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Post by jordanjamesv on Dec 10, 2013 21:15:58 GMT -5
Our little Ganon keeps eating the salt used to melt the ice outside on the concrete. I try my best to keep him away but he sometimes manages to eat one or two little rocks. How bad is this for the pup, and is there an alternative salt I can buy that is not harmful to pets? What preventative measures can I take?
Thanks,
Jordan
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Post by hooligan on Dec 10, 2013 23:08:11 GMT -5
Our little Ganon keeps eating the salt used to melt the ice outside on the concrete. I try my best to keep him away but he sometimes manages to eat one or two little rocks. How bad is this for the pup, and is there an alternative salt I can buy that is not harmful to pets? What preventative measures can I take? Thanks, Jordan Oh, dear. I would be worried about that. Here's an article from a British paper: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1341137/Hundreds-dogs-cats-die-rock-salt-scattered-gritters-big-freeze.htmlWe use ice melter, which probably isn't great for animals either, or kitty litter, which doesn't melt the ice but does improve one's footing. And fortunately, Jack has never shown any interest in any of these things. But then, he's a March baby so he was older than Ganon when his first winter arrived. He was past the really curious puppy stage. I'm sure you must be teaching "leave it." And having treats at hand whenever you go outside so that you can reward his "leave it" and redirect if Ganon even looks as if he's interested in tasting the salt.
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Post by jordanjamesv on Dec 10, 2013 23:31:31 GMT -5
Our little Ganon keeps eating the salt used to melt the ice outside on the concrete. I try my best to keep him away but he sometimes manages to eat one or two little rocks. How bad is this for the pup, and is there an alternative salt I can buy that is not harmful to pets? What preventative measures can I take? Thanks, Jordan Oh, dear. I would be worried about that. Here's an article from a British paper: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1341137/Hundreds-dogs-cats-die-rock-salt-scattered-gritters-big-freeze.htmlWe use ice melter, which probably isn't great for animals either, or kitty litter, which doesn't melt the ice but does improve one's footing. And fortunately, Jack has never shown any interest in any of these things. But then, he's a March baby so he was older than Ganon when his first winter arrived. He was past the really curious puppy stage. I'm sure you must be teaching "leave it." And having treats at hand whenever you go outside so that you can reward his "leave it" and redirect if Ganon even looks as if he's interested in tasting the salt. Thanks! I teach him the "off" command. He is very persistent though. When he's outside he plays in the snow and eats it. On the way up the steps to the house, he is usually fine, but there have been times he becomes really interested in the salt rocks. I usually don't have treats when I go out since he's okay with doing his business now. I will keep them on me moving forward. Wish me luck!
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Post by dobermoms on Dec 11, 2013 6:33:34 GMT -5
Just a quick note....keep the "off" command for things like counter-surfing, furniture, people jumping....and try using the "leave it" command for things like chewing things he's not supposed to, grabbing shoes, socks, keys...etc. It will help moving forward if you do obedience training, or other avenues.
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Post by hooligan on Dec 11, 2013 12:08:46 GMT -5
Just a quick note....keep the "off" command for things like counter-surfing, furniture, people jumping....and try using the "leave it" command for things like chewing things he's not supposed to, grabbing shoes, socks, keys...etc. It will help moving forward if you do obedience training, or other avenues. Totally agree with Barb about the distinction between "leave it" and "off." As a pup, Jack didn't go after rock salt, but he loved to nibble on sticks and twigs -- and swallow the bits, which he would subsequently puke up in his bed, usually at 3 a.m. . . . aaaargh! So "leave it" became essential, and he learned it pretty fast. You can also use a toy to distract Ganon and lure him safely past the rock salt. Use a stuffy that he likes, for example, and bring it out only then. That way it becomes special. You'll probably find that his curiosity about rock salt disappears pretty quickly.
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Post by dobermoms on Dec 11, 2013 21:59:39 GMT -5
Great trick/idea Dyanne. It's all about trying to be 1/2 step ahead of our dogs...
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