Ever found something that shouldn't be there while cleaning up your back yard? I have. One day I discovered a couple of very red piles. Fortunately it was only tomatoes and peppers from the garden..... that time.
It's actually a good idea to clean up after your dog daily. This gives you a chance to check for parasites, foreign objects they shouldn't be eating, and to make sure anything that may have disappeared actually shows back up. If not, an x-ray might be a good idea....
I happen to be more experienced in this activity than I'd like to be. My two pups have eaten all kinds of stuff but there is usually nothing to worry about until.... they decided to share a tennis ball. Hydrogen peroxide to the rescue! (We know our vet staff well!) Never assume it will pass, especially something that may have rough, sharp edges or stretch to over 6 inches. On Thanksgiving two socks rebelled at being a snack earlier that week. One in the morning, the other later that night. Fortunately, the family got to miss both episodes. The next day Tucker, our Bernese Mountain Dog, had exploratory surgery resulting in the removal of a tank top that had stretched and then bunched up just past his duodenum. Apparently he has a cotton fetish. Of all the things for a dog to crave! Do you know how much cotton is laying around you house? Merlin, our Golden Retriever, was apparently feeling left out. So, the following Friday he got to repeat the hydrogen peroxide experience when he ate a good-sized portion of the tray in his kennel. Weird part was the next morning when he finished regurgitating ~ up came the end of a Nylabone with it. They hadn't had one since August ~ it was black, not the original light brown. I still wonder if there's anything else floating around in there.....
Be diligent about noticing changes in your pets. Behavior, routine, feces, unusual odors, ears, gums, skin between paws, coat, eyes, appetite, etc. If something isn't right for a couple of days, a visit to the vet is in order. Don't wait. Doing so could be detrimental to your pet and very likely your wallet.
My dog, George, is a litter box scavenger. We have blocked his access to the litter box, but our cats are now using our backyard as their potty. Result? George routinely dines on cat poop! Any advice?
ReplyDeleteCoprophagia is gross to us but for George, not so much. There can be multiple reasons for his attraction to the cat feces ~ psychological, medical, missing something in his diet. Cat food is high in protein and fat creating a tantalizing lure to a dog's nose . You did right by blocking his access. The solution to your problem is simple: keep your cats indoors. George will no longer have access to the poop and it's the best thing for your cats!
ReplyDeleteIndoor vs Outdoor cats is on the list for a future post.
Thanks for asking!