Can I Give My Dog Raisins? How About Grapes? Learn About Lesser-Known Dog Health Hazards In Your Home!

Guest Writer: Alicia
http://bisketbaskets.com
Follow her at Twitter.com/BisketBaskets

BisketBaskets.com is here to share their insight and expertise on lesser-known household products and foods that can harm your canine best friend. Bisket Baskets was the first company to design and sell Pet Gift Baskets, ensuring their baskets have only pet-approved treats in them! Their Gourmet Gift Baskets are quite delightful for the humans, too!

We’ve all heard that we should keep our pups away from chocolate and poinsettia plants, but did you know that ferns, garlic, and even raisins can be harmful for your pooch? There’s a whole slew of common home products that can harm your pet, and some of them you wouldn’t even think of! All of us here at BisketBaskets.com have grown up with dogs and of course have dogs in our adult lives, so we know firsthand how important it is to keep your dog healthy and happy. After all, they’re a part of our family, and such loyal companions!

Common household items like mothballs and cleaners are pretty obvious hazards, but you may not realize giving your dog acetaminophen and ibuprofen products can also hurt your pet. They do make dog-friendly versions, so stick with those! It’s important to also keep your dog away from reed diffuser oil (the smell can be tempting!), fly fishing bait, and your vitamins.

Most plants are also a “no”, so keep them on shelving your dog can’t reach, or be sure you have a watchful eye over him or her if you have plants lower to the ground. If you notice your dog has been chomping on plants, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for help, at 1-888-426-4435.

We were quite surprised to see that dogs should avoid garlic and raisins – as well as grapes, onions, avocados, and even macadamia nuts! Of course, it’s always best to feed your dog healthy dog foods and treats specifically designed for our canine friends, helping to keep your dog healthy and in shape. All chocolate should be definitely avoided, as well.

Be careful with objects left lying around the house, such as spare coins, hair pins, and paper clips. Your dog may want to play with these “toys”, and end up with getting one stuck in her or her throat! Do your best to use common sense and judgment in determining what can be left around the house, and what should be tucked safely away.

Does that seem like quite a big “don’t” list? Just like humans, dogs have special dietary needs – you wouldn’t feel too swell after eating a ton of fatty foods, would you? Table food might seem like a tasty treat for your pooch, but stick to dog food and healthy dog teats – after all, it’s made for dogs!

Do you know of any other common household items that are an absolute “no” for dogs? Share your insight with us!

Keep Dogs Healthy and Happy This Summer

Dog standing on the rocky shoreline of Redfish Lake in Stanley, Idaho, with mountains in the background.Summer in Idaho is made for exploring — long days, cool lakes, mountain trails, and those simple outdoor moments that dogs love most. Back in 2010, we took Maggie to Redfish Lake in Stanley, and watching her trot along the shoreline, ears perked and tail high, was a reminder of how much joy dogs find in the smallest adventures.

Whether you’re heading to the mountains, spending time at the lake, or just enjoying warm evenings in the backyard, a few simple habits can help keep your dog healthy, safe, and happy all season long.

1. Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of fresh water on every outing. Lakes and streams can be tempting, but not all natural water sources are safe for dogs to drink.

2. Protect Their Paws

Hot pavement, sand, and rocky trails can be tough on sensitive paws. Early morning and evening walks are easier on their feet — and on their energy levels.

3. Keep Cool During Peak Heat

Dogs can overheat quickly in summer temperatures. Offer shade, take breaks, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

4. Watch for Seasonal Hazards

Foxtails, ticks, algae blooms, and certain plants are more common in summer. A quick post‑adventure check can prevent bigger problems later.

5. Make Time for Fun

Summer is the perfect season for swimming, hiking, and exploring new places together. Some of our favorite memories — like that day with Maggie at Redfish Lake — came from simple, unplanned adventures.

If you’re looking for more ways to strengthen your connection with your dog, I recently wrote about 10 simple ways to build trust and deepen your bond. It’s a great companion read for the summer season.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission. It helps support this blog and the dog stories I love sharing.

Boise Police K9 Unit – True Blue in Our Eyes

By: Julie K. Walton, Internet Success & DogBlog Owner
Boise, Idaho   May 7, 2010

BIG BLUE

Boise State University Blue Football Field

What do you think of when I say BIG BLUE? If you live in Boise Idaho, you think of Boise State University Broncos and their big blue football field.

MEN IN BLUE

What do you think of when I say MEN IN BLUE?

OK, some of the more creative theatrically adept among us might think of the BLUE MAN GROUP, a totally unique form of entertainment that combines theatrical performance of music, comedy and multimedia.

But most will agree the term “Men in Blue” represents those who put their lives on the line to serve and protect the fine citizens of our much-loved metropolis – our local Boise Police Department.

In Boise we have police officers serving the community in many specialties: Airport Police; School Resource Officers; Police Patrol Units; Officers who ride motorcycles; Uniformed Police Officers on bicycles, assisted by a few part-time Rangers and many volunteer patrols riding golf carts patrolling the Boise River Greenbelt. But, the DogBlog has chosen to focus on one Boise police program in particular.

TRUE BLUE

Many of the dog-friendly respectable citizens of the “City of Trees” truly appreciate, what our DogBlog considers the true blue officers of the Boise Police Department, the loyal and courageous Canine Officers in the Boise PD K9 Unit. According to the Boise PD the canine/handler teams began their service as an official Boise Canine Unit in 1996. These heroic dogs receive extensive training to fulfill their responsibilities as valuable members of our community. Because of their acute sense of smell, they are extremely proficient in detecting hidden drugs, tracking, locating and apprehending suspects, as well as sniffing out articles the bad guys have left behind.

Working as a police officer can be a stressful career. This is also true for canine officers, so it’s good to hear that the dogs are well taken care of. In fact, all of the canines reside in a residence with their handler and become a part of that officer’s family, socializing with others and recovering from the stress of serving and protecting in the line of duty.

Boise PD YouTube Channel has a video explaining how they keep their K9s safe while in the car.

DogBlog Pet Bed Review

Maggie, the DogBlog Dog from Boise, Idaho was pleased to test out a very special bed. Special, you say, what makes this pet bed so special? First of all, it is so comfortable it feels like an air mattress. She snoozes away, dreaming of squirrels up a tree and running like the wind.

Maggie is a dog who thought the master family bed was the only place she could sleep. This was until we got her this new luxury pet bed from Crypton Super Fabrics. Now she can stretch out and feel snug as a bug in a rug. OK, she might need a few toys to really feel snug, but even humans would enjoy sleeping on this bed.

The other advantages: Crypton says “if you have a messy pet, don’t stress”. Crypton Super Fabrics makes their machine-washable pet beds resistant to moisture, stains, odors and bacteria. Their impenetrable barrier keeps grime from soaking through the fabric.

Pet accident? No problem – just wipe away. For stubborn stains, they offer a complete Pet Stain and Odor Remover System. But the DogBlog hasn’t tested those products.

Please check out Maggie’s musical YouTube video review.

The dog bed that Maggie tested is a Molly B. Luxury Pet Bed – Herringbone Cardinal – Size 36″ x 44″ x 5″
Maggie and the DogBlog give Crypton Super Fabrics Pet Beds a WINNER Recommendation. This pet bed product is the best dog bed we have experienced.

Read more about Maggie, our family dog, rescued from a shelter, trained by prison inmates and now the best dog in the world (in our humble opinion).
Why we started our DogBlog – a sad story about losing our best friend and finding a new one.