Munchin' on ... Walnuts?

As much as we try to give our pets the best of everything, from food and toys to treats and games, somehow, they always manage to find their own chewies.   I have three very large walnut trees in the back yard from which a passel of nuts fall.   Of course, I expected the squirrels to eat the walnuts, but did not think Grace and Spike would enjoy them as well.

Some dogs simply like to put objects in their mouths.   Many breeds and mixes find twigs, grass, leaves, and rocks  gratifying  to chomp on.   This can be of great benefit to the owner who takes his pet out while trimming trees and teaches them to pick up the fallen branches and put them into a pile.   But for most of us, it causes endless times of frustration when we catch our companion with less than desirable chew toys.    Many a dog has had to have surgery to remove rocks, stuffing, toys, wood and a huge assortment of other items they have eaten that became bound up in their intestines or stomachs.   Besides the obvious trauma for the dog, there is the cost of the surgery, the possibility your pet won't make it through recovery, the knowledge that once they create a habit of eating non-consumables they may always do it, and a host of other issues.

No one wants to see their beloved animal suffering because of a poor choice.  As owners, guardians, and teachers, we must seek to make the environment that our pet lives in as safe as possible; thus removing unsafe opportunities.   When I hear an owner complaining that their dog ate their pantyhose or chewed up an expensive item of furniture, I just shake my head.  Clearly, the owner is to blame for the dogs act.  We, as guardians, have the foresight to pick up all our carelessly tossed items which the dog might find interesting, use baby gates or crates to confine an animal which can not be trusted to refrain from chewing, and patrol our yards to pick up unsavory items our little angels might grab.   There is also a responsibility to ensure we have prior knowledge of poisonous plants, foods, and drugs the pet may come in contact with while living in our home.   Just like having a child, we need to keep our prescriptions out of reach, put away toys that can be torn apart and swallowed, and remove from the environment basic threats.   Establishing the level of chewing our pet has and purchasing appropriate, safe, chew toys, can save a lot of heartache.   Be aware that wild grapes growing in your yard, chocolate left out, and Tylenol are just a few examples of poisons to our dogs that we encounter every day in our homes.

Our pets explore with their senses.  Tasting, chewing and sniffing are a few of their favorites and it is prudent to keep in mind that most problems arise when we are not watching our four legged friends.   Keeping their environment safe and peril free is your job, not theirs. 



                                                                      © PawEarFull Legacys