Pet owner’s dog dies after possibly eating construction materials

A Calgary-area woman says her dog died after eating leftover construction material.

And Judy Dougan believes it could have been avoided had a contractor working at her home cleaned up after leaving.

While Dougan was at work, the contractor was covering the outside of her home’s foundation, including a section inside of her dog run, with a coat of parging.

Dougan says she didn’t know the work had been done, and when she came home she let her dogs out as she normally does.

The next thing she knew her chihuahua became sick and died the next day.

“We went out just to see if someone had thrown tainted meat in the dog run,” said Dougan.

“I did see the parging and it didn’t dawn on me that that’s what he would have eaten.”

Dougan admits she can’t prove it.. but she believes it’s too much of coincidence.

And she says builders should warn homeowners before any work is done if it involves toxic materials.

“I just want builders to ensure their contractors are cleaning up.. especially when this stuff can make people sick or animals sick,” she added.

A spokesperson for Sterling Homes told Global News the company is willing to discuss the matter when there is further information regarding the cause of death.

Veterinarian Dr. Tom LeBoldus of Woodlands Veterinary Clinic says dogs are scavengers, and it’s important pet owners keep an eye out for potential problems.