Lesson 1: An Ounce of Prevention
Puppy Proofing
Puppies are curious beings and can get into things you would never imagine they could. It’s your responsibility to keep your puppy safe and healthy. Below is a checklist of things for puppy proofing.
Put away anything breakable or chewable such as clothing, books, remotes, newspapers and knick knacks.
Clean up and put away anything toxic. Cabinet locks may be a good idea for items such as pesticides, bleach, cleaning agents, fertilizers, medications, and especially antifreeze. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that pets like and the tiny amount licked off paws can be deadly. Consider using the kind with a propylene glycol base. Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen can be harmful to puppies and dogs.
Secure bookshelves, lamps, or anything that puppy can knock over.
Keep pins, needles, tacks, nails, etc out of puppy’s reach.
Keep houseplants out of reach. Some of them can be toxic to dogs.
Keep toilet paper out of reach.
Keep trash cans out of reach.
Keep thread, ropes, fishing line or anything that puppy can become entangled in or strangled with, out of reach.
Keep chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, mushrooms and onions out of reach.
Tuck rug fringe underneath.
Keep electrical cords out of reach.
Install baby gates and secure fencing where needed. Make sure that fencing is something that puppy can not jump over, climb over, squeeze through, claw through, chew through, dig under or get hung up in. Underground fencing can leave your puppy vulnerable to other animals that can come into the fenced area. And remember never to tie your puppy where he can climb over a fence and hang himself.
Never allow your puppy to ride loose or on a tether in the back of a pickup. He can be thrown out and injured, killed, or cause a traffic accident. A secured crate (providing weather is suitable) is safest for your pet and for other motorists.
Keep identification on your puppy at all times.
Be sure to adjust puppy's collar as he grows. This can be easy to forget.
Post the National Animal Poison Control number where you can find it quickly if necessary. 1-888-426-4435. For more information on poisonings, visit http://www.best-pet-supplies.com/newslet...
