giving treats to someone else's dogs

[alishasmom]

I wonder what some of you think about this issue: My neighbors on my left, and my neighbors on my right, have two tiny dogs each. They are always outside, and I feel really bad about that. Therefor, when my daughter goes and give them treats (dog treats) I keep silent. I know is wrong, and I should tell her to stop doing that, but instead, I put the treat jar close to the edge of the table, so she can reach them easily. Today, they saw her feeding them, and I rushed to apologize. I told them that my daughter loves dogs, and that the treats that I keep in the jars are top quality. they were very nice, and say that they didn't mind, but my other neighbors dont seem to like it. did you ever do this?

[erickajm]

I think if the one neighbor doesn't seem to mind then fine but I wouldn't cause waves amongst the neighbors...your quality of food may be different than theirs...worse case...get their permission. Better yet, have her go ask. Who can refuse a sweet girl?

[Lucia]

I think I would ask first just in case their dogs have some kind of allergy or special dietary requirement....I'd feel terrible if I made someones dog poorly I think its sweet your daughter wants to give treats to the dogs, my eldest always wants to pet dogs we see out and give them a treat....and most people say yes...like the first poster said: who can resist? xxx xxx

[alaskayorkie]

I can definitely see why you'd be tempted to allow it, but I'd resist. There's the allergy thing Lucia mentioned. Then there's the diet issue. A few treats can equal a day's meal for a tiny dog. You could be spoiling their appetite for good food or just making them fat.

Plus treats should be used as a special reward. If they get them for doing nothing, why should they do anything special for a treat?

I think all kids should be told to ask before petting or feeding others' dogs.

But I'd talk with the neighbors and see what they think. Maybe they'll agree to a once-a-day thing. And she could make them sit or shake, etc.

[Patti]

That's sweet and good that your daughter wants to treat the neighbors dogs,but I would ask first. My dogs are on a very restricted diet due to allergies and tummy issues so they cannot have different treats.

[BLowry]

I will always bring treats with me if I am going to someones home that has dogs. (I only give "good" treats.....raw veggies, homemade or canidae) I will ask before I give them. As a few has said you never know if the dog is on a special diet or has food allergies.

[SamiNFurbabies]

My neighbor leaves her huskies out 24/7. I asked her if it was alright if I give them treats when i'm out and she is fine with it. Just ask. They may be okay with it. Especially since you have the child excues

[Erin]

Even if they are good treats, you never know. One neighbor's dog get low quality food and treats and even though the treats I have are the very best, they make the dog sick because he is only used to having corn and junk. A meat treat upsets his stomach.

Another neighbor LOVES the treats I have and her dog knows me as that lady with the treats

I don't let other people give my dogs treats because what they think are good quality treats could be from Petsmart or the grocery store. I carry tons of treats and I hand them one of my approved treats to feed my dogs.

[C101Yorkie]

Like everyone else has said, I'd ask first. It may be okay, but what if they're on a restricted diet or allergic to something.

[Yorkieluv]

Yep, I'd ask first It may not just be an allergy thing...My yorkie for example is liver compromised...If he were to get a treat that contains meat, he could have a seizure from that..

[alishasmom]

Originally Posted by Yorkieluv

Yep, I'd ask first It may not just be an allergy thing...My yorkie for example is liver compromised...If he were to get a treat that contains meat, he could have a seizure from that..

Oh my GOD! I thought all dogs are ok with meat products. Specially liver. You guys have a point. Some times I have to listen to others's advise. I will allow her to keep feeding the same kind of treats to the ones that I got the ok to feed. In two weeks, they look very energetic and healthy. Now, they wait by my side door, by their fence, everyday at the same time. They already espect it. It makes my daughter very happy.

[Lucia]

Aww, thats cute that they wait for their daily treat from your daughter! They're obviously enjoyin them...and its lovely to hear that your little girl is such a dog lover xxx xxx

[cheryl19]

Yes ask first, but they may have their own treats that your little girl can give them that way it's a win win.

[Wabbit]

I think the general consensus is to have your daughter ask first...but since you already know how both your neighbors feel...then just have your daughter respect the neighbors that weren't too happy about it. At least she has one neighbors dog..that she can give treats too!!

[Ellie May]

I would always ask first.

People have asked about giving treats to Ellie and I either say "no" or "let me read the package" or "no but you can give her one of hers".

There are a couple reasons for this in our case.
She is liver compromised and shouldn't really have any red meat, pork, exotic meats, etc.
The last time she had beef she got pancreatitis. If the treat ends up being too high in fat for her pancreas and she has to be hospitalized, I am stuck with the $1000 vet bill.
She has allergies.
And I have stopped using the very highest quality treats. All of her food is homemade.