Being a pet owner is a lot of responsibility.  Not only do you groom your pet, make sure he has his shots and medication, and feed him nurtitious meals; you are also responsible for making sure that there are foods he will NOT consume.  I found this out after I became a pet owner, and wish I had know before so I wouldn't have endanged the health of my new Boston Terrier.  Little by little I found out there are foods you just cannot let your  "best friend" eat.  This guide is for those who have dogs or are considering becoming a new dog owner. 

Do not let your dog consume the following:

1)  Chocolate/Cola.  Any form of chocolate or cola is harmful to your pet, and the darker the cholcolate the more serious the effects.  Caffeine is deadly for pets. Death usually occurs 24 hours after eating this sweet.

2) Alcohol.  No type of alcohol should be given to your dog.  Even beer can be fatal.

3) Onions and Garlic.  These when digested by  your pet will damage the red blood cells and cause anemia.

4) Macadamia nuts.  Do not treat your dog with these for they will cause temporary muscle weakness in the hind legs.

5) Rasins and Grapes:  When eaten these can cause kidney failure.

6) Sugarfree Candies.  Giving your dog some of these sweets will cause his/her blood sugar to drop.

7)Yeast dough.  Do not give our pet any yeast dough since it expands and produces gas.  This could rupture your dogs stomach or small intestines.

8) Ibuprofen, Tylenol.  They do not give your pet relief and could be very deadly.  Keep all medications out of reach of your pet.

9) Bones.  Bones can splinter and puncture your pets stomach or intestines.  Only give "bones" that are made especially for your pets.

10) Rich, fatty foods.  Do not give your pet foods such as mashed potatoes, ham, sweet potatoes, stuffing, For that matter pizza and other fast foods.  They can cause your dog to get pancreatitis.

I found by paying a huge vet bill  to keep these foods and items away from my pet.  As dogs get older they cannot tolerate foods slipped to them when they are young.  So do not feed your pet from the table and monitor when young visitors are around the kinds of food your pet is following them around eating.