By Dr. Debra Primovic,
http://www.petplace.com
If dogs are man and woman’s best friend, why aren’t we
doing more to protect them?
Here are my top tips to keeping your dog safe:
- Poison-Proof Your Home. Check
your home for possible poisons and toxins that your dog can get into. Common
toxins include antifreeze, rat or mouse bait, slug bait, and insecticides.
Make sure you keep all drugs and medications out of reach. Even household
items can be toxic--such as the new “Gorilla Glue.” This glue is activated
by water and expands to more than three to four times its volume and can
expand to fill the entire area in which it is confined. When it hardens, it
is rock hard and a pet is unable to eliminate it. If a pet eats it, the glue
can expand it its stomach causing a life-threatening problem that requires
surgery!
- Plant-Proof Your Home.
Plants are an attractive part of home decorating. However, plants can be
toxic to your dog. Be careful what you bring in, and monitor if your pet is
getting into it. Ingestion of almost any plant can cause vomiting and/or
diarrhea in most pets. Easter lilies are especially toxic and can cause
fatal kidney failure.
- Check Collars, Tags, and
Microchip. Check your dog’s neck at
least once a week to make sure the collar is not too loose or too tight, and
it is still there. A pet can easily lose his/her collar and his/her
“identification” along with it. This is especially important in pets that
are growing, but also in pets that are on a diet to lose weight. When you
check the collar, make sure there is a tag that is easy to read. Tags can
fall off. Consider having a microchip placed for permanent identification.
- Keep Dogs Supervised.
The safest approach for dogs is leash walks only! This way, you can not only
monitor what they are getting into but also watch their urine and bowel
movements for abnormalities. The next safest things for dogs are fenced-in
yards. Monitor your yard and fence frequently for problems such as loose
boards, open trash, and other dangers. Keep your dog inside in extreme cold
or hot temperatures.
- Don't Let your Dog Ride in an Open Truck Bed. Dogs that are
allowed to ride in open bed pick up trucks frequently become victims of
trauma. Sudden starts, stops, and turns can toss your pet onto the highway
where it can get hit by oncoming traffic. It is estimated that at least
100,000 dogs die this way each year. Leashing your pet in the back does not
protect it as many dogs have been strangled when tossed over the side. If
your pet needs to ride in back, let him or her ride in a crate safely secured
to the cab.
- Keep Head and Paws Inside. Dogs love to stick their heads out
open windows. However the wind, insects, and debris in the air can hit your
pet. Many pets are taken to emergency hospitals after something hits their
eyes or face. Many dogs have also been injured during accidents when a
sudden start or stop has thrown them, causing crippling or fatal injuries.
- Pet-Proof Your Home.
Prevent common accidents in your home by pet-proofing! Protect your dog from
electrical cords. Remove access to children's toys, strings, or small objects
that can be chewed on or swallowed. Gate or fence water bodies like pools,
lakes, ponds, or canals. Don't allow pets near automated garage doors. Small
dogs can be crushed under reclining chairs and rockers. Keep paper shredders
turned completely off or unplugged when not in use, as some pets will stick
paws or tongues in the feeder or have hair caught in them, causing very serious injuries.
- Know What to Do and Whom to Call. Find out if your
veterinarian performs emergency work after hours and locate your closest
emergency hospital. Know the numbers and directions, just in case you need
them. Call when you have a pet concern.
Two more tips, from the
editor:
- Beware of Predators.
Don't leave small pets in your backyard unsupervised. Predatory birds such
as owls and hawks can easily stun and carry off a cat or small dog.
- Beware of Aggressive Dogs. Many people have pit bulls for
"protection," although they have no clue how to properly manage the
animal. Other people have Dalmatians for reasons that have nothing to do
with the temperament or characteristics of the breed. And so it goes
with many other breeds. The combination of inappropriate selection and
improper training is often compounded by abuse and little or no
restraint. When agitated, these already stressed out dogs can jump
fences or break leashes, and may cross the street to attack your dog (or
you). Note where such animals are kept, and alter your walking route to
avoid them.
About the Author
With her PetPlace.com columns, dog safety expert Dr. Debra Primovic has helped thousands
of dog owners protect their
dogs from harm’s way. To keep your best friend living longer
and stronger,
check out PetPlace.com’s 8,000+ veterinarian-approved articles at:
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