General

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used in candy and chewing gum.  It is also found in some pharmaceuticals and oral health products such as chewable vitamins and throat lozenges.  It can also be used in home baking.  While Xylitol is safe for humans, it can be harmful to dogs because it can cause a dangerous surge of insulin.  In as little as 15 minutes, the blood sugar of a dog that has eaten gum containing Xylitol may register a marked drop in blood sugar.  At higher doses, Xylitol is believed toxic to the canine liver.

Dogs can NEVER eat chocolate. This is because chocolate contains theobromine, a toxic chemical that can affect dog's nervous systems, cardiovascular systems, and peripheral nerves.

Dogs can NEVER eat, or even lick antifreeze. This could be deadly to them because it consists of 95% ethylene glycol, an extremely toxic chemical. They are usually attracted to the blue/green liquid because it smells and tastes sweet to them so please be aware when you're walking your dog on the street.

Summer

Dogs should have access to cool water all the time. If you are going out and are bringing water for yourself, then you should also bring water and something to drink out of (plastic bag) for your dog.

Dogs should not drink large amounts of water 45 minutes before or after eating or excessive activity. It is believed that this may cause gastric torsion, or "bloat", which may require surgery or possibly cause death.

Do not exercise your dog during extremely hot days. Most dogs will not stop until you do, regardless of how tired or hot they feel. Excessive activity on hot days may cause heat stroke, which may cause death.

To cool your dog off when it is very hot outside, put cool water on his/her head, back of the neck, undercarriage, and paws.

Dog's paws can get burned on hot sidewalks, pavement, and metal. Try to walk them in the shade or on the grass. If a dog's paws are burning, he/she might stand in one place and lift one paw up at a time, indicating that the ground is too hot.

A dog should NEVER be left alone in a car, especially in the summer heat. A car's internal temperature tends to be warmer than the outside temperature. It may only be 70 degrees outside, but it could feel like 100 degrees in an enclosed car. This may cause heat stroke, which may cause death.

Winter

If the forecast calls for very cold temperatures, don't stay outside with your dog for too long. They get cold too.

In the winter, salt is used on the sidewalks and in the streets to help melt the snow. This can hurt dog's feet as well as make them sick if they lick it. When you get home, immediately wipe off your dog's paws with a damp towel to remove any salt.

Make sure your dog does not chew the cords of your holiday lights. Also, ensure that you hang your Christmas tree ornaments out of your dog's reach.