Your Dog Ate WHAT?
Avoid Dog Poisoning with a Room-by-Room Safety Check
There is a humorous take on the very serious matter of dog poisoning in a TV commercial featuring a bulldog on an operating table at the veterinarian’s office.
The dog has swallowed something and the owner is urging the vet to remove it. The commercial is funny, because the owner isn’t worried about foods poisonous to dogs—he’s worried because the dog has swallowed a cell phone and he’s worried about the cost of the call. Could this scenario really happen? You bet it could!
In fact, it’s amazing what pets have been known to ingest, from cell phones and TV remote controls to light bulbs, batteries, and even diamond rings. Owners need to beware because many foods and plants are poisonous to dogs.
When your dog starts munching on books, digesting everything between the covers, tearing apart items left in the laundry basket, and gnawing on the leg of the dining room table, it’s a red flag that he’s bored and lonely.
Accidents happen quickly, and dog poisoning can occur right under your nose. Regular security checks throughout your home can help make certain there’s nothing within your dog’s reach that could endanger his safety and well-being.
Here are some pointers to help you write up your own room-by-room safety checklist:
Kitchen Antics—Avoid Foods that are Poisonous to Dogs
It’s a good idea to put childproof locks on all below-counter cupboards to ensure your curious canine can’t gain access to household cleaning materials, laundry detergents, and insecticides. Never leave plastic shopping bags lying around.
Some foods are poisonous to dogs, too. Chocolate is highly dangerous for pets. Don’t leave any candy bars lying around on the couch or coffee table ever and be careful with apricots and rhubarb. While not always fatal, they are another two foods that are poisonous to dogs.
Bathroom Habits—Everyday Products Can Cause Dog Poisoning
Keep all toiletry items and medications under lock and key. Make a habit of putting toilet lids down, especially if you use bleach or cleaning products. Never leave razors, blades, small scissors, or tweezers accessible on the vanity top.
Some products may be hazardous if they contain some of the plants poisonous to dogs, including lily of the valley, azalea, hydrangea, or hyacinth.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
In addition to dog poisoning, owners needs to be aware of electrical hazards, too. Keep electrical cords for lamps and appliances secured behind furniture or make them otherwise inaccessible to your dog.
Where possible, place computer wires in a hard conduit and glue it to the wall or floor. Your dog is more likely to get to wires if they are dangling free. Chewing cables not only causes mouth burns, but can also cause your dog to electrocute himself, and even set the home on fire.
Never leave candles burning while you are out. Dogs can knock them with an indiscriminate sweep of the tail, and if fancy candles include any of the plants that are poisonous to dogs, they may attract them with their scents.
Finally, check to see that any decorative houseplants you have are non-toxic. You can find a comprehensive list of plants that are poisonous to dogs at www.ASPCA.org.
Distraction Tactics
If your dog is home alone for lengthy periods and you’re unable to send him to doggy day care, start his day with a brisk walk. Exercise is not only essential to his well-being, but will also tire him out. You’ll be able to leave him snoozing when you say goodbye for the day.
Make sure he has a varied selection of toys to keep him busy while you’re away. Dogs enjoy “distraction toys” that can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter. You can also set up hide-and-seek games for him by concealing toys and treats in various places for him to nose out and enjoy. It’s also a good idea to leave the TV or radio on so he won’t feel quite so alone.
Let’s face it, there’s nothing like coming home to a welcoming dog—and a house that’s intact, along with everything in it.
Sandy Robins is an award-winning pet lifestyle writer. Her work appears in various national and international publications. She is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America and the Cat Writers Association of America.