How to Puppy Proof Your Home
Puppies are naturally inquisitive, which can often lead to serious injury.
Here are some tips on how you can make your house safer for the arrival.
That’s shocking- Young animals love to chew when they’re teething. Keep electrical wires out of reach.
They’d die for some chocolate- Chocolate can be dangerous. It contains theobromine, a powerful stimulate that is toxic to pets. Sweets, cakes and cookies can also upset a young animals G.I. tract and lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which can be serious.
Treats can be threats- Never give turkey, chicken or rib bones as a treat. They can splinter and cause serious injury.
Common household killers- Cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, paint, gasoline, rat poison. Keep them locked up.
Check the antifreeze- Pets are attracted to the odor and sweet taste of antifreeze. Store it high and tightly sealed, wiping up any spills on the garage floor. Window-washing solution also contains antifreeze.
Killer household plants-See below:
Keep of the grass-If you treat your lawn with chemicals, keep pets away. Read and follow label directions carefully.
It fit yesterday-Puppies grow rapidly. Collars can be quickly outgrown, leading to serious wounds.
Take care of personal items and medications-Cosmetics, shampoos, skin creams, hair “perm” solutions, depilatories, suntan lotions, sleeping pills, antihistamines, aspirin and acetaminophen can all be lethal to pets.
It’s not a toy-Don’t leave plastic bags out. Inquisitive young animals can suffocate.
The heat is on-Watch out for hot irons, coffee pots and space heaters. Puppies will suddenly be able to jump to new heights
A dip tip-Keep covers on hot tubs and swimming pools. Young puppies can fall in and not be able to get out.
‘Tis the season-Keep holly, mistletoe, poinsettia’s and especially Christmas tinsel out of reach, Glass Christmas tree ornaments should be placed on the tree well out of puppy lip’s reach.
Cozy up- Always use a fireplace screen.
Do you eat with your mouth?-Rule of thumb: If any or all of something will fit in a mouth, it’s dangerous. Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbon and, yes, even panty hose. Because what goes in must come out, often via surgery..
Keep your pet cool in the summer
Never, never leave your pet in a parked car- Not even if you crack the windows or park in the shade. On a 70F day, the car temperature can rise above 150F in minutes. It’s extremely dangerous and the number 1 cause of heatstroke.
Always provide plenty of fresh water- Dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet and by panting. Evaporation from wet surfaces or their mouth and nose helps lower body temperature.
Watch for hot pavements and beaches- Sensitive paws burn easily.
Find a cool spot- For indoors pets, keep the air circulating with a child-proof fan or air conditioner. Provide shade for outdoor pets. And a gentle sprinkler from a hose is always appreciated.
Not ever dog paddles well- Animals in the water for the first time should be eased in, never thrown or chased in. Don’t let them drink from pools, streams or the ocean. And, if they swim, rinse them off. Salt and minerals can damage a dog’s coat.
Sunburn is no day at the beach-It hurts. Shorthaired pets and those with pink skin and white hair are especially susceptible. Limit their exposure.
Watch for signs of heatstroke – Rapid panting, hot skin, twitching muscles, a dazed look. Wrap them in a towel soaked with cool, not cold water. In severe cases, place them in the bathtub. Heatstroke can be fatal. See your vet as soon as possible.
Keep vaccinations up to date- This is the time when most pets come in contact with other animals, at parks, campgrounds, etc…
Heartworm prevention- Fleas, ticks, mosquitos thrive in warm, humid environments. See your Vet for preventive program.
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