Paper Shredder Not A Play Toy
Since we don’t have a paper shredder I’ve never really thought about the danger to dogs. This story will definitely serve as a cautionary tale to those who do.
Paper shredders, like other sharp objects, need to be kept out of your dog’s reach. Most importantly, make sure you never leave it on automatic.
The owners of a mixed breed dog named Diamond found that out the hard way last week, when their 8-year-old dog licked their’s, only to have her tongue pulled into the sharp blades.
“She had licked a paper shredder in the house that was set on automatic,” Dr. Marc Wosar, of Miami Veterinary Specialists, told TV station WPLG.
Fortunately, Diamond’s owners were home and responded quickly. They disconnected the head of the shredder, carefully taking it and the dog whose tongue it held to the animal hospital.
“We anesthetized her first, then reversed the shredder off the tongue and assessed the damage,” said Wosar. “There were a lot of lacerations to the tongue as well as a lot of bite wounds. In her panic, she’d also bitten her tongue.”
It took more than a 100 stitches to repair Diamond’s tongue. A portion that was too severely damaged had to be removed, but doctors expect her to make a full recovery.
“She just won’t have a perfectly round tongue. She’ll have a little nick in it,” said Wosar.
Is it just me, or does this give anyone else the willies? Luckily Diamond will be fine, and hopefully by the owners sharing their story it will prevent another accident like this from happening.
* Patton showing off his perfect non-shredded tongue.
There was a spaniel (i think)
that got his/her ear stuck in one of those nasty things too!!!!
poor things
x x x
Please, everyone, unplug and/or turn off your shredders when they are not in use! A family that attends my church had a cat that stuck her paw into one. This seems to be something that happens to pets pretty frequently. After hearing that, I keep my shredder unplugged and in a box when I’m not using it.
I read a story like this a few years back and have since made it a habit to unplug the shredder after every use.
I read a story like this on a another forum. However that dog lost about an inch of her tounge and it is still shredded at the tip.
Oh dog! That seriously gives me the willies. That poor baby… my shredder is also unplugged… I cannot imagine how bad that hurt.
You should really consider using a Fellowes Intellishred paper shredder if you have a pet or a small child. The opening can sense skin (i.e. ear or tongue) and will immediately turn off. It is called SafeSense technology. The shredder blades are also set deep within the shredder head. It reminds me of those old lamps that you could turn on and off by touching the metal. Anyway, enough with my babling. You can see them here.
Fellowes Intellishred Paper Shredders
I read about a Lab who had this happen but the little guy didn’t make it, he was too severely damaged. We always keep this up away for our babies and unplugged.
I am so sad to read that this has happened again. The first time I had ever heard of such a tragic accident was Striker’s story. This is his page: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/476737
We need to tell everyone we know so that it never happens again.
My sister was going to buy a shredder and put it in her kitchen where her dog can reach it. I talked her out of buying one altogether because I don’t even trust her to remember to unplug it when not in use!
Yes…..I tell everyone to keep their shredders unplugged when not in use. These tragedies are so sickening and so unnecessary. I remember I had a professor once who talked about “accidents” as neglect. Of course, some things happen but there are so many accidents that happen because someone’s parent or owner wasn’t taking proper precautions!!!!
Don’t forget people…you are responsible for our LIVES!!!!!!!! And we would gladly give ours for you…
My office is strictly off-limits for my pets. There are too darn many things in there for the pooches to get into….computer wires, books, the shredders, and my paper files. It’s just off limits although I do keep my shredded unplugged when not in use.
Here’s another heads-up: carbonless paper like 2-part, 3-part etc. has a nasty chemical coating that is poisonous to both humans and animals! Stay safe, everyone!!!
I agree with all of you. These stories are sick and it gets worst when I hear about the latest injury. There is no reason why these toddlers and pets are being injured in paper shredder accidents, as Cliff mentioned some shredder companies are making shredder safety a concern. Even though, I have a shredder that turns off when a hand or paw gets near it, I still never leave it in auto and always unplug it and put it in the closet when its not being used.