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.
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.
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.
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.