One of the most horrible experiences a dog owner who persists on tethering their dog, is to find them dead! It takes 3 – 5 minutes for a dog to strangle his or herself!
Be especially watchful of puppies! They can get themselves into serious trouble in the blink of an eye. NEVER leave them unsupervised. Crate or pen them if you cannot supervise their activities.
It is a fact, when a tethered dog wraps itself around something so tightly they they panic. In the process of trying to release the pressure, they can make matters worse, and strangle. First they cut off their oxygen. Their gums and tongue turn blue. Brain damage begins. Next, they become unconscious. The heart stops pumping. Death follows.
The process is excruciating…the animal is panicked. It is horrendous!
If you are fortunate enough get there in time to help, remove the pressure immediately! Do not waste time trying to untangle him, CUT the line or collar! Gently extend his neck as much as possible to help open the air passage. If he is not breathing and is unconscious, pull his tongue forward, hold it if necessary. You do not want it to slide back, and block air from passing.
You may have to perform artificial respiration and Canine CPR, while transporting your pet to the nearest veterinarian! Don’t waste a second…get the dog to the nearest vet!
Even if you get to your pet in time to save them, they may develop pulmonary edema within minutes to hours after the incident. Pulmonary edema is fluid build up in the lungs. Even if you are successful in your immediate efforts, your dog can aspirate hours after the incident. It is imperative to keep them under constant supervision for the next 12 hours.
Immediate veterinary care is needed if you observe:
· Coughing
· Gums and tongue are blue
· Shortness of breath
· Lethargy
· Disorientation
Situations leading to strangulation:
· Tethered to a tree or pole – They can strangle simply by wrapping themselves around an object such as a tree or pole, or trying to jump over a fence or dig under it and get stuck.
· Tied in a car – They can strangle trying to jump out a window, or wrap themselves around, or hang off a seat. Remove your dog’s leash, as soon as you get them into the car!
· Tied in the back of a truck – They can strangle, jumping or falling out of the back of a truck. Crate your dog if they must travel in the back of a truck.
· Cords to drapes or blinds – They can strangle getting tangled in the cords. Raise and secure the cords so they are out of the animal’s reach.
· Collars – Check to make sure your dog’s collar is not too tight. Make sure they can slip out of it in an emergency. Many dog owners never think to check their dog’s collar…be especially aware with puppies…they grow fast. A collar that fit last week, may be strangling him today!
· Leash – They can strangle on a leash that has wrapped around an object. Remove the leash. Don’t let your dog run free unsupervised while attached to a leash.
· Fence – They can strangle getting their head caught in a hole in a fence, climbing over or trying to dig under a fence. Check your fences for “escape” routes. NEVER tie your dog near a fence.
If you must tie your dog, be there to supervise them. If you have to leave the area, take your dog with you!
Bottom line: In minutes, you can lose your best friend. Don’t tie your dog! Remove the leash as soon as possible. Adjust their collars as they grow. Crate them in vehicles.
Supervise, supervise, and supervise you pet at all times!
