Blog Posts by Real Simple Magazine

Avoid common errors, and keep your four-legged pal healthy and well-behaved. By Megan Kaplan

Mistake 1: Buying a Pet Spontaneously

Why this is a mistake: That doggie in the window may be darling, but he might not be the right fit for your family or lifestyle.

How to avoid it: Fully inform yourself before you bring home a pet. Every dog or cat has its own needs, some of which are specific to the breed. Terriers tend to dig; Abyssinians explore and climb. If there's a breed that interests you, read up on it (try the website of the American Kennel Club, at akc.org, or the Cat Fanciers Association, at cfainc.org), talk to owners, and get to know someone else's Border collie or Persian. That said, not every dog or cat is typical of its breed, so "ask about the pet's history, health, and temperament," says Stephanie Shain, a director at the Humane Society of the United States. When dealing with a breeder, you should be shown where the pet was raised and meet his parents.

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You may share your backyard and even your bed, but it's probably best to avoid sharing a meal with man's best friend, or any other pet for that matter.

Listed here, from most (1) to least (4) dangerous, are common foods and drinks that make pets sick. If you think your dog, cat, or bird has consumed one of these items and you are concerned, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).

1. Chocolate
Why: Stimulates the nervous system and the heart. Poisonous to: All species, but dogs are most likely to eat dangerous quantities. Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, increased thirst, restlessness, agitation, increased or irregular heartbeat, increased body temperature, tremors, seizures.

Related: Solutions to Common Pet Problems

2. Grapes, Raisins
Why: Damage the kidneys. Poisonous to: Dogs, cats. Possible effects of poisoning: Increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy, vomiting.

3. Garlic, Onions
Why:

Your kids have scared up way too much candy. Make the leftovers vanish with these sweet, creative treats. By Melissa Roberts

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Real Simple asked seven very funny people for ways to get a child giggling (before laughing with you turns to laughing at you). By Rory Evans

Toddlers

Funny development: As powerless little creatures who can't even speak well (if at all) or walk well (if at all), "they love knowing the answer. And it's even sweeter-and funnier-when they know you're wrong," says Los Angeles pediatrician Harvey Karp, the creator of the book and DVD The Happiest Toddler on the Block ($15, amazon.com).

Their comedy hero: You.

Comedy gold: Adults making fools of themselves, or what Karp calls "playing the boob." Scour the kitchen for a sippy cup that's clearly in your hand; put a (clean) diaper on your head like it's the hat of a royal-wedding attendee.

See More: A Guide to Cleaning and Fixing Toys

Of course, toddlers are also suckers for "a zerbert [the classic raspberry] to the belly or other kinds of tickling," Karp says. (Even better: Let them tickle you.) Father of two Bert

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Ever been less than satisfied with your treatment at a salon? Real Simple asked 14 beauty pros to weigh in on how to deal with common service issues. By Stacey Colino

How Do I Stop a Massage Therapist From Yammering During My Massage?

Marc Zollicoffer, Aveda's global educator for massage and spa, in Minneapolis: If your goal is to be quiet and relax, be up-front about it. Say something like "I'm looking forward to peace and quiet today." If the therapist doesn't get the message, try being even more direct. Say, "I'm having a hard time focusing on my breathing or relaxing when you talk, so if we could have more silence, I would appreciate it."

Anna Post, etiquette authority and spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute, in Burlington, Vermont: Don't chat back, because that will encourage more conversation. And then you won't have a leg to stand on.

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