Responsible pet ownership begins with understanding your dog’s needs, from proper nutrition and training to veterinary care, enrichment, and safe home management. The AVMA’s guide covers the fundamentals every pet owner should know. 

View Pet Ownership Guide 

Certain everyday foods can be dangerous or even life-threatening for dogs. Keep these items out of reach and contact a vet immediately if ingestion occurs.

Highly Toxic: 

• Chocolate

• Grapes

• Raisins

• Onions

• Garlic

• Macadamia Nuts

• Xylitol (sugar-free sweeteners)

• Alcohol

• Caffeine

• Certain Mushrooms

Digestive Hazards:

• Bones/Rawhide

• Yeast Dough

• Spoiled Food

• Green Potatoes

• Green Tomatoes

When in doubt: call your vet or emergency clinic right away.

Safe in moderation:

• Cooked Chicken or Turkey (no bones)

• Plain Pumpkin

• Carrots

• Blueberries

• Plain rice

• Bananas

• Green Beans

• Oatmeal

Unsafe: 

• Anything containing xylitol

• Grapes/Raisins

• Onions/Garlic

• Chocolate

• Macadamia Nuts

• Alcohol

• Excessive Dairy

• Fried or Fatty Foods

If your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach, always introduce new foods slowly.

If poisoning is suspected:

• Remove access to the substance immediately

• Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet

• Contact your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital

• Bring packaging or product info with you

If injured:

• Apply pressure to stop bleeding

• Keep the dog calm and warm

• Avoid giving pain meds unless prescribed

Know your nearest emergency vet in Idaho before you need one.

• Store cleaners, medication, supplements, and chemicals out of reach

• Keep trash cans secured

• Check for toxic houseplants

• Block off wires and cords

• Make sure windows/screens are secure

• Ensure all small items (kids’ toys, batteries) are put away

• Use baby gates for unsafe areas if needed

A safe home prevents accidents before they happen.

Bully breeds are strong chewers, so it’s important to choose toys that won’t splinter or break.

Recommended:

• Durable Rubber Toys

• Rope Toys (supervised)

• Frozen Kongs

• Treat Puzzles

Avoid:

• Rawhide

• Cooked Bones

• Plush toys with plastic eyes

• Easily shredded toys

• Thin plastic chews

Always supervise new toys until you know how your dog handles them.

Holidays bring extra risks for pets:

• Toxic foods (rich meals, chocolate, grapes, nuts)

• Decorations, tinsel, string lights

• Candles and wax warmers

• Fireworks and loud parties

• Guests leaving doors/gates open

• Costume pieces or accessories that can be swallowed

Create a safe, quiet space for your dog during holiday stress.

Spaying or neutering your dog is one of the most important steps in preventing overpopulation and supporting responsible pet care. Spay & Neuter of Salt Lake City offers affordable spay and neuter options for families across the state.

Recommended Clinic:
Spay & Neuter of Salt Lake City

Spaying or neutering your dog is one of the most important steps in preventing overpopulation and supporting responsible pet care. SNIP Idaho offers affordable spay and neuter options for families across the state.

Recommended Clinic:
SNIP Idaho

Bully breeds are loyal, affectionate, and deeply misunderstood. This guide shares the history, temperament, and unique qualities of bully breeds, helping owners and adopters better understand these amazing dogs.

Learn About Bully Breeds

Being a great dog owner means providing consistent care, structure, and love. This resource dives into training basics, routine care, socialization, exercise needs, and creating a safe environment for your pet.

Read AKC’s Responsible Dog Owner Guide

Utah has several emergency veterinary hospitals offering 24/7 or after-hours care. These clinics can assist with trauma, poisoning, sudden illness, and urgent medical situations. Always call ahead when possible.

24/7 & After-Hours Clinics:

• MedVet — Salt Lake City

• BluePearl Pet Hospital — Midvale

• Advanced Veterinary Care — Salt Lake City

• Mountain West Veterinary Specialists —  Layton

• Southwest Animal Emergency Clinic —  St. George

Emergencies happen, knowing where to go before you need it can save your dog’s life. The Idaho Humane Society provides veterinary services, urgent care, and resources for medical emergencies in the area.

Visit Idaho Humane Society Veterinary Services