Summer Hazards and Dogs
With summer right around the corner and the warm weather already here it's important to remind ourselves of the dangers and hazards that our dogs and pets face.
The Tempting Grill and other Barbeque Hazards
For those who use charcoal grills, be careful which products you choose. Quick-starting charcoal (like Matchlight) is saturated with lighter fluid which is HIGHLY toxic to your dog. If you have a puppy or an adult dog who's extra curious about the grill (like mine is), its probably better to use traditional untreated charcoal.
What's summer without corn on the cob? Unfortunately, corn cobs are a major obstruction risk in dogs. Please avoid giving them to your dogs.
Citronella candles may also smell attractive to dogs. Keep them out of reach whether in use or not, as ingestion of citronella products can cause abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
Sunblock & Insect Repellent
Many sunblock formulas are also highly toxic if ingested. Plenty of them smell delicious, so remember to keep them safely out of your dogs' reach and bear in mind they should not lick sunblock off of you. In addition, those which are waterproof will be difficult to remove should your dog get some in his eyes or mouth.
Topical human insect repellents are often scented, and may seem appetizing to your dog. Be sure to remember these are pesticides and carry a wide range of risks.
Lawn Care, Gardens & Container Plants
Fertilizers, herbicides, and other lawn treatments can be dangerous if ingested or via absorption through foot pads. Use caution in areas your dogs use. Also watch out for gardens and containers on patios or decks in which you've used fertilizer-enriched soil mixes. See my blod entry on the use of corn gluten.
Be Aware of Your Surrounding
If you are cutting the lawn make sure you know where your dog is at all times. If you have a pool make sure you know where your puppy or dog is and supervise any swimming activities they are doing. Keep an eye on fruit trees etc in backyard and keep them cleaned up. Nothing worse than a labrador retriever eating a ton of rotting crab apples. Scan the backyard for wasp nests and get rid of them.
Those are just a few tips to keep your dog save and healthy during the summer months. You can join in on the conversation at the Labrador Retriever Chatboard and Forums.
Tags: dog health, pet safety
