Dog’s Sudden Passing From ‘Hidden Danger’ Prompted Owner To Warn Others

“Emmie was a beautiful, healthy (had just had a vet check-up last week – said she was in “perfect health”), five-year-old Boston Terrier we loved with every ounce of our being. She brought so much fun, personality, light, and love into our lives. She never met a stranger – whether it be cat, dog, or person. We tried to take her so many places with us – kayaking, on boats, to run fast as she could in the country, for car rides, to friends’ houses – you name it.”

“On Tuesday morning before leaving for work, Emmie and I did our usual routine… (my husband just happened to be out of town with work, he works from home a lot of days)… she went out in the yard to potty, she had a little breakfast and so did I, I threw a few treats around the kitchen for her to chase and pounce upon before eating, and I put her in her (extra-extra-large) wire metal crate before leaving. She didn’t like the crate much (who could blame her?); she’d MUCH rather be with Brent or myself… but we have to go to our jobs. I blew her a kiss, told her bye, and said that I’d see her after work.”

Courtney Sexton Gresham/Facebook

“I left work a little early and got home that afternoon. I opened the back door and immediately saw Emmie up on her back legs in the crate. I ran to her to find that her COLLAR was hung on a part of the metal crate near the top. In tears and screaming, I opened the door and unhooked the hung part of her collar. She was unresponsive. I rushed her to the emergency vet to see if they could save her… but sadly, it was too late. The vet called it a freak accident. She was trying to open the kennel door, her collar got hung on a jutted-out piece of the crate, and she had been strangled.”

“We had NO idea of the dangers of having a collared pet in a crate. We’re all fairly well-educated people, and we had NEVER thought about this at all. I have since read so much on the internet about how this can happen. A collar (or the tags on a collar) can get hung in a crate, a collar can get hung on another dog/or in another dog’s mouth when two dogs are playing together, a collar can get hung on a doorknob (if a dog jumps just right), a collar can get hung on a low tree branch… and these can be fatal to the dog. We learned this the hard way. So many “what ifs” and “why didn’t I do this” are plaguing our minds.”

Courtney Sexton Gresham/Facebook

Gresham then adds, selflessly, to warn others:

“**I beg you to NEVER PUT A COLLARED ANIMAL IN A CRATE. Take off the collar. Or at the least, get a “break-away” collar. I had never heard of these collars, but if they get caught on anything, they immediately break open, and free the dog.**”

What Emmie’s family has suffered is unimaginable but this freak accident now plays as a warning to us all. No family should have to suffer this fate but Gresham wants us to at least learn from this mistake.

She continues:

“I didn’t know whether to share this story or not. I feel so guilty that it happened. Now in hindsight, I see so many ways it could have been prevented. But if it saves even ONE dog’s life, it’s worth it to share.”

Wikimedia Commons

In a blog post published by Animal Behavior College Blog, that Gresham adds to her Facebook post as well, author Fanna Easter discusses the hidden dangers of dog collars that many of us don’t even think about.

Easter, a professional dog trainer, also experienced her dog’s ID tag getting caught on the crate. She writes:

“Now, understand, I didn’t leave him in his crate with a collar on. He chose to lie next to his crate when his ID tag became entangled within the wires of his crate. When it happened, he freaked out! Thank goodness we were home to hear his panicked screams and frantic sounds from pulling against his crate; he was choking himself. It took two people to free him from his collar; my husband and I had to cut the collar off of him. From that day forward, he never walked into that room again—ever.”

Thankfully, Easter’s dog was okay, traumatized but okay, but not all dogs have been so lucky. She reports that a whopping 15% of her clients have ‘experienced dog strangulation by collar.’

And that ‘15% of Easter’s clients had a similar incident with a dog collar getting caught on the wires of their dogs’ crate, fence, furniture, and even while playing with another dog.’

These scenarios don’t always involve a crate so what do we need to know to prevent accidents like these in our homes? By being informed!!!

Wikimedia Commons

Scenario 1

Dog collar strangulation during playtime

Think back to your glorious prepubescent years of metal braces and first kisses. Many of us were ‘warned’ never to kiss another brace-face because of what may happen if the two lovebirds got stuck together … and of the painful, embarrassing outcome that would ruin your reputation for the rest of your life.

It was an unlikely scenario, but still, we worried about it.

However, the canine version is definitely possible. Dog ID tags can get caught to another collar (or ID tag) or muzzle, paw, body part of another dog while playing.

Easter writes:

“The first time I heard of a dog being strangled by a collar, it was 20 years ago and happened while two dogs were playing together. Both dogs were wearing collars when one dog playfully pulled on the other dog’s collar. Her muzzle suddenly became tangled in the other dog’s collar. Well, the tangled dog panicked and started pulling away, which caused the other dog (the one wearing the tangled collar around his neck) to choke. His collar was strangling him. Thankfully, someone nearby had a pocket knife and cut the tangled collar, which freed both dogs. What a horrifying situation.”

PxHere

How to prevent this:

Option #1

If playtime is happening in a safe location, in a fenced-in yard or inside a house, go ahead and remove your dog’s collar.

Option #2

Opt for a collar with your dog’s info embroidered on it or etched into the metal buckle. This will do away with hanging tags completely. Also, purchase a breakaway collar. These are designed for this very reason. With enough force and pressure, the collar will fall open and Fido will be okay!

Amazon.com

Scenario 2

Dog collar strangulation by furniture, toys, fences, etc.

Again, the above options apply. Your dog does not need to wear his collar when he is safely indoors but if you prefer that he does, opt for a breakaway collar that is personalized.

Amazon.com

Also, your dog should be supervised at all times. Try to keep him in the same room as you, if possible. If he’s a mischievous playful puppy then by all means, keep him safely confined if you can’t keep a close eye on him. This is not a punishment, this is an insurance policy. A safe dog is a happy dog!

Scenario 3

Dog collar strangulation inside crate

How to prevent this:

REMOVE your dog’s collar before putting him inside the crate. Simple. Also, choose a crate that is the best size for your dog. He should be able to comfortably stand up and turn around but should not have too much room to get into trouble.

Crate time is for rest time, not play time. If you are going to be away from home for long periods of time, opt for a dog walker or a dog sitter who can make quick playtime visits. Check out Rover.com (they have an easy to use app that we LOVE!)

Pexels

Most importantly, have your dog microchipped! It’s the safest line of defense if your dog runs away.

Also, make sure your dog’s microchip is up to date! When you change addresses or phone numbers, you must update your dog’s chip! This is easy to do. Just go onto the microchip’s site and follow the instructions.

Ask your veterinarian about any other suggestions to keep your pet safe. Your doggo’s doc is happy to help!

No one expects their dog to get hurt in a freak accident but the reality is, it can happen. Do your part to prevent what you can. And share this story to warn others about the hidden dangers of dog collars.

Do you have any stories or suggestions? Please feel free to share with us in the comment section. We love hearing from you!

Please ‘SHARE' to pass on this story to a friend or family member

Next Story – Stay for one more story!

 

10 of the Smartest Dogs in the World:

 

A friend of mine has a beautiful Dalmatian. Friendly, energetic and lovable, she was a perfect family pet… but she wasn’t the smartest pooch on the planet. See, she knew how to go through the pet door out into the garden, but she had no clue how to get back inside. It never occurred to her that the flap could swing both ways. So she would sit outside and howl until my friend would open the door.

Repeated demonstrations of the dual movement of the flap had no effect; it just did not compute. The dog breeds on this list, however, probably don’t have that problem. They’re widely considered to be among the cleverest canines in the world. Take a look and see if you agree.

1. German Shepherd

Wikimedia Commons

No surprise here. German Shepherds are the world’s best police dogs, military dogs, and some have even been movie stars (remember Rin Tin Tin?). Brave, loyal, smart and strong, they’re the total package.

2. Beagle

Public Domain Pictures

Also on the list of the best family-friendly dogs in the world, the Beagle has an incredible nose that lets them sniff out just about anything. Born detectives, they’re not the most trainable pets, but they are smart. And hey, nobody ever accused Snoopy of being dumb.

3. Golden Retriever

Public Domain Pictures

A popular choice for assistance dogs for their easy temperament, natural intelligence and loyalty, Golden Retrievers are natural guides and also serve as great rescue dogs. Active and fun to be around, they’re wonderful family pets.

4. Border Collie

Wikimedia Commons

Border Collies are considered by many to be the geniuses of the dog world. Expert herders, laser-focused (they’re known for their intense stare), and incredibly agile to boot, they’re workaholics and excellent athletes. Just don’t expect to keep one cooped up in an apartment.

5. Poodle

Pixabay

Did you know poodles were originally hunting dogs? They respond very well to training and are quick to learn tricks. So don’t let the fluffy looks and styled mane fool you! These dogs are among the smart canines around. Plus, they’re among the best dogs in the world for those who suffer allergies.

6. Belgian Malinois

Pexels

A terrific military dog, the Malinois is a natural herder, tracker and worker. Smart, trainable and protective, these dogs require an owner who knows what he or she is doing. In addition to the military, Malinois are often recruited as guard dogs and police dogs as well.

7. Papillon

Wikimedia Commons

Named for their butterfly-shaped ears, papillons are small, cute and pretty smart. They’re considered the smartest of the toy dog breed, with intelligence levels comparable to the über-smart border collie. They’re alert and focused pets, and loyal and lovable: an ideal friend for he family.

8. Doberman

MaxPixel

Sadly, Dobermans are known more for their ferocity than their smarts, but these are considered among the most intelligent dogs in the world, as well as one of the most effective guard dogs around. They’re outstanding students known to be affectionate and obedient.

9. Bloodhound

Wikimedia Commons

Don’t let the wrinkles and dopey expression fool you! Bloodhounds have the keenest of noses, and are often used for trailing (so much so that their evidence can be used in court against you!). These are loving but strong-willed dogs, and are often used on search and rescue missions.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

Wikimedia Commons

You need a smart, determined and energetic dog to control unruly cows. And that’s just what the Australian Cattle Dog, or ACD, does. They’re intelligent enough to herd these much larger creatures, and while they need their independence and wide open spaces, they’re eager workers who know how to get the job done.

Did we miss your brainy dog on this list? If so, write in and let us know about it!

Stay for one more – CLICK HERE

Please ‘SHARE' to pass on this story to a friend or family member



Add Comment