Great Dane Headliner
You have most likely read about the sock-eating great Dane of Portland, OR. If not click here to read the story.
The Great Dane is not the only sock-eating breed. The Weimaraner has had its fair share extracted by one method or the other. The fortunate-human finds the problem, before it is too late to do anything. A blockage can be life-threatening. In the past, we have had experience with rocks, rubber toys, and even a note from someone who had a Weim eat wood chips, and they became impacted.
The Vet Tech Has Stories
Cora, who is a Vet Tech told us a funny story. Someone brought their dog into the facility where she works to be boarded. The young man cleaning the kennels was new to the job. He was doing his work when he became extremely alarmed and hollered for her assistance. One of the dogs had vomited a huge pile of odd-looking gunk. Cora being the pro she is, took a look and extracted the pile. As she rinsed away the yuck, she discovered three delicate under panties. The young man wondered if they should save them. Do you think she would ever wear them again? I doubt it, but she might want to see them to believe the story.
Ingesting clothing
Many dogs ingest their owner’s clothing; however, the Weimaraner seems to relish owner scented clothing. Reports of Weims ingesting socks, underwear, or other clothing abound. Raiding the clothing hamper is second only to counter surfing. Many a Weim have snatched a bra and then paraded through the house waving it with delight. These moments might be funny, embarrassing, or entertaining–or any combination there of. Nonetheless, ingested cloth is always a concern. Don’t forget about the kitchen towel, sponge, washcloths, etc. Ingesting fabric can lead to intestinal distress or even blockage. Blockage in turn can lead to infection and sepsis. Sepsis can escalate quickly resulting in a loss.
The Weimaraner Palate Preferences
Dangerous delectables include but are not limited to dish-cloths, sponges, rocks, wash cloths, and even electronic devices. Normally things like remote controls, cell phones, PDAs, iPods, and such are ingested in bits and pieces. Batteries can be fatal. Coins, nails, and bits of plastic are on the menu too! It is true that Weim taste varies–some like very unusual things. Most of these items are at-risk because the smell like their beloved owner. Weims are fond of their human’s scent. When you think about it, this is not abnormal. Regardless, sometimes the variety of items that interest a Weim can be surprising–it is even shocking!
Why does my Weim Chew Bedding?
This list of choice edibles can go on and on. Weims are known for nibbling bedding–their own and yours. We used to have what we called nothing but French Bedding. French bedding (in our imagination) features Weim-scalloped edges. Our idea of French Bedding will never become the rage, but has been our bedding of choice. It is no secret that Weims like cloth items a lot; however, food and food scented items rival or even outshine cloth.
X-Ray Discovery
Turbo has passed on. We will never forget his antics, and his love for mankind–and food! Monica wrote that Turbo was not acting normal. He wasn’t vomiting or doing anything odd; however, he was not himself. She called to get our advice. We didn’t know what to say. We suggested they keep their eyes on him. The next time we heard from Monica, she had decided something was wrong. They had gone to the Veterinary office. (That is probably always going to be the best decision, if you don’t feel right about the situation.) An X-ray revealed a piece of wire in Turbo’s stomach. Turbo had surgery, and the cast-off artificial Christmas tree branch was extracted. Obviously, it had tasted like the other food he had snatched from the trash. He was no worse for wear. Thereafter, the trash can became more secure.
Rocks are not Rocket Science
Once a Weim is enamored with anything they are extremely obsessive-compulsive in their methodology. If rocks are your Weim’s obsession, you will want to watch them closely. Our Dusty ingested a rock. Our Veterinary bill exceeded $2,000. Dusty cannot be unsupervised in any rocky area. We honestly don’t know if he still loves rocks. On two occasions, he ingested a rock. Once, he was eating a weed he had pulled. The golf ball sized rock, and the weed root all went down in a single swoop. We never knew how he got the other rock, but we are very careful about his access to rocks.
If all of these things are not enough there are other edibles that are dangerous. Raisins, Grapes, and Macadamia nuts. The list should include cocoa mulch and many plants you might find in a well landscaped yard.
Everything goes in the Weimaraner puppy’s mouth. We talk about freedom being earned, but your supervision might be life-saving. The Weimaraner is full of life, and they engage their world in ways we might prefer they avoid.