If you've made one too many apologies for your dog's breath, read this --

STEP 1: Take your pet to the veterinarian for a dental exam. Don’t wait for his annual checkup if you suspect a problem.

STEP 2: Begin a dental care regimen at home. Your veterinarian can suggest steps that may include brushing your pet's teeth. One of the most convenient and effective ways to combat oral disease is feeding specially formulated foods proven effective in combating plaque and tartar buildup. The Seal of Acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council, an organization initiated by the American Veterinary Dental Society to guide consumers, appears on products that meet defined standards for plaque and tartar control in dogs and cats. For further information on the VOHC or their product standards, visit www.vohc.org.

Before bringing your puppy home, you'll need to "puppy proof" your house. Puppies are like babies: they want to explore every corner of your house, and they want to put everything into their mouths.

Poisonous household items

Make sure all poisonous household items are securely stored out of the puppy's reach.

Place all household cleaners, insecticides, fertilizers, mothballs, antifreeze, insect poisons, rat poisons and other items in cabinets or on high shelves. Remember, as your new puppy grows, he will be able to explore higher places and be tempted to jump up on shelves.

Check your plants

Once you and your family have agreed you are ready to make a commitment to care for a puppy, you will need to decide what kind of dog is right for you.

Where Do You Begin Your Search?

Your local animal shelter is a good place to start. Spaying or neutering is usually included in the adoption fee and can be performed when the animal reaches the appropriate age. Most shelters have excellent support services such as free behavioral counseling.

You may also wish to talk to local obedience training facilities, a groomer or two, reputable breeders and obtain advice from a practicing veterinarian in your search for that perfect puppy.

Robin posted this as a Forum message, but we think it's important enough to publish on the front page: she wrote "In the latest issue of the Newswire from 'Camp Gone to the Dogs' there is an article by Laurinda Morris, DVM, about a five year old dog that died from eating too many raisins. Apparently many Vets and most owners (and trainers!) are unaware that raisins and grapes in sufficient amounts cause kidney failure in dogs. "
We checked Snopes.com and went back to the source. According to Dr. Morris, as few as seven raisins (or grapes) can cause kidney failure and kill your dog. We know of trainers who reccommended using raisins as behavior rewards, since they're sweet and you'll probably nibble them yourself during the training session. And you KNOW your pup wants to eat the same thing you do.