Anyone who’s owned a “garbage dog” knows how frustrating and scary it can be to come home and see that your pet’s devoured (and scattered) an entire bin of trash around the house. If you know your pet ingested something they shouldn’t have, like an abundance of chocolate or onions, monitor closely for vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, or excessive panting or drooling. If your pet exhibits any of these signs, call your veterinarian or take them in immediately. But if they’ve gotten this far unscathed, then it’s time to stop picking up pieces of half-chewed garbage and start being proactive in preventing your pet from seeking their third and fourth meals out of the trash. Here are some quick tips to make your life easier and their stomach happier.
- Put the trash can out of reach. We know it’s not the most convenient option, but it is incredibly effective. Whether it’s behind a closed door, in the backyard, or on a counter top while you’re away, it’s a foolproof way of keeping your pet away from your garbage.
- Deter them. There are ways of making the garbage can less inviting, such as setting an obstacle or pseudo booby trap near the receptacle that will make it so not worth the effort it takes to get inside.
- Keep their bellies full. It may mean changing their feeding schedules and amounts, but keeping your pet full (but not stuffed or overweight) could really curb their cravings for discarded leftovers. If you normally feed 1-cup twice a day, consider feeding ¼-cup four times a day if that’s what it takes. And don’t discount the effects of healthy “snacks” like Pro-Treats or an organic chew.
- Exercise more. A tired dog is a happy dog; it’s also a dog who’s too pooped to get bored and sneak into the garbage to forage for a snack. Consider taking your dog on a walk before and after work (if you can) or just upping their workout routine in frequency and/or intensity.
Do you have tips for keeping your dog out of the trash? We’d love to hear more on Twitter!
