Pet Proofing your Home

Here is a list of concerns owners will find helpful in making your home “pet-proof”. It is interesting that many of these concerns are also important in “child-proofing”.

1. Secure electrical cards - Electrical shock may lead to pneumonia-like signs and even death.
2. Cigarette butts - Ingestion of tobacco can lead to nicotine poisoning and intestinal obstructions.
3. Burn candles out of reach of the dog
4. Keep medication and their bottles in a cabinet, out of reach. Child-proof containers are not enough for dogs.
5. Keep toilet lids down especially if using bowl cleaners and deodorizers. Puppies have been known to drown in toilet bowls.
6. Many items in the house are appealing to dogs: dishrags, dishtowels, pantyhose, underwear, and socks. These may require surgery to remove if swallowed, and if left untreated the dog may die.
7. Do not allow contact with other animals until the puppy is vaccinated.
8. Dispose of chicken bones and puppy proof your trash containers.
9. Watch for access to pins and needles.
10. Even a minute ingestion of antifreeze will cause rapid, IRREVERSIBLE kidney failure and probable death.
11. Use pesticides with caution. Vapona hanging strips should never be used in living areas. Be careful with hanging fly paper.
12. Many house and landscaping plants are poisonous to people and pets. Be sure to know yours.