We have had a number of puppies die on this property since we moved in. I kept thinking there was something in the soil which was causing the problem. Mystery solved. Idea was close but not quite accurate.
Most of the puppies that died all died around the same time of year.
Next door neighbor has a trumpet flower bush which overhangs our fence. The flowers are peach colored. Around the time of year the puppies died is the time when this bush drops the flowers. Between the availability, the color and the similarity to a dog's teats, my theory is now that the puppies ate the flowers, thinking them to be food or magically detached teats.
Not planning on having any more puppies here but if it should happen, I'll have to set up a fence to keep pups away from the area where those flowers drop.
I had considered a lot of things but not flowers. Especially since dogs don't commonly eat plant material except grass. Lesson learned.
Most of the puppies that died all died around the same time of year.
Next door neighbor has a trumpet flower bush which overhangs our fence. The flowers are peach colored. Around the time of year the puppies died is the time when this bush drops the flowers. Between the availability, the color and the similarity to a dog's teats, my theory is now that the puppies ate the flowers, thinking them to be food or magically detached teats.
Not planning on having any more puppies here but if it should happen, I'll have to set up a fence to keep pups away from the area where those flowers drop.
I had considered a lot of things but not flowers. Especially since dogs don't commonly eat plant material except grass. Lesson learned.
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