How to Protect Your Dog Against Suffocation, Sunburn and Dehydration!
It’s the keen sense of smell our dogs and other pets possess which can also get them into dangerous situations. Here’s what you may not know about pet suffocation.
With the kids out of school, let the snacking begin! That probably also means your dog’s nose (and other pets) will be in overdrive with all the tempting scents of potato chips, pretzels, other popular snack foods and even the bags their own food and treats are packaged in! Canines are at the highest risk as 89% of deadly pet suffocation cases are dogs of all sizes and breeds. Even single-serving snack bags are dangerous for smaller dogs who can fit their head inside.
Where are the Risks?
The risk of your pet suffocating from snack bags (and more) involves common food packaging probably sitting in your cupboards, garage, bedroom, vehicle, or on the dining or coffee table right now!
Dangerous food packaging includes the following (and more!):
Dog Food Bags/Liners
Dog Treat Bags/Liners
Wide-mouth Water Bottles
Empty Tin Cans
Chip, Pretzel, and other Snack Bags
Cereal/Cookie Bags
Plastic Freezer Food Bags
Single Serving Snack Bags
USPS Mailers: Tear/Water-Resistant Polyethylene, Bubble, etc.
How Does it Happen?
When a curious dog (or other pet) is driven by its curious nose to investigate an empty snack bag for leftover crumbs, a vacuum-like seal around the neck is created as the dog licks and breathes inside the bag. Snacks are packaged in strong mylar-like material (think of a balloon) to keep them fresher, but it is impossible for a dog to remove them from his head. Sadly, it can take just minutes for a deadly outcome.
Prevention is Key: 6 Tips
Keep all plastic bags, dog food/treat bags, and snack bags high out of your dog’s reach or behind a child-proofed cabinet.
Immediately put chips/snacks/pet food in resealable, rigid plastic containers.
Remove all chip/snack/food/fast food bags and drink cups from your vehicle.
Keep all trash can lids tightly sealed, locked, or behind a child-proofed cabinet.
Put lids back on jars/containers and properly dispose of them.
Cut up all chips, snacks, food, and mailing bags and packages after use to prevent pet suffocation. (Even wildlife can be affected.)
To learn more, go to PreventPetSuffocation.com and follow them on Facebook/PreventPetSuffocation.
Learn the 4 Simple Tips to Protect Your Dog From Dangerous Sunburn
Protecting Your Dog from Dangerous Sunburn
Despite our furry best friends’ beautiful fur coats, they do not offer protection from the sun’s rays. Use the 4 tips below to protect your dog from the sun’s damaging rays and potential risk of cancer.
Always provide shade for your dog.
Avoid extended outdoor activities from 10am-4pm, the peak hours for sunlight.
NEVER use human sunscreen on your dog as most contain toxic zinc oxide for pets.
Use pet-safe sunscreen on your dog’s high-risk areas including the nose, ear and tail tips, belly and possibly the eyelids and around the mouth (always discuss with your vet first).
Keep Your Dog Hydrated with These Easy Treats!
The temperatures are heating up, so make sure your furry best friend stays cool and hydrated even with daily treats like the one below!
Fido’s Cool Pup-sicles
2 cups of pumpkin puree and 1 cup of plain, sugar-free yogurt
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
Pour or spoon the mixture into silicone treat molds or ice cube trays.
Freeze for at least one hour before serving.
Store in freezer bags or freezer-safe tupperware for up to one month.
The INCREDIBLE Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs!
A superfood for dogs!
Naturally helps with K9 diarrhea/constipation while supporting your dog’s overall digestion.
Packed with fiber.
Vitamins A, C and E.
Iron and potassium.
Prebiotics and beneficial fatty acids.
NOTE: ONLY use plain canned pumpkin, freshly baked pumpkin, or pumpkin puree. NEVER use pumpkin pie filling!