Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Family Dog Dies After Ingesting Gum with Xylitol | |
Posted by: | Charlotte Kasner | |
Date/Time: | 29/04/15 15:47:00 |
I did not apportion blame for the specific incident cited, just made a general comment that many, many owners feed their dogs food that is not intended for dogs and many do not train a "leave it" cue. I have had several incidents of people feeding my dog without asking including a man who shoved half a burger (with onions) in his face as I was walking past and a neighbour who tried to feed him a square of 70% cocoa solid chocolate. As for the problem being widely known, I meant in the scientific context rather than amongst most dog owners. As far as I know, no one has compiled any statistics as to dog owners' knowledge about common toxins but I suspect that it is not widespread as many vets and the veterinary poisons unit may attest. I worry about the possibility of my dog picking up something in this way, but that could as easily happen on lead as off. Actually, I am most worried about it on public transport where I frequently see gum sweets for instance on the floor where parents have allowed their children to drop them and not cleaned up. As my dog is trained to tuck himself under seats, I usually take a quick look underneath to check that it is clean. I also worry about discarded, illicit drugs and bait for vermin. I know of three incidences where dogs have died in London after inhaling or ingesting discarded amphetemines and one recent incident where a dog ingested rodent poison. However, none of it stops me from going out or letting my dog off the lead. I reinforce a "leave it" cue periodically and try to be reasonably vigilent and, in the end, one can do no more. |