Are you considering adopting a dog soon? Congratulations! The day you bring your new canine companion home for the first time is one of the happiest moments in life. Those first few days with little Fido might be hectic. One of the numerous things you’ll have on your agenda? Petproofing. Read on for puppyproofing advice from a local Jensen Beach, FL veterinarian.

What Is The Purpose Of Puppyproofing?

Puppyproofing, as the name suggests, is similar to childproofing in many respects. The essential principle remains the same: keep everything you don’t want your child chewing safely out of the way. Both puppies and youngsters are naturally curious and like to inspect things by, well, eating them. This may be quite harmful. Many things pose choking and/or strangling risks. Others may be poisonous or have the potential for internal damage.

Dogs are quite intelligent, but merely explaining to your pet why eating that shoe or remote control is a bad idea will not get you very far. As a result, you’ll need to conduct some puppy proofing.

What Issues Should I Address When Puppyproofing?

Many situations should be considered dangerous for your dog. The full list is pretty long: we can’t possibly cover everything on it. But without further ado, here are the most important points to address:

• Small Or Sharp Objects
• Jewelry
• Craft Kit Components
• Small Toys
• Beads
• Buttons
• Coins
• Pens, Pencils, Markers
• Lighters
• Lipstick
• Safety Pins
• Remote Controllers
• Batteries
• Fishing Tackle

Chemicals

There are as many as 62 chemicals in the average household. The great majority of them are not safe or suitable for dogs. Remember, Fido doesn’t have to eat chemicals to become ill. He can swallow them by just strolling through a treated patch and licking his paws.

Cleaning materials, drain openers, detergents, paint, paint thinner, WD 40, art supplies, glue, caulking, and more should be addressed in this section. Simply stay careful and keep any chemicals in a secure location.

Garden Products

You must also use caution while using lawn and garden chemicals. Fertilizers, insecticides, and fungicides are some of the most harmful compounds available. Slug bait, for example, is exceedingly hazardous.

Automotive Products

Anything you could use on a car is also dangerous. Antifreeze is a major concern here. It is lethal to pets, but has a flavor that many people enjoy. Choose pet-safe products and immediately clean up any accidents. Sand or kitty litter can be used to fill in moist patches.

Plants

Plants may provide a pleasant, welcome atmosphere in any home, but you must exercise caution if you have a puppy. Many are harmful to man’s best friend! Sago palms may pose the most risk.

Here are some of the more deadly ones:

• Lily
• Oleander
• Azalea
• Amaryllis
• Cyclamen
• Tulips
• Aloe
• Daffodils
• Yew
• Autumn Crocus
• Rhododendron
• Dieffenbachia
• Chrysanthemum
• Hyacinth
• Mistletoe
• English Ivy
• Holly
• Hydrangea
• Ivy
• Sago Palms
• Castor Bean
• Widow’s thrill
• Foxglove 
• Jade Plant

A complete list of safe and dangerous plants can be found on the ASPCA website. Remember, if you aren’t sure if something is safe or not, err on the side of caution and put it somewhere your pet can’t reach.

Plastics: Thousands of ordinary products now contain plastics. You usually don’t have to worry too much about larger, more durable objects, but wraps and bags require extra caution. Plastic bags can choke or strangle a playful pet. Needless to say, plastic isn’t safe for pets to eat, either. 

Garbage: The kitchen trashcan may not appear appealing to us, but it might be an exciting addition for a puppy. Unfortunately, rubbish often contains a variety of hazardous substances for dogs. Examples include bones, can lids, fat trimmings, wrappers, and more. If your dog is tall enough to reach the trash can, use one with a covered lid.

Ropes And Cords: Anything lengthy or stringy poses a serious risk to pets. These are not only choking and strangulation concerns, but they can be lethal if consumed. Strings, rope, drape ties, thread, fishing line, and ribbon are all dangerous.

Wires: Electric lines can also be extremely dangerous. If possible, move cables out of the way. You can use a flavor deterrent or wire-hiding items.

What Are Some Puppy-Proofing Tips?

No matter how well you puppyproof your home, there will always be some room for mischief. Here are a few things you should consider.

• Pick up anything on the floor or within paw’s reach.
• Storing items where your pet can’t reach them. Books, socks, and other common household things are all fair game.
• Keep an eye on your pet. When Fido is out of sight and things seem strangely calm, go and check.
• Get down on your hands and knees and observe the world through your pet’s eyes. You may be astonished at how much you notice from that perspective!
• Don’t Skip Petucation! It’s never too early to begin teaching your furry friend what is and is not acceptable to chew. 

Ask your Jensen Beach, FL veterinarian for specific advice, including tips on how to train your dog.

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 popular 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. Some of these can be dangerous to certain dogs, particularly heavy chewers. Ask your Jensen Beach, FL veterinarians 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, especially 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. There are also some Very Good Boys who won’t get into anything at all. Take your canine pal’s personality into consideration, and adjust accordingly.

Finally, don’t assume that you can stop puppyproofing once your pet reaches his full size. Adult dogs—and even seniors—still get into mischief. This is one area where it’s definitely best to play it safe.

Make An Appointment At Our Jensen Beach, FL 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 Jensen Beach, FL pet clinic, we are here to help!