Dogs seem to have an oral obsession for anything that looks of interest.
Young dogs seem to be the worst offenders; you can consider them young toddlers, as children seem prone to put things into their mouths, too.
Some researchers say it is an inherent throwback to the days when dogs had to hunt for a living.
For some reason undergarments, socks, stockings and pantyhose seem to be the most offending items our dogs like. Some say it is just a "ripe smell that attracts the dogs, however, it can be embarrassing and expensive all at the same time.
Food related objects also have a great appeal, from corncobs to plastic pop-up timers used for roasting meats.
Many dogs just chew and eat things because they are curious about them. Sometimes it becomes an addiction for certain dogs. When I speak of an addiction I am meaning a dog becoming addicted to say, chewing and swallowing small stones or gravel. These items create serious intestinal problems that require surgery and expensive veterinary bills,
What can we do? Actually nothing, other than keeping things out of our dogs reach, there is not much you can do. I know of no type of training that will teach a dog to keep things out of its mouth. A dog uses its mouth as we use our hands, so anything is fair game.
Here is a list of some of the common hazards that can be found in the home besides the dirty laundry (which needs to be kept in a hamper or in a closet with the door shut.)
Things rescued from the trash like diapers or tampons. Keep these things in closed containers, if your dog should decide to swallow either of these things, surgery would be necessary.
Sewing needles, things with thread on them, fishing hooks, safety pins, bottle caps, for some reason these bright shiny objects become an attraction. Should you see a thread or string hanging out of your dogs mouth, do not pull it out as you do not know where or what is on the other end. Call your vet at once.
Coins - pennies minted after 1982 contain zinc, not good for a puppy or dogs tummy and they need to be removed. Keep loose change up and out of reach.
Small toys or even rubber duckies have a way of finding their way into a dogs innards. Make certain any dog toys are large enough and do not have any eyes or other things that a dog can chew off.
Most household glues will not cause problems, but Gorilla Glue expands and creates a large glob of stuff. Surgery is required and at once.
Batteries, now who would want to chew a battery, not I say the mouse, but your dog might find it interesting and if it leaked and was swallowed it can cause serious problems. If it was a small battery and you are certain it was swallowed whole, you can try to induce vomiting by giving your dog a dose of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Call your vet for the exact amount, as it has to be given according to the dogs body weight.
I cannot imagine a dog swallowing refrigerator magnets, but it has been done and it has been known that they can swallow more than one. This is also very serious and you need to call and see your vet at once.
Well, who said that having a dog can be boring? Having a dog is one way to keep you alert and on your toes, especially through the first few years, when a dogs curiosity is at its peak.
The best advice I can give is to keep things picked up, do a double check on the floors and keep dirty laundry put away and out of reach. If you look at having a young dog around with the same insight, that you would have if you had a toddler around, you will save yourself a lot of money and a great deal of wear and tear on your dog.
Keeping our pets healthy is very beneficial not only to the pet, but to our pocketbooks. If the only time you need to visit the veterinarian is for yearly check ups and necessary shots you are saving money. Nutrition is very important in keeping a dog healthy, proper quality food that contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals is a good way to start. If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com
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