One of the most horrifying experiences for a dog owner who persists in tying up their dog is finding it dead! It takes 3-5 minutes for a dog to strangle itself!
Be especially careful with puppies! They can get into serious trouble in the blink of an eye. NEVER leave them unattended. Charge them or correct them if you can’t monitor their activities.
It’s a given, when a tethered dog wraps itself around something so tightly it panics. In the process of trying to release the pressure, they can make things worse and strangle themselves. First they cut off their oxygen. His gums and tongue turn blue. Brain damage begins. They then become unconscious. The heart stops pumping. Death follows.
The process is unbearable… the animal panics. It is awful!
If you’re lucky enough to be there on time to help, take the pressure off right away! Don’t waste time trying to untangle it, CUT the line or the necklace! Gently extend your neck as much as possible to help open the airway. If he is not breathing and unconscious, pull his tongue forward, hold it if necessary. You don’t want it to slide back and block the airflow.
You may need to perform artificial respiration and canine CPR, while you transport your pet to the nearest vet! Don’t waste a second… take the dog to the nearest vet!
Even if you get to your pet in time to save it, pulmonary edema may develop within minutes or hours after the incident. Pulmonary edema is the buildup of fluid in the lungs. Even if you are successful in your immediate efforts, your dog may vacuum hours after the incident. It is imperative to keep them under constant supervision for the next 12 hours.
Immediate veterinary attention is needed if you notice:
cough
The gums and tongue are blue.
difficulty breathing
Lethargy
disorientation
Situations leading to strangulation:
Tied to a tree or pole: They can strangle themselves 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 trapped.
Tied up in a car: They can strangle themselves trying to jump out of a window, wrap themselves up, or hang from a seat. Take your dog off the leash as soon as you put him in the car!
Tied up in the back of a truck: They can strangle, jump, or fall out of the back of a truck. Carry your dog if he must ride in the back of a truck.
Curtain or blind cords – Can be strangled by becoming entangled in the cords. Raise and secure the ropes so they are out of the animal’s reach.
· Collars: Make sure your dog’s collar is not too tight. Make sure they can get out in an emergency. Many dog owners never think to check their dog’s collar…be especially careful with puppies…they grow fast. A necklace that fit last week may be strangling you today!
Leash: They can be strangled by a leash that has been wrapped around an object. Remove the strap. Do not allow your dog to run free unsupervised while he is on a leash.
· Fence – They can strangle themselves if their head gets caught in a hole in a fence, climb or try to dig under a fence. Check your fences for “escape” routes. NEVER leash your dog near a fence.
If you must leash your dog, be there to supervise. If you have to leave the area, take your dog with you!
Bottom line: in minutes, you could lose your best friend. Do not tie the dog to him! Remove the strap as soon as possible. Adjust their collars as they grow. Pack them in vehicles.
Supervise, monitor and supervise your pet at all times!
