Dark chocolate can be lethal to dogs. Substances in chocolate that canines cannot tolerate are methylxanthine alkaloids and theobromine. While humans excrete these substances within three hours after ingestion, these chemicals stay inside a dog’s body for up to eighteen hours. Chocolate poisoning symptoms can include excessive urination, vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. If you see these symptoms in your dog, seek treatment immediately as seizures, coma and death can result from chocolate.

Even though dogs love bones, the real variety are actually not good for them. Tiny splinters can be eaten when the dog gnaws at the bone which can lead to choking or perforations in the intestines.

Raw fish should also not be fed to dogs. Thiamine deficiency can result which can cause loss of appetite, weakness, abnormal posture and possibly death.

Raw eggs are another forbidden food since they cause biotin levels to fall. Hair loss, dermatitis, and skin eruptions can be the result.

Never feed your dog the foods mentioned above. Be sure to keep your dog away from the kitchen when you are preparing foods and secure your trashcans so that your pet doesn’t accidentally eat harmful foods.

Roundworms are a type of worm that is commonly found in puppies although adult dogs can get them, too. The mother can easily pass worms to her offspring since they are closely confined in a kennel. Often, the dog owner will first diagnose worms when some worms are passed in dog stool.

Roundworms take up residence in the small intestine and can become so numerous that the intestines can become blocked. One worm can grow up to six inches in length. Roundworms are contagious to other dogs and even people. To prevent worms, do not allow your dog to sniff stool from other dogs and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your animal.

Ask your vet to check your dog’s stool for worms at annual exams even if you have seen no evidence of infection. If your dog does have worms, your vet can prescribe medication. You will need to bring your dog for a check after finishing the medication as sometimes several rounds of treatment are necessary to completely eliminate the problem.

Roundworms can eventually lead to the death of your dog if left untreated, so be sure to get annual exams, and follow up on any unusual symptoms promptly.

If you are trying to prevent fleas or only have a few stray fleas in your home, you may be able to get rid of fleas naturally using the following tips. If your home is heavily infested, other measures will be necessary.

• Wash your dog’s bedding weekly in warm water since fleas often breed in sleeping areas.
• Vacuum frequently throughout your house and seal any bags before putting them in the trash so no fleas escape.
• Use a mild dog shampoo to bathe your pet on a weekly basis.
• Since cedar repels fleas and other insects, put cedar in their sleeping area. You can even purchase cedar shampoos for bathing your canine.
• Small doses of brewers yeast and garlic can give your pet an odor that can repel fleas.
• Some Linatone oil mixed with your dog’s food can help combat dry skin that tends to attract fleas.
• Marigolds repel fleas so be sure to plant them in your yard.
• A natural dip for dog is boiled lemon or orange peel in water.
• Using lukewarm water along with a small amount of shampoo and detergent can prevent fleas. Dip you dog’s body (not head) in the solution for about fifteen minutes and rinse.

By trying these methods before you have a major flea infestation, you should be able to get rid of fleas naturally.