21/07/2022
β PET HAZARDS - 5 things to look out for to help keep your dog safe β
As pet owners we want to avoid our animals getting hurt as much as possible! Our dogs are curious creatures so often stick their noses or paws in places they shouldn't. So how often do you check your yard or keep an eye out on your walks for hazards? Here are a few common culprits for pet cuts and injuries that you can watch out for...
1οΈβ£ Fences! While our fences are meant to keep our pets safe, how often do you make sure that they are in good shape? Wooden fences can develop nasty splinters or have nails sticking out and wire fences can have sharp edges or sag which can become a trap hazard for your dog's legs. Check your fences regularly and fix any breaks or issues you find.
2οΈβ£ Gardening tools, fertilisers and chemicals - Do you ever leave gardening tools out? Some tools can have sharp edges or spikes or are very heavy if they fall on a passing pet, so it's better to put them somewhere safe. Fertilisers and common garden herbicides and pesticides can be toxic for pets, so make sure you keep them in a secure location well out of reach of prying noses.
3οΈβ£ Prickles, grass seeds and thorns - nobody wants prickles in their lawn! But even if your garden is free of spiky things, the parks and places you walk your dog might not be. Some prickles and thorns can get lodged in your pets paws or between their toes. If you're pulling out prickles or thorns be very slow and gentle and watch that they don't leave their tips behind, as these can turn into sore, infected sites. Once removed pop a salve like Wound Wax on to protect the site from contamination and help it heal.
Grass seeds are troublesome too and can get lodged between their toes, causing little cuts and infections if you don't find them quickly. Check your dogs paws regularly and if you're worried about a thorn or grass seed, get your vet to help remove it.
4οΈβ£ Broken glass - this can cause a very nasty wound if they step on it, and while your garden might be free of broken glass, footpaths, roads and pathways can sometimes have glass on them. Be aware when walking and watch out for any patches of broken glass.
5οΈβ£ Biting and stinging insects and reptiles - wasps, spiders, ants, scorpions and snakes can have nasty bites or stings that can be itchy, sore or even life-threatening. Where possible, try to remove wasp nests or biting ant nests, and watch out for spiders which could be harmful. Scorpions and snakes like to hide in wood piles or garden debris, so limit your dogs access to these areas. If your pet receives a bite from a snake, scorpion or spider, seek veterinary advice. For insect bites, monitor closely for reactions, swelling or changes in behaviour and seek veterinary advice if needed.
Sometimes we can't avoid those WOOPS moments, but being proactive can help to eliminate hazards. Keep Wound Wax on hand as a natural, topical treatment for all those minor cuts, scratches and bites, as the earlier you get a healing balm onto the site the better.