September 29, 2007

4 Reasons to Keep Your Pet Out of Your Trash

Garbage can be extremely hazardous to our pets' health, especially important to remember around the holidays, times when we accumulate lots of extra trash. A sad story in a comment posted to Talkin’ Trash:’ Why Your Garbage Could Be Harmful to Pets on the ASPCA Blog:

Garbage was harmful to our pet in a way that I couldn't have ever imagined.
We had a 5 year old Miniature Pinscher who loved to receive people food and would often get into the garbage. One day I came home to find her behind the couch with a Pringles can on her head. I quick tried to pull it off but her head had swelled up as she had gotten it stuck and suffocated. I would never imagine losing a pet this way! I can't say I buy Pringles anymore. The first reaction people have when I tell them this story is to laugh. Its such an odd, odd thing to happen.(our vet told us things like this are alot more common then we think)
We now put our garbage can in the garage when we leave the house.
Who would have ever thought a Pringles can could do so much harm?

This informative ASPCA article lists 4 major threats your pet may suffer from your trash and garbage:

1. Physical Obstruction Hazards.
2. Bacteria.
3. Toxin-Producing Molds.
4. Poisonous Household Items.

The best solution is the common sense one -- keep your pets out of your trash:

1. Use wastebaskets that are covered, and not easily tipped over.
2. Dispose of potentially poisonous materials properly.
3. Contact your vet or local emergencyanimal clinic immediately if your pet ingests hazardous material or call call the APCC (Animal Poison Control Center) hotline at (888) 426-4435 (a fee applies).

Read entire article.

Read More in: Cats | Dogs | Health and Safety | Holidays

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