Your house should be a comfortable and safe place for everybody, even for Poodles and other animals. This is the reason why experts put strong emphasis on puppy-proofing the house. But one cannot truly create a safe place for his Poodles unless he knows what things or substances are harmful to them. Fixing broken fences or removing pesticides or insecticides out of the animal's reach is not enough to ensure safety. Sometimes, what we consider safe and useful for us humans could threaten the health and life for our four-legged friends. As a responsible pet owner, one must take an extra effort to know the things that could harm them. This in turn will ensure that the dogs you hold so dear will stay with you for longest possible time.

Chocolate. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine which is toxic to dogs. Ingesting large amount of chocolate can kill a dog but poisoning can occur even if ingested in small amounts. Eating chocolate in large amount may cause your dog to become excited and hyperactive. Vomiting, diarrhea and increased urination are also indication of chocolate poisoning. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten too much chocolate.

Onions. Onions contain toxic substance called thiosulphate. Onions, regardless of form - dehydrated, raw, cooked and even table scraps containing onions, should not be given to dogs or else haemolytic anemia will develop. Haemolytic anemia is a condition wherein the pet's red blood cells burst while circulating in the body. Symptoms of haemolytic anemia include labored breathing, liver damage, vomiting, diarrhea and discolored urine.

Tylenol. Tylenol is a popular brand of drug for relieving pain. Though beneficial for humans, two regular strength Tylenol tablets can kill a small dog. Dogs do not have the capability to break down acetaminophen, the active substance of Tylenol. Signs of poisoning include drooling, lethargy and abdominal pain. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested Tylenol.

Macadamia Nuts. Macadamia nuts contain high phosphorus that may cause tremor in the skeletal muscles and locomotor difficulties. Other effects of poisoning include paralysis of the hindquarters, swollen limbs, pain when the limbs are manipulated, inability to rise and distress.

Fabric Softeners and other detergents. Household chemicals such as detergents and fabric softeners are toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, burns to the mouth, drooling, muscle weakness and may even lead to coma. Contact your vet immediately.