But some rubbish left behind can be hazardous for your dog, so if you’re out walking your pooch it’s worth knowing that these nine items could pose a danger.
1. Bones
The American Kennel Club explains that cooked bones can splinter into shards that can cause choking and serious damage to a dog's mouth, throat, or intestines (Photo: Shutterstock) Photo: Shutterstock
2. Balloons
Balloons can be a choking hazard for animals (Photo: Shutterstock) Photo: Shutterstock
3. Batteries
When chewed or punctured, alkaline batteries leak a substance that can burn your dog’s mouth, esophagus or stomach. If your pet swallows a battery, this can cause an obstruction or blockage in their intestines (Photo: Shutterstock) Photo: Shutterstock
4. Food wrappers
Food wrappers can cause choking or potential obstructions if your dog eats them (Photo: Shutterstock) Photo: Shutterstock
5. Chewing gum
Xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute and in sugar-free chewing gums and mints. The Blue Cross explains that depending on the concentration of xylitol and the size of the dog, just one stick of chewing gum is enough to be toxic and make your pet very ill (Photo: Shutterstock) Photo: Shutterstock
6. Plastic bottles
The American Kennel Club explains that young puppies in particular can break a plastic bottle easily and can then ingest the pieces, causing a blockage that requires emergency vet care. When a plastic water bottle breaks, it also creates sharp edges that can cut your dog’s mouth (Photo: Shutterstock) Photo: Shutterstock