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Among the most common problems are injuries following road accidents or dog-fights,

and illnesses resulting from swallowing objects, medicines or household chemicals.

If you think your dog has eaten something dangerous, contact the vet immediately (phone

the emergency number if necessary). Keep any packaging so that you can tell the vet

exactly what the substance is. Do not try to make your dog sick without asking the vet.

If your dog is staggering or fitting, clear away obstacles so he cannot hurt itself, and make

the room dark and quiet.

• Traffic is one of the greatest dangers. Never let your dog out on his own. However well

behaved your pet, always have your dog on a lead near the road. Train your dog to come

is more at risk of being in a fight. Many vets now run “puppy socialisation classes” where

young dogs can learn to make friends even before their vaccinations are complete and

these are an excellent idea.

• Have regular (at least annual) check-ups at the vet. This visit may pick up hidden problems.

It is better for the vet to discover that your dog has a heart problem than to be stranded on

a weekend walk in the middle of the countryside with a semi-collapsed dog.

• Dogs love to chase sticks. However, catching a stick the wrong way can cause horrifying

injuries, which can be very difficult to treat. Throw a plastic but indestructible object for your

pet to chase – but choose something too large to swallow. Dog toys are much safer than

sticks, easier to throw and more chewy!

• Choose rubber balls carefully. If they are small enough to fit inside the mouth, there is a

risk of them lodging in the back of the throat during play and causing choking.

• Bones are not good for dogs. Every year so many dogs end up in vets’ surgeries as a

consequence of being given (or finding) a bone. Problems range from a gastrointestinal

upsets to life-threatening illness if chunks wedge in the gullet or bowel. Give specially

designed indestructible chews instead. Put a heavy top on your kitchen bin to prevent your

dog getting leftover bones.

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• Grass seeds – the ones that look like barley ears – are rarely life threatening, but they

commonly enter ears and stick in feet. Check your dog after a walk and remove them.

Trim feathered ears and paws so that long hairs do not trap seeds.

• Carry your dog on escalators, as it is easy for their feet to become trapped, and appalling

injuries may result.

• Protect balconies or windows as falls may cause multiple fractures or even kill.

peach stones, conkers, sweetcorn cobs, fabric, rubber teats from comforters and chunks

of toys or balls may cause a potentially fatal bowel blockage. Protect electric cables

– especially if you have a puppy – as chewing these can be fatal.

• If your pet likes swimming, then avoid ponds where algae – a blue-green or green

paint-like scum – is growing. Some types produce toxins that can be irritants, or even

lethally poisonous. And do not forget that although most dogs like water, not all dogs are

good swimmers! Dogs can and do drown in rivers and the sea. Those that have been in

“near drowning” situations should see a vet, as complications can develop following

inhalation of water.

• It is not only dogs shut in cars that get heat stroke – although dogs should never be left

in cars in the summer, even if the windows are slightly open. Vigorous play on a hot day

can be enough to bring it on, especially in short nosed breeds such as boxers and

Pekingese, or in pets that are overweight. Consider clipping dogs with thick coats.

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• Areas of sparse hair are at risk of sunburn. Exposing white-coloured areas of coat to

the sun may increase the likelihood of skin cancer. Either keep your dog indoors

between 10.00am and 4.00pm, or use a sunblock. Buy a special sunblock from your vet

or use unscented waterproof sunblock of at least factor 15. Sometimes vulnerable

areas can be covered by a T-shirt.

way when you are using them. Be especially careful with slug pellets and firelighters,

as the chemical in these is highly toxic. Antifreeze and de-icer fluids taste sweet, but are

also poisonous. Rat poison is obviously dangerous – and eating dead poisoned rats is

another way of swallowing it. Many rat poisons are colour coded. If you know the colour

of the bait or have the packaging available, tell the vet. Seek advice even if your pet

seems unharmed, as the effects are often not immediate.

• As with people, dogs are vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning. This colourless,

odourless gas is present in car exhaust and the fumes of incorrectly maintained

fuel-fired heaters. If your dog sleeps next to the boiler, make sure it is regularly serviced.

You can buy carbon monoxide detectors from hardware stores. Signs of poisoning

include drowsiness, lethargy and weakness. Remove the patient to fresh air immediately

and then straight to the vet.

• Dogs can also suffer from smoke inhalation in house fires. Animals rescued from burning

buildings should be taken to the vet for an immediate check-up.

• During and after parties be aware that alcohol and cigarette butts (or illegal drugs) may

harm your dog. If there are fireworks, it is not just the flashes and bangs that you should

keep your pet away from; fireworks are poisonous if chewed.

• Always read the label before you give your pet any medicines. Never give your

dog human medicines and put them away from reach so they are not chewed.

Painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are particularly dangerous. Vitamin and

mineral supplements can also be dangerous, particularly iron tablets and products

containing zinc.

• Only ever give your dog medicines that have been prescribed by the vet. Follow the

label instructions carefully, and phone the vet if you aren’t sure what to do. “One tablet

twice a day” does not mean two tablets together in the morning. Be especially careful

with “palatable” tablets that have been designed to be tasty – dogs can find them all

too tempting!

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• Read the instructions on flea products carefully. Check that the product is to be used on

the animal – never use a spray intended for use around the house.

• Batteries of all types are dangerous if swallowed.

• Always keep your dog away from home products such as paint and varnish removers,

rust remover, glues, and fire extinguisher chemicals as they can all cause poisoning.

Cosmetic products, such as perfumes and aftershaves contain substances that are

harmful if eaten.

Keep your dog out of the kitchen when you are cooking. Dogs are naturally interested in

human activity, and accidental spills of hot fat or oil and boiling water can cause horrific

injuries that can leave permanent damage.

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Dogs that eat bread dough as it is rising experience initial discomfort as the dough rises in

the stomach, and may then be poisoned by chemicals produced as the dough ferments.

Homemade playdough can be even more dangerous because of its high salt content.

Well-meaning attempts to encourage healthy bones in big dogs by giving vitamin

or mineral supplements have been linked to problems. Particularly if given in excess, some

scientists believe that these may actually cause bone and joint problems. If you have a large

or giant breed puppy, such as a great Dane, discuss a feeding plan with your vet, as there

is some evidence that excessive feeding may cause bone and joint diseases.

Chocolate can be toxic, sometimes in quite small quantities. Dark chocolate, cooking

chocolate and cocoa powder, even in quite small quantities can make your pet unwell.

Milk chocolate is less dangerous, but can produce symptoms depending on the amount.

A medium sized bar eaten by a small dog can be enough – so be wary at Christmas when

dogs may chew through wrapping. Symptoms include: vomiting, restlessness, twitchiness

and walking difficulties. Some cases are fatal. Raisins, if eaten in large quantities, can also

cause poisoning – as can macadamia nuts. Onions – raw, cooked or the growing plants

There is an endless list of poisonous plants. It is best to keep an eye on your dog when he

is out, and avoid letting him chew on anything. If you see your dog chewing a plant, use a

favourite toy as a distraction – chasing and shouting can deter your dog from chewing

a potentially poisonous plant. Azalea, daffodil, dieffenbachia, rhododendron and yew are

among the more toxic plants encountered. Horse chestnut twigs, leaves, and conkers can

also be poisonous.

Garden bone meal – provided that it does not contain fertiliser or insecticides – can cause

gastrointestinal upset even when eaten in small amounts. Large quantities can produce a

interest of “dogs that dig”, which may be unfortunate if what you are planting is toxic, such

as daffodil or autumn crocus bulbs. Snacking from the compost heap can cause illness

– the moulds in decaying compost can produce vomiting, twitching, tremors and worse.