Are you planning on adopting a dog soon? Congratulations! There are few happier times in life than the day you bring your new canine companion home for the first time. The first few days with little Fido may be hectic. One of the numerous items on your agenda? Petproofing. Continue reading for advice from a local Hiawassee, GA veterinarian on puppyproofing.
What is Puppyproofing Used For?
Puppyproofing, as the name implies, is similar to childproofing in several aspects. The essential principle remains the same: keep anything you don’t want your child chewing safely out of reach. Both puppies and youngsters are extremely curious and prefer to inspect things by, well, eating them. This can be really harmful. Many things present choking and/or strangling hazards. Others may be poisonous or have the ability to inflict internal damage.
Dogs are quite intelligent, but you can’t expect that simply explaining to your pet why eating that shoe or remote control is a bad idea will work. You will need to do some puppy proofing.
What Should I Consider When Puppyproofing?
Many things should be considered dangerous for your puppy. That’s a large list, and we can’t possibly cover everything on it. But without further ado, here are the most important issues to address:
- Small Or Sharp Objects
- Jewelry
- Craft Kit Pieces
- Small Toys
- Beads
- Buttons
- Coins
- Pens, Pencils, And Markers
- Lighters
- Lipstick
- Remote Controls
- Batteries
- Fishing Tackle
Chemicals
The average household includes up to 62 toxic chemicals, most of which are unsafe for pets. Remember that Fido doesn’t have to eat chemicals to get sick. He can absorb them simply by going across a treated area and licking his paws.
Cleaning materials, drain openers, detergents, paint, paint thinner, WD-40, art supplies, glue, caulking, and pesticides are a few things that should be addressed here. Play it safe and store any chemicals in a secure location.
Garden Products
You should also use caution when using lawn and garden products. Fertilizers, insecticides, and fungicides are extremely toxic to dogs. Slug bait is also very dangerous, and can be deadly.
Automotive Products
Anything that you might use on a car is also dangerous. Antifreeze is a big concern. It is dangerous to pets, but has a flavor that many enjoy. Choose pet-safe products and clean up spills immediately. Sand or kitty litter can be used to cover moist areas.
Plants
Plants can make any home feel cozy and pleasant, but you must exercise caution if you have a puppy. Many plants are toxic to pets. The Sago Palm may be the deadliest to Fido, but it isn’t the only one.
Here are some of the more risky ones:
- Lily
- Oleander
- Azalea
- Amaryllis
- Cyclamen
- Tulips
- Aloe Daffodils
- Yew
- Autumn Crocus
- Rhododendron
- Dieffenbachia
- Chrysanthemum
- Hyacinth
- Mistletoe
- English Ivy
- Holly
- Hydrangea
- Ivy
- Sago Palm
- Castor Bean
- Widow’s-Thrill
- Foxglove
- Jade Plant
You can check the ASPCA website here for a full list of safe and unsafe plants.
Plastics
Plastics can be found in literally thousands of products these days. You probably don’t have to worry too much about bigger, sturdy items, but you do need to take care with things like wraps and bags.
Garbage
The trashcan may not seem tempting to us, but for a puppy it can be an intriguing insert. Unfortunately, garbage often contains all sorts of things that are toxic to dogs. Bones, can lids, fat trimmings, wrappers … the list goes on. If your pooch is tall enough to get into the trashcan, use one with a covered lid.
Ropes And Cords
Anything long or stringy is extremely dangerous to pets. Strings, rope, drape ties, thread, fishing line, ribbon, and similar items are not only both choking and strangulation hazards, they can cause potentially fatal internal injuries if ingested.
Of course, electric wires can also be very dangerous. If possible, try to move wires out of the way. You can treat them with a taste deterrent or try using wire-hiding products.
What Are Some Puppyproofing Tips?
No matter how carefully you puppyproof your place, there is always going to be a bit of room for mischief. Here are a few things you may want to consider.
- Make a habit of picking up anything that is on the floor or within paws’ reach.
- Think twice before storing things where your pet can get to them. Books, socks, and other everyday items are all fair game.
- We can’t really overstate the importance of monitoring your furry pal. Any time that little Fido is out of your sight and things are suspiciously quiet, your best bet is going to be to go check.
- Get down on your hands and knees and look around from your pet’s point of view. You may be surprised at how many things you notice from that angle!
Puppyproofing Hack: Keep Fido Occupied
You can’t blame Man’s Best Friend for getting into mischief if he has nothing better to do. You’ll also need to provide some things that are okay to chew on. You’ll want to ask your vet for advice on this, as it may vary a bit from pup to pup and will also change as your pet gets older.
Here are some good options:
- Bully sticks
- Himalayan chews
- Antlers
- Collagen chews
- Hooves
- Balls
- Kong’s
- Nylon bones
- Rubber Chew toys
You may also see things like rawhide, pigs’ ears, and raw bones listed as options. As you may know, some of these can pose risks to certain dogs, particularly heavy chewers. Ask your vet for specific advice on these.
Also, no matter what type of products you get Fido, be sure to replace them regularly so your cute pet doesn’t get bored. Finally, never leave your dog unattended with a chew.
What Other Things Should I Keep In Mind?
While we’ve addressed the major points here, we also need to point out that there is still a lot of room for mischief based on your canine buddy’s disposition. One pooch may try to eat at a coffee table. Another may go for books or coasters, while a third might be more interested in the bathroom garbage.
Finally, don’t assume that you can stop puppyproofing once your pet reaches his full size. Adult dogs—and even senior pups—still get into mischief. Better safe than sorry!
Make An Appointment At Our Hiawassee, GA Animal Clinic!
Do you have questions about puppyproofing? Have you recently adopted a puppy? Please do not hesitate to contact us for all of your pup’s veterinary care needs. As your local Hiawassee, GA pet clinic, we are here to help!
