DoctorPup Complimentary Service

Grazing in the Back Yard?

Q: My 11-week old Cavchon will be in our backyard, which is mostly a bed of pine needles and vegetation. Is it OK for her to eat dry leaves, or green leaves, or whatever other smutz she might find back there?

A: Every new puppy owner gets rightfully concerned about this but actually the number of times that eating "stuff" poses more than a minor, temporary threat is pretty low. I have seen a few puppies that are 'dumpsters for objects" and had more than one exploratory, but only a handful of puppies in 40 years. Watch your puppy's activities and choices while outside until you know the pattern. Poisonous plants are in most back yards but also seldom cause a problem. Review the Doctorpup chart on toxic items and plants so you are at least aware of potentials.