Taking care of animals means wanting the best for them, which can sometimes involve preventing them from engaging in behaviors that may be harmful. By educating ourselves on pet care and the factors that affect their health and well-being, we can provide better care. Here are 10 risks for dogs that may surprise you, along with reasons to avoid them.
Similar to humans, dogs can develop skin cancer due to excessive exposure to the sun. Limiting their sunbathing time and using dog-friendly sunscreen on areas like their nose and snout can help protect them from sunburn.
Dogs have different methods of regulating their body temperature, possessing less effective sweat glands than humans. They primarily sweat through their paw pads, but this is insufficient to cool them down in intense heat. Unlike people, dogs may not recognize when they are overheating and might not move out of the sunlight, which poses a serious risk. Overheating can be fatal, and severe heatstroke may lead to irreversible harm, such as seizures and organ failure. Each dog has a unique tolerance to heat based on their size and health status.
Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, hot skin, red gums, lethargy, excessive drooling, loss of coordination, and seizures. If a dog appears to be overheating, quickly move them to a cooler place, dampen their body with cool towels, and offer small amounts of water. If in doubt, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Many dogs enjoy playing with a hose, but this activity can be dangerous and may lead to secondary drowning. This serious condition can develop from minutes to days after the incident occurs when a dog inhales water, hindering their ability to breathe. The risk increases during vigorous play, where dogs may be panting with their mouths open.
Instead of playing with the hose, consider filling a kiddy or shell pool with a few inches of water to keep your dog cool without the risk of water inhalation. Always supervise your dog when they are near water, as exhaustion can lead to drowning very quickly.
While using a collar for walks can be fine, it’s not always the best choice for every breed or age. Walking your dog with only a collar can lead to choking or injury, as well as the risk of the dog slipping out of the collar.
Pulling against a collar can result in whiplash and damage to a dog’s trachea, lymph nodes, and thyroid. Dogs that are brachycephalic may suffer worsening symptoms. Though the odds of serious injury from a single walk are low, continuous strain can result in severe conditions over time. Additionally, some dogs may slip out of their collars—even if properly fitted—especially if agitated or startled.
Be sure to check out resources on proper dog walking gear and accessories for more information.
Leaving dogs alone with toys carries the risk that they might ingest pieces of the toy. Even if accidental, swallowing toy components can lead to choking or intestinal obstructions.
Large toy parts, such as eyes, squeakers, or stuffing, can get stuck in a dog's throat, posing choking hazards. If ingested, it might cause blockages, which can become life-threatening. Toys can additionally damage a dog's internal organs, with sharp edges scraping against the stomach lining.
If you suspect a dog has swallowed a toy part, seek veterinary assistance right away. A vet can evaluate the situation and take necessary action.
One peculiar behavior seen in dogs is coprophagia, which refers to the act of eating feces, whether their own or from other animals. While it may seem unpleasant, it poses several health risks, including the potential ingestion of parasites and harmful bacteria.
Repeated instances of this behavior can signal various issues, such as stress or anxiety, hunger, or simply a behavioral preference. If this behavior is frequent, consulting a veterinarian for advice is advisable.
Charlie's Paws has been a pioneer in developing nature-friendly health and beauty care products for over thirty years. We believe that pets are family, so we're bringing the same natural attention and care to your closest furry friends. Charlie's Paws now brings nature's solutions to our beloved pets with a specially formulated line of natural grooming products including shampoos, conditioner, sprays, wipes, and treatments.