July/August, 2009 – Uh-Oh! Foray into Trash…

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Pet TalkFrances Goodman

By Frances Goodman

Uh-Oh! Foray into Trash can put Pets at Risk

Have you ever walked into the kitchen to find the trash spread all over the floor?

And there in the middle of the mess is your wonderful dog — or sweet cat — looking quite pleased about it.

Raiding the trash is more than a minor frustration for us. It can be extremely dangerous to pets.

Toxic hazards in the trash may include medications, harmful foods like onions and coffee grounds, poisonous plant cuttings, and chemicals such as household cleaners, insecticides, or batteries.

Puppies and kittens have no discretion about what they put in their mouth, and are especially at risk.

 

Hazards

Here is a breakdown from the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on what can happen if pets get into the trash:

1. Physical obstruction hazards — Items such as meat and poultry bones, plastic, metal, or paper can cause choking or trauma to the gastrointestinal tract. They can lead to a life-threatening blockage that could require emergency surgery.

2. Bacteria — Spoiled food can harbor millions of bacteria, which in some cases could lead to food poisoning or a condition known as bacterial enteritis. This is where the animal’s intestinal tract becomes irritated and inflamed, resulting in painful bloating of the abdomen, vomiting, and diarrhea.

3. Toxic Molds — Certain decaying foods such as cheese, nuts, grains and pasta are ripe environments for a variety of molds. Some of these can produce toxins that affect the nervous system, causing muscle tremors and seizures that can quickly become life-threatening.

4. Poisonous household items — The list of potential poisons to animals could go on forever, according to the ASPCA.

Even non-toxic items, like used paper towels or tissue (which many dogs find irresistible), can cause upset stomach.

 

Prevention

Prevention is the key.

Where trash is concerned, this can be as easy as using sturdy cans, with lids, that are not easily tipped.

Attractive stainless steel cans with heavy wooden tops are available at upscale prices. Plastic cans with step-pedals are available at a more economical cost.

If possible, keep containers in out-of-reach areas, such as a secure cabinet under the sink or inside the closed pantry, in all rooms as well as the kitchen.

To further protect pets, the ASPCA recommends:

● Always take high-risk items directly to a secure garbage can outside;

● Properly dispose of batteries and other potentially poisonous materials.

Thanks for caring. See you next time.

 

Training tip for the month: Catching your dog in the act of doing something good, and giving praise, is just as important as catching him/her in the act of doing something wrong, and giving a correction.

 

Got a question? Frances Goodman is a professional dog obedience trainer and pet care writer who resides in Royal Palm Beach. Email her at fhpettalk@hotmail.com.

For Obediance Training, call (561) 792-8224.