Workplace Hazards For Dogs – Potentially Deadly

There are many potential hazards in the home as well as the workplace and it’s important to be diligent when dog-proofing as it can potentially be hazardous for your pup. Dog-proofing does not just apply to younger dogs it also applies to older dog, especially if you adopt them at an older age as you maybe unaware of their past.

Before you bring your dog to any place new such as the office, take time to check the workspace. Humans with two legs don’t always see what can happen at ankle and knee height, so get on all fours, and see things from a dog’s perspective. Are any wires tangled up or broken? does the chemical cupboard under the sink lock?

These are just some questions to ask yourself when considering taking your dog to work. Here are some other things to consider when it comes to dog-proofing your workplace:

Workplace hazards

Modern workplaces and homes are strange environments for dogs. Usually there’s no trees, grass; and the wind and rain don’t effect them. Domestic dogs need to adapt to the workplace/home setting, and this does not always go smoothly, but you can make your dogs transition and life as safe as possible. There are hazards all over the workplace. From the entrance that you enter to the stairs that connect your office.

Stairs

Stair gates are excellent things to install if there are many dogs or pets in your workplace but ensure all colleguess and clients are aware of closing the gate when entering and leaving. The last thing you want is your dog running through the stair gate and out the front entrance and across the road. It’s advised to keep an eye on your dog at all times to minimise the risk of your pet escaping.

Windows and doors

Some windows at work have a restrictor, others open up very wide. Be mindful if your dog likes napping by the window. Some dogs can over react if they see a cat or other cute animal while they are sleeping. The dogs Instinctive nature could kick in and the dog may forget about in-the-moment safety and jump down a few storeys

Kitchen

We all love the kitchen for that well-needed gossip, break, or work coffee. But there is a bunch of potential hazards in the kitchen which will need to be addressed before you bring a new dog in. Some dogs can open cupboards with their noses and others can use their paws; especially if they know there is something tasty inside. Consider child-proofing the cupboard doors with locks or keeping the chemicals higher up out of reach, just remember to inform the cleaner.

Just like humans, If a pet digests chemicals, it can be fatal. Some chemicals include bleach, washing detergent, sprays, dishwasher tablets and even oven cleaners. Keep them in locked cupboards or high up out of reach. Don’t rely on the child safety caps as they are no match for a jaw full of canine teeth!

Some dogs love nothing more than to raid the bin for an extra snack, so make sure the bin has a lid. Some dangers in the bin include bones, packaging, toxic food such as grapes, and even mouldy food. Dogs may also tear the bin apart and cause a mess.

Chewing

Some of the biggest hazards in the workplace for dogs revolve around chewing. Puppies in particular love chewing on things around them and it happens more when the pup is teething.

Cables

Power cables and wires are a massive hazard, especially if plugged in! Hide these wires when possible and safe to do so. It’s good practice to use cable ties, and keep wires tucked away to reduce the dog having a chew.

Detergents and Chemicals

Although people don’t automatically think soups and detergents are harmful and immediate hazards for dogs, they can contain substances and chemicals that are toxic. Dogs can also ingest toxins from paws and even get skin irritations so make sure the floor your dog walks on hasn’t just been mopped.

Chocolate

Humans love chocolate but it’s extremely toxic for dogs and should be avoided at all costs. Chocolate contains substances that dogs cannot break down. So keep your chocolate out of reach or locked in a draw!

Avocado

Avocado is also a popular lunch time treat for humans, but for dogs it’s very toxic. Persine is a chemical found in avacado which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and myocardial damage in dogs.

Onion and Garlic

Onion and Garlic is bad for dogs; whether it’s cooked or raw. If dogs eat onions and garlic they can get anemia.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and Rainins can cause kidney failure in dogs, so it’s a good idea to avoid this fruit!

Plants

It’s common knowledge that dogs sometimes like to eat grass and this isn’t something to be concerned about. But some dogs take a bite out of a plant, especially if the human gives the plant attention. Some plants can be toxic to pets so make sure that your dog doesn’t get access to them. The most common ones include lilies, aloe vera, poinsettia, rubber tree plants and chives.

Symptoms of poisoning from ingesting toxic house plants range from sickness and diarrhoea to difficultly breathing and even death. Below is a list of toxic plants in alphabetical order:

To prevent your dog from chewing objects around the office, including people… Having a selection of dog-safe chew toys will keep them busy.

Other pets

Dogs can take a while to adapt to a new environment, this can take a longer amount of time when there are other pets sharing the workplace such as cats. In the beginning, when taking your workplace pet to work, it can take a while for your dog to feel comfortable and adapt to the new surroundings.

Your pup may feel anxious about starting work and this is natural. The best way for dogs to overcome this feeling is to consistently familiarise over a long period of time in a controlled manner. Don’t force your dog to meet other pets in the office, should your dog feel stressed move your pet back to it’s comfort zone.

Is Dog-proofing the Workplace worth it?

The workplace can be a daunting experience for pets, including dogs. It’s likely that our fury friends will be getting attention from colleagues and clients, as well as other dogs. Welcoming a new dog to the workplace is an exciting time and definitely worth it, but only if you or your company have taken care of the necessary dog-proofing beforehand such as hiding those bars of chocolate, selecting the correct plants, and tucking away those cables.