Avoiding Common Dangers
Some activities, plants and food can be hazardous
WE LOVE OUR PETS and always try to take good care of them, but there are some simple things that can be harmful to pets – and even kill them – that many pet owners aren’t aware of.
PLAYING FETCH WITH STICKS
Most dogs love playing fetch with sticks and it may be tempting to throw one for your dog when you don’t have a ball or rubber toy handy, but they can be extremely dangerous. Sticks can easily splinter and pieces can cut the mouth or throat. Dogs can also be impaled on a stick or it can get lodged in their throat or soft tissues which can be life threatening.
LILIES ARE TOXIC TO CATS
Lily toxicity is a devastating poison which often affects young cats. Despite aggressive treatment, many cats die from eating lilies. The leaves, flowers, pollen and stems from plants of the lily ( Liliaceae) family are highly toxic to cats. For some reason cats, especially young cats, are prone to ingesting them and becoming intoxicated.
Only small amounts of the plant are required to cause serious problems. Even a kitten mouthing a plant should be considered a serious and potentially fatal ingestion. If you suspect lily toxicity, take your cat straight to your vet.
FEEDING COOKED BONES
Dogs love chomping on bones and human leftovers, but cooked bones should never be fed to dogs. They can splinter and break into small, sharp pieces that have the potential to cause choking or cuts to the mouth, throat or gut. Pieces of bone can also compact and cause bowel obstructions.
If your dog has eaten cooked bones it is possible they will pass through the digestive tract without causing any problems, but look out for signs such as vomiting, loss of appetite or abnormal bowel movements.
If you choose to feed your dog bones, only feed raw bones and always under supervision – chat to your vet about the right type of bones for the breed and size of your dog.
NOT ALL DOGS CAN SWIM
Dog owners often assume that all dogs can swim, but in fact some dogs may not be able to swim at all. Breeds with heavy bodies, short legs or short noses are often poor swimmers – pugs, French bulldogs, dachshunds and similar. In order for these breeds to keep their nose and
mouth above water they must tilt their head upwards, which points their back end downwards, making them almost vertical in the water and prone to sinking.
Most dogs need to be taught how to swim. To do this, get in the water with them and support them under the tummy until they get the hang of using all four legs to propel themselves. Don’t force your dog if they are not comfortable, and always start by paddling in a shallow area. Many dogs will learn to swim by following other dogs into the water.
If you have a swimming pool, be sure it is securely fenced not only for people, but also for dogs. Dogs can squeeze through pool fencing and end up stuck in the pool treading water until they become exhausted and drown. Be aware that pool covers are dangerous as dogs can get trapped underneath them. Always supervise your pet at a swimming pool, just as you would with children.