Attention Dog Parents - These 5 Things Can Kill Your Pet!

 

Introduction

Having a pet dog is truly a blessing. They make us laugh with their funny and innocent antics, happily greet us every day with their wagging tails, and give us lots of cute pictures for our social media. Dogs can indeed light our houses and lives. 

However, taking proper care of your furry friend is a serious responsibility. You should ensure providing them with a safe and healthy life. You must take care of their diet, happiness and other requirements. Plus, you should know about the activities that might seem trivial but can even take your pet’s life. 

Here are the top 5 such activities.

1. GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus)

Did you know that bloat in a dog can claim your pet’s life? Yes, it’s true. No matter how insignificant it might seem, a bloat is capable of endangering your dog. 

GDV or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus is caused when bloat progresses into volvulus. In this, the huge gas-filled stomach gets twisted and both the entrance and exit get blocked.

It is an emergency condition and can even claim your pet’s life without prompt treatment. 

Gastric dilatation volvulus causes

One of the reasons is too much activity after eating their meal. Other common factors including eating quickly, and consuming large quantities of food can also contribute to its development. For instance, imagine your pet dog has just enjoyed a delicious meal, leaving their stomach full. However, as they catch sight of their favourite toy, their excitement gets the better of them. So should they indulge in a vigorous game or exercise immediately after eating? The answer is a big NO! Because engaging in heavy physical activity right after a meal significantly elevates the risk of Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV).

Gastric dilatation volvulus in dogs symptoms

Here are some of the common symptoms to look out for in case of Gastric dilatation volvulus in your dog.

• Difficulty in breathing as the enlarged stomach presses against the diaphragm.
• Your dog will experience a systematic shock. A swollen stomach pushes on the blood vessels in the abdomen, and this slows the blood flow.
• The dog will eventually fall down and collapse. Its abdomen can be easily seen when it’s lying down.

Gastric dilatation volvulus prevention

To prevent GDV (gastric dilatation volvulus) from ever harming your pet, please follow these steps and ensure their safety: 

• Allow your dog at least 1-2 hours of rest after meals before engaging in any intense physical activity.
• If your furry friend is full of energy after eating, consider calm, gentle activities like short walks or mentally stimulating games.
• Opt for smaller, more frequent meals rather than one large serving.

Please talk to a trusted veterinarian to ensure your pet's essential dietary needs are met.

2. Toxic Foods

Dogs are notorious for their curiosity and appetites, which can sometimes lead them to consume toxic foods. It's crucial to be aware of what human foods are dangerous for your furry friend. There are many instances of dogs eating chocolate. However, please note that this can cause chocolate toxicity in dogs. You see, chocolate poisoning in dogs is quite common and it can even take your loved one’s life. 

Other toxic items include grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener). These food items can even kill your beloved pets. Therefore, ensure that these things are always kept out of your dog's reach. Plus, remember never to share these as treats or even in small quantities. Please feed your pets only non-toxic dog food only. 

3. Inadequate Supervision of Walks

When you take your dog out for a walk, please provide proper supervision. You must have noticed that dogs have a habit of finding and ingesting dangerous items. This includes items like trash, broken glass pieces, or even toxic substances. 

Please keep a close eye on your furry friend during walks to prevent these types of accidents. Plus, always use a leash to maintain control. You can also train your dog to be responsive to certain statements like "leave it" or anything in your native language. Trust us, this can be a lifesaver in such situations.

4. Household Items

Your home may contain several items that are hazardous to your dog. These include batteries, small toys that can be swallowed, toxic plants, and chemicals. Dogs are naturally curious, and they may chew on or ingest these items. To protect your pet, keep such items out of their reach, store chemicals securely, and be cautious with potentially toxic houseplants.

5. Leaving Your Dog in a Car Unattended

We understand, there are places like grocery stores, where you can’t take your dog along. However, leaving your pet unattended in a parked car is not a solution. This can, not only make your dog seriously ill but also claim its life. 

Final Thoughts

Our care and attention are needed to guarantee the security and welfare of our animal friends. Critical actions to take include being aware of what to do after meals and knowing the risks associated with particular foods. Essential safeguards include securing potentially dangerous household objects, keeping an eye on dogs when they're on walks, and never leaving them alone in an automobile. Our cherished pets can live in a safer environment where they are protected from hazards that might otherwise endanger their lives if we take proactive measures and remain knowledgeable.