Puppies and babies - sometimes hard to tell who is harder to keep track of. Having "experienced" both, I'd say puppies! We do our best to plan ahead, think of every possible situation before it happens, and endeavor to keep them safe. However, even in the best of circumstances, accidents can happen.
Baby gates, also known as safety gates, are commonly used to confine puppies (and babies!) to "safe" areas in the home or in the case of potty-breaking puppies, non-carpeted areas. In this article, Carol Kufner, Canine Graphic Artist and breeder of German Shepherds, shares a recent experience with a puppy and a baby gate so that others may benefit and learn from the tragic experience.
Hi All:
I feel I must warn you all of a potential doggie danger.
On Sunday, June 3rd, I received a phone call from one of my puppy buyers. In tears this wonderful caring man told me of how he and his wife went out for an hour on Saturday evening and left their puppy "Max" in the kitchen. They had puppy proofed the entire kitchen OR SO THEY THOUGHT.
They had put up one of those child gates to block Max from getting out of the kitchen. The wooden ones that open and close like an accordion. They came home to find that little 9 week old Max had strangled when his head became lodged in one of the openings in the gate.
Between him crying, his wife crying and now me crying, all this man could manage to get out was "I'm sorry; I'm sorry. He was a wonderful puppy; it's my fault."
Obviously, this was not his fault; it was an accident, and I told him so as I tried to console him. This is a very very sad tale that should be told to anyone who uses this type of gate or is thinking of purchasing this type of gate to contain their puppy or even small dog. Any dog, who could get his head lodged in the openings.
In memory of little MAX, please, please, please, spread the word on the dangers of certain child gates.
Carol Kufner
Canine Graphic Artist
Winwood German Shepherds
Dedicated to a healthy tomorrow
http://WINWOOD_SHEPHERDS.tripod.com/
Join in the Discussion
Safety is (or should be) foremost in animal lovers' minds. Animals by nature are unpredictable, and as these forum discussions show, anything can happen! Click on each link to take you to the full discussion. You are also welcome to post your own tips or experiences in the
Veterinary Medicine Forum.
My cat was in the dryer!!!
"I know this must have happened to others, because the vet didn't act surprised when we took our 6 mth old black & white kitten Penelope, in a while ago. I am so sick about this!!! MY DAUGHTER WAS DRYING CLOTHES and I asked her if she had checked to make sure there were no cats in the dryer before starting it. She said she had, and was sure. Then I heard a thump once or twice, but no big racket. She went to check and there it was!!!! She (and we) were crying over and over and she felt VERY hot! I know she must have been in there at least 10 or 15 minutes, it seemed like a long time." CATTIESAL
Puppy got into my birth control
"This may sound funny but I'm not laughing. My 7 month old puppy found my birth control and ate 3 pills before I caught him." JESSE11210
Safe doggie chews?
"I am looking for some advice about appropriate, safe chews for my 4 month old lab. She needs a diversity of thing to chew and I need her to have some chewing entertainment." JSPRITE
Let's talk about leashes....
"I would like to know why so many people think it's cool to walk their dogs without a leash. In Dallas [Texas], where I live, it's the law to keep your dog on a leash or behind a fence. Yet so many people disregard this law. They think, 'Sparky is a good dog; he won't hurt anyone.' Next thing you know, Sparky runs up to a not-so-good dog and BAM, you've got a dog fight on your hands!" KEPHY
Running with dog - when?
"I was wondering at what age it is safe for me to start taking my dog on short runs with me? I heard that you can aggravate hip dysplasia issues if you run with them too soon!" JSPRITE
Pets on boats
"Does anyone have any experience with having pets on boats?" BSEATON2
Crated and confused
"I feel as though I am locking my babies in jail. Do I put toys in with them? I was told it was not good to leave toys down. Should I remove them as they leave the crate. Food and water when I leave them. Or how long is it OK to leave without water?" JEWELS022
Additional Safety Alerts
Pool Safety - An Alert For Viewers
Learn about the dangers of seemingly solid pool covers, and how to recognize hypothermia.
Summer Fun: Pet Safety
Have fun with your pet outdoors, and stay safe. Learn about common summertime dangers and how to prevent an emergency or a tragedy.
Text: Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved.
