Puppies, young dogs, and some adult dogs are orally oriented. Just like human babies, everything goes in their mouths! This may be a habit left over from teething. It may be a way of releasing tension. It can even be breed-related. For example, Retrievers naturally pick up and carry things in their mouths. Whatever the reason, the problem begins when the item is swallowed.

The only safe bone for a dog to chew is hard rubber or pliable nylon! Giving your dog the bones of another animal to chew on is not a wise idea. Bones splinter and can lodge in the mouth, throat, or intestine.

Tablescraps do not provide adequate nutrition and, therefore, should not be given to a dog. A little juice, left over from any dish, except poultry, can be poured over a high quality dog food. Poultry juice is very difficult to digest. Raw eggs should not be given to a dog because of the risk of salmonella poisoning.

Chocolate contains theobromine and even small amounts can cause restlessness and vomiting in pets. The lethal dose of theobromine depends on the size of your dog and the type of chocolate. As little as one-half ounce of baking chocolate can be fatal to your dog!

Obviously, drugs, liquor, and tobacco are dangerous to your dog. Many pills are sugar-coated and, therefore, are attractive to dogs. Anti-freeze is sweet tasting and dogs are attracted to it. A small amount can result in irreparable brain and kidney damage, if not death. The odor of slug bait is attractive to dogs, but ingesting slug bait is lethal without medical attention.

Some dogs swallow rocks and sticks. Many a veterinarian has had to remove both from these silly dogs with unusual appetites.

Most indoor, and many outdoor, plants are poisonous to dogs. It can be the leaves, berries, stems, or roots that cause the poisoning. The only plant easily identifiable and safe for a dog to chew and swallow is grass. Eating grass is quite often followed by vomiting and it is thought by some researchers that the grass acts as an emetic. Some researchers also feel that many dogs simply like its taste.