Dog Accidents Out and About

Carry your dog on escalators, as it is easy for their feet to become trapped, and appalling injuries may result.

Watch balconies or windows when you go to visit friends. Falls may cause multiple fractures or even kill.

Whenever you see your dog chewing an unidentified item, beware! Every vet knows that peach stones, conkers, sweet corn cobs, fabric, rubber teats from comforters and chunks of toys or balls may cause a potentially fatal bowel blockage. Protect electric cables – especially if you have a puppy – as chewing these can be fatal.

If your pet likes swimming, then avoid ponds where algae – a blue-green or green paint-like scum – is growing. Some types produce toxins that can be irritants, or even lethally poisonous. And do not forget that although most dogs like water, not all dogs are good swimmers! Dogs can and do drown in rivers and the sea. Those that have been in “near drowning” situations should see a vet, as complications can develop following inhalation of water.

It is not only dogs shut in cars that get heat stroke – although dogs should never be left in cars in the summer, even if the windows are slightly open. Vigorous play on a hot day can be enough to bring it on, especially in short nosed breeds such as boxers and Pekingese, or in pets that are overweight. Consider clipping dogs with thick coats.

Areas of sparse hair are at risk of sunburn. Exposing white-colored areas of coat to the sun may increase the likelihood of skin cancer. Either keep your dog indoors between 10.00am and 4.00pm, or use a sunblock. Buy a special sunblock from your vet or use unscented waterproof sunblock of at least factor 15. Sometimes vulnerable areas can be covered by a T-shirt.