New appliances can be deadly for pets
Toolbox
By DR. LYNNE SANDIFAR McClatchy Newspapers - Published: September 7, 2008
One would never suspect the harm that can be done to our pets by a home appliance we use weekly, if not daily. Most of us have heard of cats being accidentally trapped in clothes dryers, but with the introduction of the new, larger-capacity washers a new danger exists because of the design of their tubs.
A former veterinary client of mine had a beautiful Chihuahua that was the beloved family pet for many years. They were aware that the dog loved to cuddle and loved to be covered up with a blanket. She would often be found under the covers on one of the girls' beds.
They were so happy after purchasing their new, large front-loading washer and dryer. With three children, the amount of laundry generated was huge. They had company coming soon and were washing all the household bedding. They had each child bring their bed sheets, blankets and comforters, and all the laundry was sorted and lying in piles in the laundry room.
There was a lot of excitement and activity in the house. A load of laundry was moved from washer to dryer and then a pile picked up and placed in the washer — and not a sound was made. The door was closed and the cycle began. They all left the house to go out for lunch with Grandma.
Upon their return, they immediately noticed the little dog was missing. She normally would have greeted them as soon as they came home. A frantic search ensued. The neighborhood was searched after a thorough search in the house.
Finally, the mother asked the grandmother if she would look in the washer and dryer, and, sadly, the little dog was found in the washer. The mother was inconsolable, because she was the one who had picked up the pile of laundry and put it in the washer.
It was a horrible event for the children to witness as well.
The older top-loading type washers wouldn't have allowed this to happen, as the agitator would have blocked putting a large bundle in all at once.
Since these large-capacity, front-loading washers are becoming more popular, I want folks to be aware of the danger and take precautions, such as picking up the laundry and putting it in piece by piece or stirring the laundry around with your hand before starting the load.
Even if you have one of the older models, check before you start the dryer if you have loaded it and then left it unattended for any period of time. A cat will jump in to investigate and a dog might, too. I pray this saves just one pet from such a horrible death, and I hope all pet owners will be extra cautious when using these appliances.
Dr. Lynne Sandifar is a veterinarian at Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital in Mississippi.
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