Dogs have been "man's best friend" for thousands of years. Since dogs watch over their owners, it's only right that dog-loving humans keep their pets safe in return. And now, dogs need our extra attention more
than ever. With a little thought, you can easily create a safe home for your precious pups.
As you know, dogs have a keen curiosity. Take a look at your home from your puppy's perspective and you'll likely find all sorts of interesting items to check out. You may not realize that dogs first sniff, then mouth things to inspect them. So it's especially important that you keep the following out of your dog's reach:
* insect traps
* phone and electric cords
* ashtrays and cigarettes
* open doors and windows
* rubber bands
* housecleaning chemicals
* candles
* Christmas tree ornaments
* uncovered trash cans
* medications
* foodstuffs like: chocolate and grapes
* plastic bags
* batteries
* anti-freeze
* valuable items, like jewelry, photos, and books
Don't forget the great outdoors when inspecting your dog's area. Dogs, especially puppies, find plants fun playthings. They love to dig in the dirt or pull branches off shrubs. Because of this, make sure the plants in and around your home aren't a health risk to your dog. The following common house and garden plants are toxic to dogs:
* English ivy
* dieffenbachia
* mistletoe
* philodendron
* elephant ear
* caladium
* boxwood
* holly berry
* azaleas
* chinaberry trees
* oleander
* wisteria
* hydrangea
Other ways to protect your pup include keeping him or her safely confined to your home. Wandering dogs are more likely to be injured by vehicles or meet up with unkind people.
Make sure your yard is fenced and the fencing is tall enough and strong enough to keep your dog from roaming. Many dogs try to dig out under the fence, so it's crucial you regularly check for gaps around the fence perimeter. Teach everyone in your family to carefully close doors and keep gates latched.
Additionally, it's important that your pet wears a collar with an identification tag at all times, in the event he or she gets lost. In fact, most cities require that all dogs wear a collar and tag. This way, it's more likely your dog will be returned home safely to you. You may also consider microchipping, where a small silicone chip containing your contact information is painlessly inserted under the dog's skin. Most animal shelters and veterinarians automatically scan lost pets in search of a microchip. However, an identification tag will be useful if your puppy is found by an average citizen.
If you reside in an area prone to natural disasters, keep an emergency pet supply kit handy. Include a week's worth of food and water, as well as any medication your dog needs. Don't forget a photo of your pet too, in case you're separated at any time.
Use these simple tips to keeping your dog safe and you and your "best friend" will enjoy many years of fun and joy together.
Dog Safety Car Seat
Here are my top 10 tips to keeping your dog safe:
1. Poison-Proof Your Home. Check your home for possible poisons and toxins that your dog can get into. Common toxins include antifreeze, rat or mouse bait, slug bait, and insecticides. Make sure you keep all drugs and medications out of reach. Even household items can be toxic such as the new ?Gorilla Glue.? This glue is activated by water and expands to more than three to four times its volume and can expand to fill the entire area in which it is confined. When it hardens, it is rock hard and a pet is unable to eliminate it. If a pet eats it, it can expand it its stomach causing a life-threatening problem that requires surgery!
2. Plant-Proof Your Home. Plants are an attractive part of home decorating; however, it can be toxic to your dog. Be careful what you bring in and monitor if your pet is getting into it. Ingestion of almost every plant can cause signs of vomiting and/or diarrhea in most pets. Plants that are especially toxic are Easter lilies, which can cause fatal kidney failure.
3. Check Collars, Tags, and Microchip. Check your dog's neck at least once a week to make sure the collar is not too loose or too tight and it is still there. Pets can lose their collar and in many case their ?identification? along with it. This is especially important in pets that are growing or loosing weight. When you check the collar, make sure there is a tag that is easy to read. Tags can fall off. Consider having a microchip placed for permanent identification.
4. Keep Dogs Supervised. The safest approach is leash walks only for dogs! This way you can not only monitor what they are getting into but also watch their urine and bowel movements for abnormalities. The next safest things for dogs are fenced-in yards. Monitor your yard and fence frequently for problems such as loose boards, open trash, and other dangers. Keep your dog inside in extreme cold or hot temperatures.
5. Don't Let your Dog Ride in an Open Truck Bed. Dogs that are allowed to ride in open bed pick up trucks become frequent victims of trauma. Sudden starts, stops, and turns can toss your pet onto the highway where it can get hit by oncoming traffic. It is estimated that at least 100,000 dogs die this way each year. Leashing your pet in the back does not protect it as many dogs have been strangled when tossed over the side. If you pet needs to ride in back, let him or her ride in a crate safely secured to the cab.
6. Keep Head and Paws Inside. Dogs love to stick their heads out open windows; however the wind, insects and debris in the air can hit your pet. Many pets are taken to emergency hospitals after something hits their eyes or face. Many dogs have also been injured during accidents when a sudden start or stop has thrown pets, causing fatal injuries.
7. Pet-Proof Your Home. Prevent common accidents in your home by pet-proofing! Protect your dog from electrical cords. Remove access to children's toys, strings or small objects that can be chewed on or swallowed. Gate or fence water bodies like pools, lakes, ponds or canals. Don't allow pets near automated garage doors. Small dogs can be crushed under reclining chairs and rockers. Keep paper shredders turned completely off or unplugged when not in use as some pets will stick paws in feeder or have hair caught in them, causing very serious injuries.
8. Know What to Do and Who to Call. Find out if your veterinarian performs emergency work after hours and locate your closest emergency hospital. Know the numbers and directions just in case you need it. Call anytime you have a pet concern!
Both Jennifer Mcvey & Dr. Debra Primovic are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Dr. Debra Primovic has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dogs, Dog Care and Dogs. About the Author:With her PetPlace.com columns, Dog safety expert, Debra Primovic has helped thousands of dog owners protect their from harm's way.. Dr. Debra Primovic's top article generates over 720 views. to your Favourites.
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