His Dog Suffocated in a Chip Bag, and He Wants to Prevent Other Pet Deaths

Ian Reid, a retired surgeon from Indian Harbour, N.S., was devastated to find his dog Mingus dead after suffocating in a chip bag left on a TV stand. The bag had sealed tightly around the dog’s muzzle, cutting off oxygen. Reid, wracked with guilt, later discovered that even veterinary staff were unaware of the suffocation risks posed by food packaging. His story echoes that of Bonnie Harlan from Texas, who lost her dog Blue in 2011 the same way.

Harlan founded the nonprofit Prevent Pet Suffocation to raise awareness. Both she and Reid urge manufacturers to add warning labels and advise pet owners to destroy bags before disposal. Veterinarians like Maggie Brown-Bury and Marti Hopson confirm the issue is a real but under-discussed hazard. They recommend treating pets like toddlers—anything in the environment can be dangerous. Public awareness campaigns and education are key to preventing these sudden, tragic, and avoidable pet deaths.