When your dog is outdoors roaming around off-leash, are you the type of owner that thinks your dog wouldn't think of eating or drinking something that isn't good for them? Or do you realize that that theory is a total myth and any dog has no idea what is harmful or poisonous, they just eat what tastes good. The bright side to this is that dogs have quicker vomiting reflexes than humans and can expel rotten or toxic substances more quickly than we can. So the poisonous substance has less time to stay in the system and create ill effects.

Most dog owners know that anti-freeze is poisonous. Just a small amount, a teaspoon, is enough to kill small dogs, so keep your chin puppy away from it. Dogs love the sweet taste of anti-freeze, even to the point where they chew through the plastic containers. Store your anti-freeze in an area where your dog can't reach it. When you're out on the street, watch for it and DON'T let your dog lick anything before you look at it. You'll have to be especially careful in the late fall and winter.

The toxic chemical in anti-freeze is ethylene glycol. If your dog has ingested even a very small amount call your vet immediately. The good news is that there is an effective drug for anti-freeze poisoning. Give your dog some bread to absorb the anti-freeze and then give him hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. The rule is one tablespoon per 30 pounds of your dog's body weight, so for you Japanese chin you would only give one teaspoon. (Chins are usually only 10 pounds, if even that, at full size.) Get the hydrogen peroxide into your dog by squirting the liquid into his mouth with a syringe.

If for some reason you can't get to a vet, and you need to go if at ALL possible, you can use the following procedure. After you have induced vomiting, give your chin a Bloody Mary- a shot of vodka and tomato juice. Anything alcoholic will do, gin, vodka, Bloody Mary, the alcohol ties up the ethylene glycol so it doesn't precipitate into the kidneys. For your small dog use half a shot of alcohol and give them one mixed drink an hour until you can get to the vet's office. Remember, this should only be done if you can't get to the vet. And don't give your dog alcohol for any other reason than anti-freeze poisoning.

Anti-Inflammatory drugs such as Advil or Tylenol work great for people but are toxic for your dog. They will run a wreaking machine on his digestive tract so keep them out of reach.