Ah, the new puppies. Furry little balls of mischief and nonstop energy. One moment they snooze innocently, melting your heart with their tender expression. The next day, they’re a ninja slayer over your favorite scarf, reducing it to lots of designer confetti.
As a veterinary technician, I’ve watched a lot of dogs precocious for their little butts getting into some pretty big problems around their homes. Many people don’t realize how many potential dangers await a dog in every room of the house. Unlike humans, dogs experience the world through their noses and mouths. Innocent exploration can lead to ingestion of a potentially dangerous object or substance. So, when it’s time to introduce a new bundle of fur, try looking at your home through your pup’s eyes. Image
Living room:
When humans come together, we tend to let out little parts of ourselves. Pocket change, gum, clothing and electronics left on a low table or between couch cushions can seem irresistible to a dog trying to find new digs. Any of the above items can cause a life-threatening intestinal obstruction.
Sugar-free gum contains xylitol, a chemical that is toxic to dogs if ingested in large enough doses. Dogs are attracted by the sweet scent. It’s best to keep your purse or purse out of reach if you carry mints or chewing gum. A few coins might pass through a dog’s curiosity with little trouble, but enough change could lead to zinc poisoning that could be fatal. Make sure each family member knows how to pick up their human debris when the new pup is on the prowl. Image
the kitchen:
Dogs are in awe of our decadent human cuisine, and if YouTube has taught us anything, it’s that they’ll go to extraordinary lengths to make it their own. Keep pots, pans and food dishes away on stove tops and counters away from staring paws. To keep harmful spikes out of cabinets and drawers, you can purchase safety latches sold at hardware and baby care stores.
It’s been known that puppies make a meal out of more than just your groceries. The detergents, cleaners, and chemicals lurking under your average sink can cause all sorts of problems, so don’t forget to grab those cabinets, too. Most dogs are just a bit of a dive, be sure to secure litter lids or remove enticing bags of goodies to a safe place like the garage. Common rubbish contents such as coffee, bones, and greasy snacks can be a major problem for youngsters. Image
the bathroom:
Sure, drinking from the toilet is gross, but the bathroom is home to the most potential pup mischief. Hair ties, bobby pins, and bath poufs all sound like great dress-up toys for bored girls. until it becomes a fatal blockage. Even hair that accumulates on the floor can get to a foreign body in your pet’s intestines, so be sure to vacuum regularly.
Chewed razors or abandoned medicine bottles warrant an emergency visit to the vet, not to mention a hefty price tag. Xylitol is also found in some toothpastes, which makes it just as dangerous as gum. Needless to say, it’s best to keep the bathroom doors closed when canine dogs are loose in your home. Image
bedroom:
Our dogs love everything that smells. Disposable shoes, socks, and pajamas all make for a wonderful reminder of a favorite person. These items can pose a choking hazard or cause a foreign body if swallowed.
Jewelry or electronics on bedside tables are also easy targets for anti-skidding pups. Arrange potential temptations in the bedroom each morning, or leave that door closed for your dog. Image
Head office:
When a puppy is teething, chewing on soft, rubber toys helps relieve the discomfort. And some puppies never grow out of this need to grunt! The rubbery outer sheath may be why electrical cords are such common targets, but a blistering cord can cause catastrophic injury or even death. Hide cords behind furniture, tape them down with duct tape, or invest in cord keepers for every place they appear in your home.
Organize your pens, pencils, and paper clips high and out of reach. Puppies also love a good shredding session. Securing important documents out of reach of an eager jaw. Image
Garage:
This is by far the most dangerous area of your home for a dog. Most virulent chemicals and dangerous items are kept here. Nuts, bolts, screws, and bolts may cause injuries to the mouth and esophagus or create intestinal obstruction. Eating these substances may cause zinc poisoning.
Pesticides, fertilizers, paint, varnish or petrol can lead to vomiting or burns in the mouth. Rat poison and antifreeze are extremely deadly and require immediate emergency care if swallowed. Dogs may explore under or behind parked cars, putting themselves in danger if an unsuspecting human is to set the car in motion. Garages should always be a no-fly zone for puppy owners. Your home should be a safe haven for your new business, and with a little attention to detail and a few closed doors or baby gates, it can be just that. Put yourself in a puppy’s eye view – what do you see that might catch the eye of a strange dog? What can you do to reduce the risks? Remember, a bored dog is a mischievous dog, so be sure to engage your dog with toys, chew bones and lots of attention.
