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Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day: Panda!
Meme of the day: They’re worth it!
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A Pet Parent's Guide to Preventing Dog Choking
In honor of National Pet Choking Prevention Day on June 22nd, we wanted to share some vital information about safeguarding your pup!
Our canine companions are bundles of boundless energy, curiosity, and often, an insatiable appetite for anything they can get their paws on – and, unfortunately, in their mouths. While their enthusiasm is endearing, it also puts them at risk for a scary and potentially life-threatening situation: choking. As devoted dog parents, understanding how to prevent choking is a vital part of keeping our beloved pups safe, happy, and healthy.
The good news is that many instances of dog choking are preventable with a little awareness and proactive measures. It's not about stifling their joyful antics, but rather about creating a safer environment where their natural curiosity doesn't lead to danger.
Understanding the Common Culprits:
Dogs, especially puppies and those with a tendency to "inhale" their food, can choke on a surprising variety of items. Some of the usual suspects include:
Food, Glorious Food (or not): Large pieces of kibble, hard treats that aren't properly chewed, human food scraps like chicken bones (a huge no-no!), or even too much food gulped down too quickly.
Toys Gone Rogue: Small or broken toy pieces, toys that are too small for your dog's size and can be easily swallowed, or plush toys with stuffing coming out.
Household Hazards: Rocks, sticks, socks, underwear, string, rubber bands, small balls (especially if they can fit past the back teeth), and even children's toys.
"Chew" Misadventures: Large rawhides or other chews that soften and break into large, gooey chunks can become lodged in the throat.
Paws-itive Prevention Strategies:
Thankfully, preventing dog choking is largely about vigilance and smart choices. Here are some actionable steps you can take:
Size Matters (for Toys and Treats)
Always select toys and treats appropriate for your dog's size and chewing habits. If a toy can fit entirely into your dog's mouth, it's too small. For treats, choose easily digestible options or those that require significant chewing before they can be swallowed. Avoid hard, brittle treats that can splinter.
Supervised Playtime
Even with appropriate toys, supervision is key. Keep an eye on your dog during playtime, especially if they're enthusiastic chewers. If a toy starts to break apart, remove it immediately.
The "Sweep" and Secure Method
Get down on your hands and knees and view your home from your dog's perspective. What looks tempting and accessible? Securely put away small objects, children's toys, socks, underwear, and anything else that could be ingested. Childproof locks on cabinets can be a lifesaver.
Mindful Mealtimes:
Slow Down, Fido! If your dog tends to gulp their food, consider using a slow-feeder bowl. These bowls have obstacles that force your dog to eat around them, significantly slowing down their intake.
Portion Control: Don't overload their bowl. Smaller, more frequent meals can also help.
No Bones About It: Never give cooked bones to your dog. They splinter easily and can cause internal damage or choking. Raw bones can also pose a risk if not properly chosen and supervised.
Chew Smarter, Not Harder
If you give your dog chews, choose wisely. Opt for digestible chews or those that are too large to be swallowed whole. Always supervise your dog when they have a chew, and once it gets small enough to be a choking hazard, take it away.
"Leave It!" is a Lifesaver
Teach your dog the "leave it" command. This invaluable command can literally save their life if they try to pick up something dangerous off the ground during a walk.
Know Basic Pet First Aid
While prevention is paramount, accidents can still happen. Familiarize yourself with basic pet first aid for choking. Knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a dog can be a critical skill in an emergency. Many veterinary clinics and animal organizations offer workshops or online resources.
By integrating these simple practices into our daily routines, we can significantly reduce the risk of our beloved dogs experiencing a choking incident. It's a small investment of time and effort that yields invaluable peace of mind, allowing us to fully enjoy the boundless love and companionship our dogs bring into our lives, knowing they're safe and sound.
Prevent Choking with the Bow Wow Buddy
Give your dog the joy of chewing without the worry. The innovative Bow Wow Buddy from Bow Wow Labs is engineered to securely hold bully sticks and other chews, preventing those dangerous last few inches from becoming a choking hazard. Now you can relax, knowing your furry friend can safely enjoy every delicious bite while also promoting healthy teeth and gums. Experience true peace of mind with Bow Wow Labs – where safe chewing is a happy chewing.
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Only about 4% of U.S. pet owners have pet insurance
Pet care costs are rising, yet not enough people are doing something about it. Pet insurance can significantly offset rising costs – all for as low as $10 a month. Want to join the 4% club?
Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure
Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.
Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.
The Smile Section
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Jimbob!
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Sources:
Dog of the day: adventures_of_panda13
Meme of the day: IG biggiepawws
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