Puppy Stars

Before bringing your puppy home, you'll need to "puppy proof" your house.

 

Puppies are like babies: they want to explore every corner of your house, and they want to put everything into their mouths.

 

Poisonous household items
Make sure all poisonous household items are securely stored out of the puppy's reach.

Place all household cleaners, insecticides, fertilizers, mothballs, antifreeze, insect poisons, rat poisons and other items in cabinets or on high shelves. Remember, as your new puppy grows, he will be able to explore higher places and be tempted to jump up on shelves.

 

Check your plants
Many plants in and around your house can be harmful to your pup. Did you know that the pits of apricots and peaches, as well as spinach and tomato vines, can make your puppy sick and, in large dosages, can even be fatal? For a more complete list of plants that are dangerous to dogs, consult your veterinarian, or research the internet.

 

Take a Puppy's-Eye View
Get down on all fours and look around. Are there any dangling electric cords, loose nails, plastic bags or other tempting objects that will be in puppy's reach? If there are, be sure to put them away immediately.

 

Some Additional Tips
• Never leave your puppy unsupervised inside or outside, and keep him off balconies, upper porches and high decks where he can slip through openings and fall.
• Unplug, remove or cover any electrical cords in your puppy's confinement area. It is also a good idea to cover electrical outlets, when they are not in use.
• Keep buttons, string, sewing needles, pins and other sharp objects out of your puppy's reach.