Havanese Safety Tips

We want to keep our furry friends safe and healthy. Here is some information that you may not know about Havanese - but you need to.

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POISONS

Foods that are toxic, and even deadly, to dogs:

Chocolate

Caffeine (including coffee grounds)

Grapes (or raisins)

Onions

Garlic

Bones (can splinter and cause internal damage)

Alcohol

Tobacco products

Xylitol (a sweetener found in some chewing gums, breath mints and candies)

Insecticides

Antifreeze

De-icers (licking off paws)

Fertilizer

Medications for people 

House plants 

Nuts (macadamia, black walnut, cashew, pistachio, hickory, brazil)

Puddle water (may contain bacteria or chemical runoff)

Dairy products may cause diarrhea or itchy skin.

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DROWNING

Something that people may take for granted is a dog's ability to swim. Havanese do not necessarily know how, and may need to be introduced not only to water, but to swimming. Here's a great article about teaching Havanese to swim by Harry Evans from The Puppy Mag. And yes, dog life jackets are a thing. They not only keep your dog afloat, but offer accessible handles so that you can retrieve your dog from the water easily.

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HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Trash (food wrappers, bones)

Electrical cords

Dental floss

Coins

Jewelry

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PLANTS

Many household and wild plants including lilies, ivies, aloe vera, philodendrons and azaleas are toxic to dogs. Reference the extensive ASPCA list of plants toxic to dogs.

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ELEMENTS

Most people know that it's unsafe to leave a dog in a hot car. It can also be unsafe to leave them in a warm car, if you are delayed in the errand you're running. Dogs can suffer brain damage and/or die at 109 degrees F, which can happen in half an hour in only 75 degree weather.  (See this chart from the American Medical Veterinary Association for temperatures and times.) If you will be leaving your vehicle without your dog, leave them home and safe. They can enjoy a ride another time.

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Skin exposed by sheared hair and areas like snouts can sunburn. Dogs can get heat exhaustion outdoors, too, so always have water available when your pup is out in the sun.

 

In cold weather, dress your dog with a coat and booties. If you don't use boots, make sure that you trim the fur on the bottoms of the feet to prevent ice between the toes and pads. Rinse feet when you come inside to remove any salt or chemicals they may have come in contact with. Use a wire whisk (yes, the one you have in your kitchen) to brush snow out of fur. Keep in mind that older and younger dogs have a more difficult time regulating their body temperatures, and plan time outside accordingly.

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