CNYSPCA: Learn about Pet Choking Prevention Day –
it could save your pet’s life
Hundreds of thousands of animals choke
on small toys and chews every year
National Pet Choking Prevention Day is June 22, 2023 and Central New York SPCA is reminding pet owners of the hazards that can cause their beloved pets to choke and how to pet proof their homes to keep their pets safe.
“Pets are family members,” said Troy Waffner, CEO of the Central New York SPCA. “And just like we child proof a home to make sure that kids are safe from choking hazards we must also pet proof our homes.”
Over 200,000 pet choking incidents occur annually in the United States, costing pet parents millions of dollars in veterinarian fees and causing immeasurable and irreversible physical and emotional toll. These pet choking tragedies cause panic, fear, and anxiety to pet-parents and the veterinary professionals that try to save their lives.
| TOP 5 CHOKING HAZARDS FOR DOGS & CATS | |
| Cats | Dogs |
| String | 1. Balls |
| Window Blind Cords | 2. Sticks |
| Fishing Pole/Wand Type Toys | 3. Chew Toys |
| Plastic | 4. Bully Sticks, Treats & Long Term Chews |
| Rubber Bands & Hair Ties | 5. Food Packaging & Trash |
Preventing Pet Choking
- Size Really Does Matter: Size is very important when purchasing treats, toys and chews for your pets. Toys should not be able to fit completely inside your pet’s mouth and beware of toys and chews that break apart in large pieces but do not break down into smaller pieces. Balls are one of the most popular toys for animal and the diameter of a ball should always be wider than the width of the pet’s jaw.
- Get to Know Your Pet: Just like humans, all pets are different and have different tendencies. Knowing your pets likes, dislikes and tendencies is important to identifying potential hazards – does the pet like to swallow things, swallow things hole, do you they to play with smaller toys or larger toys, do they chew everything thoroughly. These are all important to making sure your pets are safe. Always err on the side of caution using prevention as the best defense.
- Do Not Leave Pet Toys, Treats or Chews Laying Around: Supervision is always preferred when your pets are playing with their toys and treats. A good guideline is if your pet has not been able to finish their treat or chew by the time you are ready to leave, then you should pick it up and give it to them later. Do not leave them with the treat, toy or chew unattended.
- Be Extra Careful in Households with Multiple Animals: Always be extra careful in a household with multiple pets or pets of different species. The perfect toy for your cat or Chiweenie may not be the perfect toy for your larger dogs. The same is true if you have a toddler or younger children – you should watch for their small toys being left out as they may be a choking hazard for your dog or cat.
“No one wants to face the tragedy of having their pets harmed by choking – these are entirely avoidable accidents if we just remain vigilant. There should be no woofing around when it comes to our pets safety and health,” Waffner Commented.