Puppy Proofing
Here are some precautions you can take to get your home ready and keep puppy safe. Spray a repellant, such as Bitter Apple on objects such as chair legs, electric wires and other things that cannot be placed out of harm's way. Pick up, put away, secure, hide or keep puppy away from or out of reach:
* Small pets such as hamsters and fish tanks;
* Houseplants, some of which are poisonous, including the dead leaves;
* Some children's toys have small parts;
* Crayons, pens, pencils, paper clips, pins, tacks, staples;
* Paper shredder;
* Books, magazines, mail, newspapers, important documents;
* Money, paper or coin, checks;
* Electrical cords or wires;
* Telephone cords, computer cables;
* Drawstrings from draperies or blinds
* Television and other remotes controls, VCR tapes;
* Knick-knacks, figurines, heavy items that can get pulled down or knocked over;
* Firewood or debris from fireplaces;
* Pillows, fabric arm covers, afghans or throws
* Throw rugs, bathmats
* Candles, potpourri, air fresheners;
* Food, candy dishes, food crumbs, bones or discarded cooking items;
* Ovens, cooktops or hot pans;
* Puppy's food and treats (can overeat and get ill or bloat)
* Alcoholic beverages
* Trash compactor, garbage and trash cans or bags;
* Paper towels and napkins, clean or dirty;
* Tissues or toilet paper;
* Bed and bath linens;
* Clothing, gloves, hats, shoes, dirty laundry;
* Jewelry, combs, toothbrushes, hair ribbons or pins
* Medications, drugs, toiletries, cosmetics;
* Cleaning items, rags, sponges, household chemicals, detergents;
* Sporting equipment, hunting or fishing gear, craft-working items;
* Tools, nails, string, fasteners, glue.
* Garages, basements and attics may be filled with so many hazardous objects, that it's best to prevent puppy from entering these rooms at all. After puppy-proofing indoors, do the yard area to which pup will have access.
* Check fencing for weak broken areas where puppy could escape.
* Lock fence gates.
* Do not let puppy near a swimming pool or pond where he could fall in and drown.
* Many outdoor plants, flowers and shrubs are poisonous. Plant only in gardens where puppy will not be permitted. Check with a veterinarian or landscaper about what plants to avoid. Also, don't let puppy eat his way through your vegetable garden.
* Don't use fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides on the ground in puppy's area if possible. If these chemicals must be used, keep the pup off the lawn for at least 48 hours afterwards. Check with your vet before allowing puppy back into a treated yard.
* Leave puppy in the house while working on the lawn. Put away all gardening tools, such as hoses and rakes, when finished using them.
* Keep puppy's potty area clean -- scoop the poop daily!
* Always watch puppy when he is playing outdoors and inside.
