Every year in the United States, thousands of pets suffer unnecessary fatalities. These tragic incidents can occur in various forms, including being hit by vehicles or succumbing to poisoning, electrocution, or strangulation within their own homes. However, with proper foresight and precautions, many of these incidents can be prevented. Dogs, much like young children, are curious and innocent creatures who are vulnerable to household hazards such as electricity, chemicals, and potentially harmful plants. Without proper safeguards in place, a seemingly safe home can quickly become a dangerous environment for an unsuspecting puppy. In this chapter, we will discuss ten potential hazards for your Husky and provide tips for dog-proofing your home to ensure their safety.
Electricity
The standard 110-volt electrical circuitry found in most homes poses a significant risk to dogs. Siberian Huskies, in particular, may be unaware of this danger and may exhibit behaviors such as pulling on electrical cords and dragging attached items, such as lamps, to the floor. Once on the floor, light bulbs become accessible and may be ingested by curious puppies. It is important to take precautions to prevent such incidents from occurring.
To prevent your Husky from accessing electrical cords, it is recommended to secure them to the baseboard or remove them from the dog’s reach entirely. U-shaped cable brackets can be used to raise cords out of reach. Alternatively, corrugated wire loom tubing or plastic spiral wrap, available at office supply or hardware stores, can be used to protect cables. Products such as the Petcords Dog and Cat Cord Protector, priced at approximately $16, are specifically designed to prevent dogs from chewing through insulated cables up to 10 feet in length. Crittercord is another option to consider.
Remember
It is important to remember to keep cellphone chargers out of reach of your Husky. Leaving a phone plugged in can pose a risk to your pet. Unplugging the charger when not in use can help prevent accidents and also has the added benefits of saving money and reducing energy consumption.
Tip
Make sure every plugged-in item is firmly plugged in.
Warning
If your Husky is a victim of an electric shock, approach carefully. If your dog is still connected to the source, use a nonconductive object (like wood) to separate the two or shut off the current. Wrap your dog in a blanket and get him to the vet immediately, even if your dog seems okay. He could have invisible burns.
Rat and Mouse Poison (Rodenticides)
Rat and mouse poisons are highly toxic to dogs as well as rodents. These poisons often contain anticoagulants that interfere with blood clotting, and ingestion can result in internal bleeding and death. Symptoms may not appear for several days after ingestion, making timely intervention difficult. While some newer products are packaged to be less accessible to dogs and less toxic, it is important to take precautions to prevent your Husky from ingesting rat poison.
Tip
If you are experiencing issues with rats or mice in your home, it is recommended to consult with a professional pest control company. They can provide advice on safe and effective methods for addressing the problem while minimizing risks to your pets.
Household Cleaning Agents
Recent evidence suggests that some common household cleaners may pose a risk to dogs. These cleaners often contain phenol or phenol derivatives, which have been linked to liver and kidney damage. Phenols are slow-acting toxins that can affect dogs gradually, making it difficult to detect their impact. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to these toxins. Some experts recommend using rubbing alcohol as a safer alternative for disinfecting surfaces. Caustic substances such as drain cleaners, automatic dishwashing detergents, and toilet bowl cleaners should also be used with caution around dogs.
Tip
It is important to store household cleaners in a secure location that is inaccessible to your dog. Do not assume that your dog is unable to access cupboards or other storage areas; dogs have been known to open cupboard doors. A high shelf in a pantry or other secure location is a safer option for storing these potentially hazardous substances.
There are numerous pet-safe cleaning products available on the market. A simple online search will yield many options. Some recommended products include Puracy Natural All Purpose Cleaner, Puracy Carpet and Upholstery Shampoo, Clean + Green Pet-Safe Carpet Cleaner, Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent, Better Life Natural Dryer Sheets, Bean & Lily Pet-Safe Floor Cleaner, Eco-Me Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner, and Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover. Additionally, common household substances such as baking soda and white vinegar can also be effective cleaning agents.
Medicine Chest Menace
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 70 percent of pet poisonings are due to the ingestion of drugs. Dogs are often curious and may ingest both over-the-counter and prescription medications, with potentially fatal consequences. During the current opioid crisis, dogs are also at risk. A study by the University of Guelph in Ontario found that smaller, younger, unneutered dogs, or those residing in areas with high opioid rates, are at higher risk. The correlation with neutering status is intriguing and may be due to a stronger curiosity drive in non-neutered dogs or differences in owner behavior.
Warning
Child-proof medication bottles are not necessarily dog-proof. A Husky can quickly chew through a plastic bottle, making it important to store medications in a secure location. Unless specifically advised by a veterinarian, it is not recommended to give human medications to pets. Common over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol and ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, Motrin) can be particularly harmful to dogs. Tylenol can cause liver toxicity, while ibuprofen can be extremely toxic even in low doses. Additionally, dosages for dogs and humans can vary significantly even for the same medication. It is important to exercise caution and consult with a veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Hazardous Plants
Several common house plants can pose a danger to pets. These include cactus, English ivy, dieffenbachia (also known as dumb cane), wax begonias, yellow calla, peace lily, and philodendron. Both philodendron and dieffenbachia belong to the Araceae family of plants and can cause intense pain and allergic reactions. Ingestion of dieffenbachia can even lead to kidney failure. Symptoms of Araceae poisoning include salivation, head shaking, pawing at the mouth, vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care and bring a sample of the suspected plant for identification.
Warning
Household plants aren’t the only plant hazard for your dog. Some common poisonous yard, garden, and forest plants include the following:
- Azalea and rhododendron
- Bleeding heart
- Boxwood
- Buttercup
- Caladium
- Daffodils
- Daphne
- Delphiniums
- Dutchman’s breeches
- Elephant’s ear
- English ivy
- Foxglove
- Holly
- Honeysuckle
- Horse chestnut
- Lily-of-the-valley
- Mayapple
- Monkshood
- Morning glory
- Mother-in-law’s tongue
- Mushrooms
- Nightshade
- Rhubarb
- Skunk cabbage
- Tomato and avocado leaves» Tulip bulbs
- Wisteria
Holiday Hazards
I discuss the two types of holiday hazards here for your Husky:
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It is important to note that even non-toxic foods can pose a danger to pets. Overindulgence in rich foods such as turkey skin and fat can lead to pancreatitis in dogs. Instead of feeding your dog these items, offer them a serving of lean turkey breast. Additionally, cooked chicken or turkey bones should never be given to dogs as they can splinter or become lodged in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
Tip
It is recommended to dispose of bones in a secure container with a tightly sealed lid to prevent neighborhood animals from accessing them. Turkey stuffing may contain onions, which are toxic to dogs. Other foods that can be harmful to dogs include apple seeds, green potato skins, rhubarb, moldy cheese, and cherry pits. While it may seem unlikely that a dog would consume these items, it is always best to err on the side of caution. Further information on foods that are dangerous for dogs can be found in Chapter Feeding Your Husky.
Remember
It is important to exercise caution even before your turkey dinner becomes leftovers. Many Huskies are adept at counter-surfing and may be able to steal a whole cooked turkey from the carving board when unattended.
Warning
Chocolate is a common ingredient in many holiday foods and contains theobromine, a substance similar to caffeine that is toxic to dogs. Ingestion of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, neurological problems, irregular heartbeat, and in severe cases, death. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of theobromine. While theobromine is also toxic to humans, a much larger quantity is required to cause harm. It is important to keep chocolate out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
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Decorations: Christmas can pose significant risks to dogs. In 2019, a German Shepherd in Manchester, England ingested 30 feet of tinsel, necessitating surgical removal. Tinsel is particularly hazardous, but any decoration that a dog may perceive as edible can be dangerous. Unfortunately, dogs may have a different perception of what is edible than their owners. For many dogs, any new or interesting object that fits in their mouth may be considered edible or lickable.
It is recommended that the entire Christmas tree, including ornaments, lights, and garlands, be kept in a room that is inaccessible to dogs. The temptation may be too great for them to resist. If this is not possible, it is important to supervise dogs when they are near the tree and its decorations. Consider treating a playful dog like a young child and take appropriate precautions.
Garage Doors
Automatic garage doors can pose a significant risk to pets. Tragically, accidents involving pets being caught in garage doors have occurred. While most modern garage door units are equipped with emergency safety devices that will reverse the door if it strikes an object, it is important to exercise caution when operating these doors. It is recommended to always check under the garage door before and during closing to ensure that no pets are in harm’s way.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze is one of the most hazardous substances commonly found in garages. The greatest risk occurs during autumn when individuals change their radiator fluid. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that can be appealing to dogs, cats, and children. However, many brands contain ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic. When ingested, its metabolites can cause severe damage to the kidneys, leading to coma and death.
To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to use antifreeze based on propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Propylene glycol-based antifreeze is slightly more expensive but is significantly less toxic. It affects the central nervous system but not the kidneys. According to Tufts Veterinary Newsletter, a medium-sized dog would need to ingest approximately 20 ounces of propylene glycol before becoming seriously ill, whereas only 2 ounces of ethylene glycol can be lethal. Additionally, propylene glycol is less appealing to dogs than ethylene glycol. It is important to note that while propylene glycol is less toxic than ethylene glycol, it is still a poison and should be handled with caution.
Most commercially available antifreeze is composed of 95% ethylene glycol. However, safer alternatives based on propylene glycol are available, such as Sierra (Safe Brands Corporation) and Sta-Clean (Sta-Clean Products).
The most effective way to prevent antifreeze poisoning is to store it securely and out of reach of pets. Regardless of the type of antifreeze used, it is important to clean up any spills immediately. Cat litter can be used to absorb the liquid, followed by thorough cleaning with rags. Antifreeze should be disposed of carefully as it takes several months to biodegrade. The area where the spill occurred should be rinsed thoroughly with water.
Lawn Chemicals
Chemicals and pets do not mix well. Every year, Americans apply 300 million pounds of pesticides to their lawns. These substances can be harmful to pets, children, and the environment. Many pesticides are not water-soluble and can persist in the environment for extended periods. They are also toxic.
If your lawn has been treated with pesticides, it is important to keep your pets away from it. Pesticides come in two main types: organophosphates and carbamates. Both types have similar toxic effects. If your pet accidentally comes into contact with freshly applied chemicals, it is recommended to wash their paws with a gentle shampoo as soon as possible.
Tip
Consider using organic treatments for your lawn instead of chemical ones. Options include flea-eating nematodes and seeds from the Asian neem tree, which can help control fleas and other pests naturally. This approach is more environmentally friendly. It is important to dispose of yard-product containers safely and out of reach of pets and children. If using slug bait, ensure that it is securely enclosed. Alternatively, consider eliminating the use of lawn chemicals altogether by replacing grass with native plants. This can benefit birds, pollinators, wildlife, and the environment.
Swimming Pools
Swimming pools can pose a significant risk to pets. While many Huskies enjoy swimming, it is important to never leave them unattended near a pool, even for a short period. A useful guideline is to treat a dog as you would a young child and take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety.
Tip
If you allow your Husky to use the swimming pool, it is important to teach them how to locate the stairs. Dogs can sometimes become disoriented and may not know how to exit the pool. It is recommended to train them to enter and exit the pool using the stairs only.
Warning
If your Husky does not enjoy swimming, it is not recommended to force them to participate. While you can encourage them to explore the pool area, physically carrying or dragging a reluctant dog into the water can cause distress.
Winter pool covers can also pose a risk to dogs. Unless you have a cover specifically designed for safety, such as a LOOP-LOC cover, it is important to keep your dog away from the covered pool. Dogs may not be able to distinguish pool covers from solid ground and can become trapped and drown if they walk on the cover.
Tip
Life vests for dogs are available in various sizes and can be a useful safety measure, particularly if you and your dog will be visiting a lake or going boating. These vests can provide additional protection and peace of mind when your dog is near water.
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