When owning a dog, they will become your best friend. Through thick and thin, they are always there for you; giving you unconditional love no matter what. However, as their owner, it's up to you to keep them from injuring themselves, digesting harmful things and just keeping them out of reach of things that can potentially be fatal to them. Here is a list of things to keep your pet safe all year round:
Aluminum Foil
When ingested, aluminum foil can cut a dog's intestines, causing internal bleeding, and in some cases, even death.
Anti-Freeze
If ingested, anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) is often lethal, even in very small quantities. Because many pets like its sweet taste, there are an enormous number of animal fatalities each year from animals licking or drinking anti-freeze. Poisoning from anti-freeze is considered a serious medical emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
Bloat
Bloat (gastric torsion & stomach distension) is a serious life-threatening emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. Bloat is relatively common among large and deep-chested breeds, such as Basset Hounds, Boxers, Dobermans, German Shepherds and Great Danes. Many experts believe that a feeding a large meal within 2 hours of exercise or severe stress may trigger this emergency. Eating quickly, changes in diet, and gas-producing foods may also contribute to this serious condition. Symptoms of bloat include: unsuccessful retching, pacing, panting, drooling, an enlarged stomach/torso, and/or signs of distress.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains an element which is toxic to dogs, called Theobromine. Even an ounce or two of chocolate can be lethal to a small dog (10 lbs. or less) or young puppies. Larger quantities of chocolate can poison or even kill a medium or large dog. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous because of the amount of cocoa that is in them. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures. During many holidays such as Christmas, Valentines Day, Easter and Halloween, chocolate is often accessible to curious dogs, and in some cases, people unwittingly poison their dogs by offering them chocolate as a treat. Should you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate, please contact your local veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
Corn Cobs
Many dogs have suffered and, in some cases, died after eating corn-on-the-cob, when the corn's cob caused partial or complete intestinal obstruction. Never allow your dog access to corn cobs.
Electrocution
Christmas tree lights and electrical cords can be fatal if chewed on by a pet. Whenever possible, keep electrical cords out of reach from pets, especially puppies who are always curious and willing to chew on anything.
Fireworks
Never unnecessarily expose your pet to firecracker noises or fireworks displays, as they can cause companion animals tremendous fear, and in many cases, long-term phobias. Make sure to keep dogs indoors, and keep walks (on a leash) very brief during times when firecrakers are often used.
Grapes, Raisins & Macadamia Nuts
These healthy tasting treats to us humans can be potentially poisonous to pets, especially in young or small breeds. If you would like to share a healthy and safe treat with your pet, stick with apples, bananas, carrots or celery. If you suspect your pet eating any grapes, raisins or nuts, please contact your local veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion
A dog's normal internal body temperature is between 100.5 degrees F and 103 degrees F. Leaving a dog in a parked car in the summer (even with the window a few inches open), can cause heatstroke within minutes. Heat exhaustion is usually caused by over-exercising a dog during hot weather. Both heatstroke and heat exhaustion can result in brain damage, heart failure or even death in a short period of time. To cool off an overheated dog, wet the dog's body and paws with cool water, then fan. If the dog experiences heatstroke or heat exhaustion, he should receive veterinary attention immediately.
Hypothermia
When a dog's internal thermometer drops below 96 degrees F from being exposed to cold temperature for long periods, there is a serious risk to the dog's safety. Small and short-haired dogs should wear sweaters or coats when taken for walks during cold winter weather. A good rule of thumb is if you walk outside without a coat or sweater and are immediately cold, your dog will be too. Therefore, help maintain your pet's internal temperature with some kind of outter protection. If you seen signs of your dog being cold, such as shivering, bring the dog indoors immediately.
Ice-Melting Chemicals and Salt
Ice-melting chemicals and salt placed across sidewalks and roads can cause severe burning to your dog's footpads. Whenever possible, avoid walking your dog through these substances, and wash off his footpads when you return home. There are also products available such as Musher's Secret which can be applied to your dog's footpads prior to going outside or having your dog wear dog boots to avoid their paw pads being exposed to such chemicals.
Plastic Food Wrap
Plastic food wrap can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Some dogs will eat the plastic wrapping when there are food remnants left coating its surface.
Aluminum Foil
When ingested, aluminum foil can cut a dog's intestines, causing internal bleeding, and in some cases, even death.
Anti-Freeze
If ingested, anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) is often lethal, even in very small quantities. Because many pets like its sweet taste, there are an enormous number of animal fatalities each year from animals licking or drinking anti-freeze. Poisoning from anti-freeze is considered a serious medical emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
Bloat
Bloat (gastric torsion & stomach distension) is a serious life-threatening emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. Bloat is relatively common among large and deep-chested breeds, such as Basset Hounds, Boxers, Dobermans, German Shepherds and Great Danes. Many experts believe that a feeding a large meal within 2 hours of exercise or severe stress may trigger this emergency. Eating quickly, changes in diet, and gas-producing foods may also contribute to this serious condition. Symptoms of bloat include: unsuccessful retching, pacing, panting, drooling, an enlarged stomach/torso, and/or signs of distress.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains an element which is toxic to dogs, called Theobromine. Even an ounce or two of chocolate can be lethal to a small dog (10 lbs. or less) or young puppies. Larger quantities of chocolate can poison or even kill a medium or large dog. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous because of the amount of cocoa that is in them. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures. During many holidays such as Christmas, Valentines Day, Easter and Halloween, chocolate is often accessible to curious dogs, and in some cases, people unwittingly poison their dogs by offering them chocolate as a treat. Should you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate, please contact your local veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
Corn Cobs
Many dogs have suffered and, in some cases, died after eating corn-on-the-cob, when the corn's cob caused partial or complete intestinal obstruction. Never allow your dog access to corn cobs.
Electrocution
Christmas tree lights and electrical cords can be fatal if chewed on by a pet. Whenever possible, keep electrical cords out of reach from pets, especially puppies who are always curious and willing to chew on anything.
Fireworks
Never unnecessarily expose your pet to firecracker noises or fireworks displays, as they can cause companion animals tremendous fear, and in many cases, long-term phobias. Make sure to keep dogs indoors, and keep walks (on a leash) very brief during times when firecrakers are often used.
Grapes, Raisins & Macadamia Nuts
These healthy tasting treats to us humans can be potentially poisonous to pets, especially in young or small breeds. If you would like to share a healthy and safe treat with your pet, stick with apples, bananas, carrots or celery. If you suspect your pet eating any grapes, raisins or nuts, please contact your local veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion
A dog's normal internal body temperature is between 100.5 degrees F and 103 degrees F. Leaving a dog in a parked car in the summer (even with the window a few inches open), can cause heatstroke within minutes. Heat exhaustion is usually caused by over-exercising a dog during hot weather. Both heatstroke and heat exhaustion can result in brain damage, heart failure or even death in a short period of time. To cool off an overheated dog, wet the dog's body and paws with cool water, then fan. If the dog experiences heatstroke or heat exhaustion, he should receive veterinary attention immediately.
Hypothermia
When a dog's internal thermometer drops below 96 degrees F from being exposed to cold temperature for long periods, there is a serious risk to the dog's safety. Small and short-haired dogs should wear sweaters or coats when taken for walks during cold winter weather. A good rule of thumb is if you walk outside without a coat or sweater and are immediately cold, your dog will be too. Therefore, help maintain your pet's internal temperature with some kind of outter protection. If you seen signs of your dog being cold, such as shivering, bring the dog indoors immediately.
Ice-Melting Chemicals and Salt
Ice-melting chemicals and salt placed across sidewalks and roads can cause severe burning to your dog's footpads. Whenever possible, avoid walking your dog through these substances, and wash off his footpads when you return home. There are also products available such as Musher's Secret which can be applied to your dog's footpads prior to going outside or having your dog wear dog boots to avoid their paw pads being exposed to such chemicals.
Plastic Food Wrap
Plastic food wrap can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Some dogs will eat the plastic wrapping when there are food remnants left coating its surface.
Poisonous Plants
Dogs can become extremely ill or even die from eating indoor and outdoor plants. Keep all indoor and unknown plant types away from your pet at all times. You may also spray plants with Bitter Apple that may help deter your pet from eating it.
Pools & Spas
To contrary belief that all dogs can swim - this is not necessarily true. Dogs (and puppies) that fall into pools & spas may accidently drown, especially if there is no steps close enough for that pet to get out safely. It is highly recommended, specially during boating adventures, that a pet near any body of water wears a life vest and be supervised at all times.Tinsel and Other Christmas Tree Ornaments
When ingested by a dog, tinsel may cause obstruction of the intestines, and the broken pieces of ornaments with sharp edges can even cut the intestines. Symptoms may include: decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessless and weight loss. Treatment usually requires surgery.
Collars
Remove your dog's training collars whenever left unsupervised or crated. Never tie your dog by attaching a leash or tether to your dog's training collar. Always use a flat buckle collar when tying your dog, and then only when supervised. Never leave your dog tied unsupervised in front of stores, restaurants or supermarkets, as they can be harrassed, poisoned or stolen.
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