Earlier this week, a friend of mine was out walking her two dogs, a shih tzu and a border collie. Whilst attending to the ‘business’ of her shih tzu, she didn’t see the collie finding a discarded chicken carcass, presumably for a fox and having a little nibble.
Chicken bones are incredibly dangerous to dogs. From what I understand, it doesn’t matter so much if they are raw but once cooked, the bones become very brittle and can splinter or break in the dog’s mouth or throat, causing damage.
Unfortunately, in this case, this is exactly what happened. The collie was rushed to the vets but unfortunately died on the operating table.
I write this article to warn anyone giving their dog cooked chicken to watch out for the bones, be extra careful and even for those who don’t have dogs, be careful when you put your rubbish out that it is carefully wrapped and cannot be ransacked by foxes or cats.
It is heartbreaking to lose a dog at any time, but even more so when it is through an accident such as this.
This post is dedicated to the memory of a beloved dog, Milly, who will be sorely missed.
May 30, 2008 | | Care & Training
Have you ever taken a photo of your dog that didn’t quite turn out as planned. Here’s a picture I don’t think the owners were aiming for, but it looks pretty cool to me - one for the photo album anyway. Hovering dogs - who knew dogs could fly? 
May 27, 2008 | | Fun N Other
I wonder what this says… might have to ask my shih tzu dog for a translation…
May 19, 2008 | | Fun N Other
Before you buy a dog, consider if you can afford it. I’m not just talking about the purchase price, because obviously if you want a pedigree dog, they are expensive. I’m talking about the cost of keeping a dog.
When you first get a dog, you should get him or her vet checked. The first innoculations should also be discussed then. These will set you back around £50 - £60.
Then you’ll need to buy the basics. Even if you don’t go mad on toys and treats, the dog will need somewhere to sleep and a couple of toys, plus you need to buy bowls for him to eat and drink from and a lead for walking.
I highly recommend buying a good pet insurance policy to insure your dog too. I once had a dog who broke her leg and the operation cost me £300. Luckily, it healed well. However, even though I then insured her, she’ll never be covered for any more problems with that leg.
Consider all the factors when buying a dog. They’re expensive and a huge responsibility. If you do find you have an unwanted dog, or cannot keep him, then do the right thing and rehome them properly. Don’t abandon them or turn them to the RSPCA. You bought the dog, do the right thing by him.
May 15, 2008 | | Buying A Dog
How much does it cost to neuter a dog?
My mum recently had her shih tzu bitch neutered. It cost £110. However, the dog then seemed to get a small infection, resulting in three more visits to the vet, injections and tablets. Total cost approximately £170.
If you are on benefits, you can get your dog neutering subsidised and it will only cost you £30 apparently.
May 14, 2008 | | Care & Training
