Common Household Dangers - Printable Version

All owners know this for a fact – puppies are active and curious creatures! They enjoy investigating new objects (usually with their teeth), tasting new foods (even if they are not intended for the dog), and exploring new places. A good rule of thumb is to approach dog-proofing your home in the same manner that you would child-proof your house for a toddler. Here are a few tips to keep your home and yard safe for your puppy:

Keep Small Objects Out of Reach: All puppies and many dogs live by the rule of “put it in my mouth first to see if it is food” whenever they come upon a novel object. For this reason, dogs may swallow items that are not food and that can be a serious health risk. Items to keep away that are especially attractive include dirty socks, children’s toys, and small balls.
Check for Exposed Electrical Cords: Remove or secure any exposed electrical cords. Puppies are often attracted to areas that are out of reach, such as behind couches or underneath end tables, so be sure to check rooms “from a puppy’s eye view” to secure all exposed cords.
Remove Food from Kitchen Counters: Put away all leftovers and keep enticing tidbits off of counters. This not only reduces the temptation for your dog to jump onto kitchen counters, it will also keep him safe from eating foods that may be dangerous to his health.
Use Wastebaskets with Lids: Kitchen garbage is a strong temptation for dogs because of all the enticing aromas and paper products just waiting to be torn up and eaten. Garbage stealing can be easily prevented by using a receptacle with a self-closing lid or placing the can in an inaccessible place. (Some dogs also investigate other wastebaskets in your home – keep these secure as well).
Avoid Growing Toxic Plants: Although they may be pretty, some houseplants are toxic if consumed by dogs. Common examples are caladium, castor bean, dumbcane, lantana, mistletoe, philodendrons, and poinsettia. If you are uncertain about the safety of a plant, consult your veterinarian for a complete list of toxic plants before bringing a new plant into your house.
Doors and Gates: Dogs love to go outdoors, and quickly learn that certain doors in the house signify an opportunity for a walk or a romp in the yard. Teach your puppy to “wait” at all doors before going in or out and keep doors and gates securely fastened to ensure that he does not slip outside unnoticed. If your yard is fenced, your dog should be unable to jump over, dig under, or squeeze through any part of the fence.

Helpful Tip!

Be a Responsible Owner and Good Neighbor

Never allow your dog to run loose in your neighborhood (this is against the law in most municipalities today!) Dogs who roam freely outside may become lost, injured, stolen, or attacked by other animals. They may also contract infectious diseases or ingest toxic pesticides or antifreeze. When you are walking keep your dog on-lead (or under voice control if he is well trained). This is for your dog's safety and also shows consideration to your neighbors.