Police say they are looking into a suspicious hot dog found in someone’s yard in the area of Chedell Place in Auburn on Wednesday. The hot dog was stuffed with an unknown substance.

Investigators are still trying to figure out what it is, but there is concern that someone was trying to harm a pet.

Finger Lakes SPCA Executive Director Carol Russell said she's heard of anti-freeze being used to poison pets - but never hot dogs. Russell has some advice for anyone worried about their own animal.

"To sweep and I'm not talking about a broom, I'm talking about walking around the yard looking around see if there is any suspicious items on the lawn that would be attractive to the pet, again hot dogs, meatballs, treats that could be laced with some sort of poison," said Russell.

A quick trip to the vet's office is in order if there's a chance your animal swallowed something dangerous. Russell also says pets shouldn't be left alone in areas where there might be predators nearby.