Danger


© Nancy McMillan

Last Wednesday my co-worker lost his new puppy in a drowning incident. It is up to us, as owners, to identify and prevent dangers to our canine companions. At the risk of sounding like an alarmist, I suggest planning a time to think about the bad things that could happen to your dog. Involve all the members of your family, if possible, since all will play a part in preventing the accident before it happens.

Accidents, by definition, are the least expected danger a dog owner prepares for... take the above situation, for example. This new puppy managed to get out of his fenced back yard and fall into the neighbour's pool -- complete with pool cover. No one sees.

Once you have created the list of potential hazards in your dog's domain you can plan on how to avoid them. Here is a list with plenty of hazards to get you started. Which ones could occur in your situation? Can you think of any others? Setting up safe practices, deciding in advance about what precautions should become habit, could save tears in the future.

All accidents may not be the product of immediate concerns. Take a look at Pet tips for the holidays , where some review might be necessary closer to festive occasions. Some accidents can even be brought on by the exuberance of playing with your dog, but once forewarned you can be vigilant in the steps to prevention as in canine heat exhaustion.

Finally, being prepared to handle problems when they happen can be just as important. Here is a guide for doggie first aid. It is important to get the advice of your vet as soon as possible in serious situations. For those interested in stocking their own kit, here is a pretty comprehensive list of supplies.

Well, as has been said an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I'm off to play carefully with my dog!

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages

5.   Sep 3, 1997 3:22 PM
My dog loves yogurt so maybe if I start giving her 16 lb. body that, it will help to curtail her curiosity and borderline appetite for the manure.

Thanks for the feedback and I'll try to get my th ...


-- posted by Deborah_Jeter


4.   Sep 3, 1997 11:46 AM
Hi, Brandy! Thanks for taking a stab at the manure question. I still haven't found any direct reference to dogs and manure on the 'net, but I have found an interesting article on Chocolate at AAHA Pe ...

-- posted by Nancy


3.   Sep 2, 1997 4:08 PM
I am not a vet, but its my understanding that manure contains many live bacteria and enzymes that some dogs are drawn to. In addition manure contains some undigested matter that dogs view as free foo ...

-- posted by Brandy


2.   Sep 2, 1997 11:20 AM
Hi Deborah! Sorry to be a bit long getting back to you, I was away on the weekend!

Chocolate is toxic for dogs and I guess the amount and the size of your dog would play a part in how serious the r ...


-- posted by Nancy


1.   Aug 31, 1997 4:12 PM
What about chocolate being bad for your dog. I didn't know that. I let my dog lick the bowl after I have finished my icecream which has swirls of chocolate through it. She doesn't ever react weirdly t ...

-- posted by Deborah_Jeter





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