1) In the home:
- Keep household (and garage) cleaners and chemicals out of reach! Make sure oil, antifreeze, lawn chemicals, poisons, and laundry supplies are stored safely.
- Store breakable valuable items high or put them away.
- Hide or cover electrical cords. You can tuck them behind furniture or secure them to the wall so your puppy won’t chew on them.
- Keep trashcans covered. Puppies like to knock them over to see what’s inside that they can eat. There are many things in the trash that can be harmful or even fatal for a dog including some foods, pills, razor blades, diapers, and personal hygiene product.
- Shorten strings and cords including those for blinds and curtains. You can tie or cut them and secure them well out of reach.
- Use a cover and/or fence around pools and hot tubs.
- Keep counter tops clean so your puppy won’t want to jump up and see what is there.
- Close toilet lids so you puppy doesn’t fall or make a habit of drinking. If your puppy wants to drink from the toilet, chances are he is thirsty and has no water in his dish. Always make sure the water in his drinking bowl is clean and fresh and be sure to keep the toilet lid down.
- Inspect your home for other things that you may not otherwise notice.
- Always keep your puppy on a leash outdoors.
- If it’s on the floor, you puppy will probably eat it. Check for things within his reach, including:
Plastic Bags String Rubber bands Paperclips Ribbon Coins Dental Floss Bread Ties Sewing Suppies Socks and underwear Children’s Toys Medications or vitamins Holiday decorations Game pieces
2) Get tags:
The tags for your puppy’s collar should include his name and you phone number in case he gets lost. A microchip can also be implanted into your pet for added security. There is no surgery or anesthesia required for this procedure and it is fast and painless.
3) Protect your puppy from Parasites:
Protection from heart worm, fleas, ticks, mites, and other parasites can be as simple as a monthly tablet or topical treatment.
4) Limit the amount and type of human food fed:
It may seem like a treat to give you dog table scraps, but be careful of what you give. These items can cause problems ranging from diarrhea to choking to renal failure and even death. In general, dogs should stick to dog food and treats that were made for dogs. Ask your veterinarian if you are interested in feeding your dog fresh foods.
Some foods to avoid include:
| Chocolate | Onions |
| Bones | Raw eggs |
| Meat | Poultry |
| Grapes | Raisins |
| Dairy products |
5) Keep your puppy away from plants that are dangerous to dogs:
| mistletoe | poinsettias |
| lilies | azaleas |
| daffodils | tomato plants |
| foxglove | yew |
| hydrangea | rhododendrons |
| dumb cane | oleander |
| english ivy | philodendron |
