive for certain breeds of dog, such as retrievers, most dogs still need to be trained in the rules of the game, and taught what they are expected to do.  Luckily, it isn't difficult to train a dog how to fetch, and by following the steps below, your puppy will learn a new skill that will provide hours of entertainment for both you and your family friend. Make sure the ball you use when you're teaching your dog how to fetch is used only for that purpose.  This will lead to an association between that particular ball and playing fetch in your puppy's brain; whenever he sees that ball, he'll know it's time to play, and eventually he'll get excited just by seeing a glimpse of his special ball. With the dog by your side, throw the ball a very short distance away from yourself.  If your dog doesn't instinctively go chasing after the ball, chase after it yourself, and play with the ball, just as if you were a dog. He may not understand what he's expected to do for a few days, but if your dog sees that you're having fun with the ball, eventually he will want to join in and play with you. The moment your dog does start chasing after the ball when you throw it, give him as much verbal encouragement and praise as you can. Don't say your dog's name at this point, as it could be confusing, and the dog may think that you're calling him back to you before he reaches the ball.  When your dog plants his teeth around the ball, you're halfway there. Your dog has mastered the first step of fetch.  The next step is to teach him to bring the ball back to you. When your dog is walking with the ball in his mouth, call him by his name towards you, and clap your hands at the same time, to ensure you have his attention.  If your dog drops the ball before he makes it back to you, try throwing the ball again, but a shorter distance this time. When your dog eventually gets to where you're standing with the ball in his mouth, make a real fuss of him. He's almost an expert at the game by now. Getting your dog to let go of the ball once he has bought it back can be the most difficult part of the game. Try saying "drop", and give him a treat at the same time. Your dog should drop the ball in order to be able to eat the treat. After a while, when your dog makes it back to you with the ball in his mouth, say "drop" before offering the treat, and he will know what he's expected to do.

  Dogs and cats are the ultimate human companions in contemporary society. So much so, that people end up self-identifying as either one type of person or another.  Dogs win the popularity contest easily, in both terms of ownership and self-identification. More people like dogs, and more people own them. What’s really interesting about pet ownership is what it says about the pet owners. According to recent studies, someone who considers themselves a cat person is more likely to be independent, creative, and somewhat neurotic. Whereas dog people end up being more eager to please, conscientious, and extroverted. These are of course, only slight differences, in between the 10 to 20 percent range, but are interesting findings nonetheless. These traits make perfect sense even at first glance. Dog ownership consists of attentive and hands on care, as well as a great deal of social interaction. Cats on the other hand require far less upkeep, and a more individualistic sort of companionship than can be expected from the pack animal mentality of their canine counterparts. The slightly off-kilter attitude of cats, their--shall we say finicky nature has had a very negative impact on their popularity. People are considerably more likely to be anti-cat, and anti-cat owner than with dogs. Though by looking through internet memes, you’d never guess it. This cat discrimination is probably due to a cat’s antisocial instincts. Cats are territorial creatures as well as fierce and formidable predators. For their size, they pack a lot of power and sharp surfaces into an adorable little package. People often misunderstand the best way to approach cats or take offense at their perceived snotty attitudes. It also doesn’t help that lonely spinsters occasionally settle in large houses with more than ten of them dwelling within. This all adds up to a negative vision of cats and cat people overall. However, this is a woefully inaccurate portrayal of only a single aspect of cats and their people. Cat resourcefulness, intelligence, and dynamic aptitude at problem solving can be witnessed in their owners as well. A recent British study cited in an article by The Telegraph reveals that cat owners are much more likely to have degrees from a university than dog owners are. Of course, this can be attributed to working longer hours and choosing a pet that better fits their lifestyles, but it is a curious coincidence. Dog people on the other hand don’t really suffer from any negative stereotypes. Unless they own pit bulls, but that’s a stigma that’s due in the most part to the savage and deplorable practice of dog fighting. Dogs generally get along well with anyone that doesn’t mind a wagging tail and the occasional lick on the face. Dog owners as well, have that reputation for being extroverts. It’s even rumored that single guys have been using puppies as an effective way to meet women… And by rumored, I mean confirmed. It totally works. Just make sure you’re adopting your pet for the right reasons!  

Your dog is a cherished member of your family. Therefore, you usually have to treat your pet as you would handle a young child. The summer months typically entail more outdoor social activities, so you need to protect your animals from sun exposure and other risks, on holidays and every day.   Here are some of the most common risks and how to avoid them.   Sunscreen and Bug Repellent If your dog will be spending a lot of time outdoors, you'll want to protect him from the elements, namely insects and the sun. Keep your own health and beauty products out of your pet's reach, however. Do not use sunscreen intended for humans on your dog, since you risk skin irritation or even poisoning if he licks it off. Check with your vet to find an appropriate sun protection product for your pet. Likewise, there are shampoos and other skin treatments that also function as insect repellents. Be sure to use only those products recommended by your vet.   Alcohol Under no circumstances should you allow dogs to ingest alcohol. It is poisonous to them, and the consequences of letting them drink alcohol can range from minor illness and behavioral changes to unconsciousness and even death. If you're hosting friends and family for a summer get-together, be sure that guests do not leave any form of alcohol within your dog's reach.   Certain Foods Summer picnics and parties usually feature a range of tasty options...for humans. Do not be tempted to feed your dog scraps from the grill or any other foods not meant for their consumption. There are a number of foods that are toxic to domestic animals. You may be aware of some commonly-cited items like chocolate and onions. To be safe, however, don't offer them anything that is not dog food. Even minor deviations from their regular diet, including the sudden introduction of a new type of pet food, can cause an upset stomach and should be avoided.   Firecrackers and Fireworks Displays Dogs are naturally curious, so they should not have access to fireworks, even when they're unlit. Many contain toxic substances such as arsenic and potassium nitrate. Avoid burns and other injuries by keeping your dog away from lit fireworks and sparklers. Furthermore, even the most  well-adjusted, well-behaved, and extroverted pets should not be exposed to loud events such as public fireworks displays. The noise is  bothersome to their sensitive hearing, and they could become anxious being in a loud, crowded environment.   Matches, Lighter Fluid, Citronella Candles Essentially, anything that has to do with fire is best kept away from your pet. In addition to the risk of being burned by fire, pets can face respiratory problems from the chemicals in matches and lighter fluid, for instance. Citronella and other oils can cause respiratory and stomach problems. Ingesting any of these materials can also result in severe damage to the animal's nervous system.   For more information, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to  Animals (ASPCA) issues detailed safety guidelines, including tips for major holidays like the Fourth of July.   You've heard of the dog days of summer? Although you may grow tired of the sultry heat by July or August, but by following these simple safety tips, you and your four-legged friend can relax and enjoy the entire season. Image Credit. 

Do you have a hard time making your dog's dental hygiene a priority?  You're not alone.  Plenty of pet owners balk at the idea of brushing their dog's teeth.  Perhaps you simply don't think it's necessary to brush your dog's teeth.  Maybe you find it challenging to make time or muster the energy for regular brushing, especially if your dog makes the job difficult.  Although taking good care of your pet's teeth can seem like a hassle, your dog's oral hygiene is more important than you might think. Without regular dental care, dogs are likely to develop periodontal (gum) disease from food particles and bacteria creating a build-up of plaque along the gum line.  In fact, veterinarians estimate that most dogs will develop some degree of gum disease by the time they are a few years old.  Most pet owners fail to notice oral health problems in their dogs until gum disease advances enough for obvious symptoms to occur, which can often be too late to easily correct the problem.  Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, abscesses, or even worse problems.  Studies have shown that oral bacteria can cause spread systematically, creating issues including heart and kidney disease.  Fortunately, just like in humans, regular dental care can help prevent gum disease in dogs.  If you haven't done much for your dog's pearly whites in the past, make sure to have him examined by a veterinarian.  If gum disease is already present, a professional cleaning or other treatment may be required.  If not, you can begin preventative care by routinely brushing your dog's teeth.  Ideally, a dog's teeth should be brushed daily, but if this is unrealistic for you, aim to brush them a few times a week, or at the very least, weekly.   Brushing can be supplemented by giving your dog special chews and toys that promote dental health.  There are a wide variety of these items available at most pet stores, so ask your veterinarian which options are the best for your dog.  Let's see those pearly whites! Image credit Before you begin a routine of brushing your dog's teeth, acquire the proper tools.  You will need to use a toothpaste created specifically for dogs, as ingesting human toothpaste is harmful to your pet.  There are several varieties of dog toothpaste available, including fresh-smelling minty flavors.  If your dog isn't keen on having his teeth brushed, you might try an enticing meaty flavor instead.  You should also use a toothbrush designed for dogs.  Long-handled models with soft bristles that look similar to human toothbrushes are great for use on large dogs or those who might  bite.  Finger brushes made of soft rubber are another popular choice, but remember that they don't provide much protection in the event that your dog should bite down on your finger. Use whatever model will be the easiest for you to work with on your dog. To brush, apply your dog's toothpaste to the bristles and brush the outside of his teeth in a gentle, circular motion.  Be sure to do this on all of this teeth, from his front teeth to his molars.  If your dog protests, be sure to go slowly and speak to him in a soothing tone.  You can have a friend help by gently holding or petting him, and you can even pause to reward your dog with treats as you work.  Each time you brush his teeth, make sure to check for any signs of bad breath, redness, swelling, or bleeding.  Let your veterinarian know if anything in your pet's mouth looks different or unusual.  Putting in the effort to brush your dog's teeth on a regular basis might be a challenge at first, but you'll find it's worth the trouble.  Not only will you prevent your pet from having future oral health problems, but you'll also save yourself from heartbreak and having to pay bigger vet bills.  Be gentle but persistent with your routine, and you'll find that brushing your dog's teeth may not be as difficult as you'd imagined.

Many breeds of dogs are infamous for their tendency to eat anything and everything in sight. Whether you might think of a plant as edible or not will have no bearing on your pup's attitude. While most plants are harmless, however, many are actually poisonous to dogs, and you should do everything you can to keep Fido away. Here is a look at seven very common offenders that you may have in or around your home.   1. Dieffenbachia - Also known as Dumb Cane, the dieffenbachia plant is toxic when ingested by both dogs and cats. A tropical plant naturally, the dieffenbachia contains a chemical that is meant to deter animals away from eating it. If your dog ingests the leaves, be on the lookout for oral irritation and swelling of the tongue and lips. Later symptoms may include vomiting, problems swallowing (due to swelling of the esophagus), and increased salivation.   2. Asparagus Fern - This common houseplant doesn't need to be ingested to be bad for your dog. Repeated rubbing up against it can lead to allergic dermatitis (skin irritation). The asparagus fern also produces berries that are toxic to dogs. Ingestion can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and upset stomach.   3. Castor Bean - Though you may not be familiar with the castor bean plant, you could have it in your garden without knowing its name. A favorite among landscapers, this tropical plant is also very common in parks. When ingested, the leaves of the castor bean can burn your pup's mouth and throat. You may notice excessive thirst, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea in the hours that follow. The seeds of this plant are the most dangerous part, and consumption is often lethal.   4. Daffodil - A cheery addition to your flower garden, daffodils contain poisonous chemicals that could cause diarrhea, vomiting, and increased salivation when consumed by your dog. The worst toxins can be found in the bulb of the daffodil plant, and ingestion can lead to much more serious symptoms, including low blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and tremors.   5. Aloe Vera - Soothing to human skin, aloe vera is often kept as a houseplant so that people can take advantage of its medicinal properties. Unfortunately, when consumed by dogs, the saponin and aloin toxins found within the plant cause it to be moderately poisonous. In addition to vomiting and diarrhea, ingestion can lead to depression, tremors, and a change in the color of your pet's urine.   6. Corn Plant - Easily recognizable by their ribbon-like leaves, many people have corn plants either inside or outside their homes. No one knows exactly why this plant is poisonous to dogs (and cats), but it is thought to contain a steroidal toxin related to saponin. If eaten by your dog, be on the lookout for vomiting (with or without blood), diarrhea, weakness, depression, and anorexia.   7. Baby's Breath - Though it's included in most flower bouquets, you shouldn't let your pup nibble on baby's breath. The gyposenin found in abundance within these flowers can lead to diarrhea and vomiting. This plant is less likely to cause serious side effects than some others, but its abundance around the house makes your dog much more likely to come across it.