Post by DogGoneGood on Nov 10, 2009 17:52:35 GMT -5
Puppyproof to Stay Safe
By Karla S.Rugh, DVM, Ph.D.
DOGS * USA 2006 Annual
Canadian Edition
Puppies have an uncanny knack for getting into all kinds of dangerous stuff. The hazards fall into two broad categories – things that are dangerous if eaten or chewed (such as toxic chemicals, poisonous plants and electrical cords) and things that can cause injuries (such as broken glass, decks and swimming pools).
CHEWING DANGERS
• Fabric or fiber goods. Carpets, rugs, upholstery, bedding, clothing. If chewed and swallowed, these materials can obstruct your puppy’s digestive tract.
• Electrical cords. One good chomp to a plugged-in cord can be a shocking experience – literally – for your puppy.
• Ropes, cords, strings. These materials can also cause digestive-tract obstruction, especially if they’re swallowed in a clump. Even a single strand of string or cord can cause serious problems as it passes through the digestive tract because it can cut into the intestines as they contract around it.
• Plants. The effective range from relatively mild to deadly. Toxicity may vary depending on the part of the plant that’s eaten (for example, apricot fruit isn’t toxic, but the leaves, twigs and kernel inside the pit contain deadly cyanide).
• Solvents and other chemicals. Paint thinner, gasoline, antifreeze. Don’t assume that a product’s yucky smell or taste will keep your puppy from sampling it.
• Cleaning supplies. Detergent, bleach, assorted cleaners. As with the above category, the unappealing smells and tastes of these products may not keep your puppy away.
• Lawn and garden products. Fertilizers, herbicides. Toxicity can occur if your puppy tears into a product container or licks its feet after walking through areas where the product has been applied. Some products can also be absorbed directly through the skin.
• Pesticides. Most of these products, whether used for small pests (fleas, ticks, ants and snails) or larger ones (mice, rats and gophers), aren’t species specific. The pesticides that kill your puppy’s fleas may also poison your puppy, especially if they’re not used correctly. Rodent poisons are often incorporated into edible baits that may be dangerously – and sometimes fatally – appealing to pets.
• Medications. This category includes all types of medication: human, veterinary, prescription, over-the-counter, adult or pediatric. Flavored medications, such as pediatric preparations (liquids and chewable tablets) and heartworm preventatives, are particularly dangerous. Don’t rely on childproof containers – puppies can easily chew right through them.
• Foods. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts and onions have all been associated with toxic reactions ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to death. (Check with your veterinarian before feeding any type of people food to your puppy.)
• Toys. Some of the more dangerous toys are those made of splintery materials (wood or plastic); those made of string, yarn or easily frayed materials (stuffed animals, rope toys); toys that are easily swallowed (small balls, toy animals, marbles); and toys with batteries.
• Office supplies. Stables, pushpins, string, scissors, printer supplies, computer cords and cables.
• Sewing supplies. Pins, needles, thread, buttons, scissors, tape measures, fabric.
• Christmas decorations. Most decorations aren’t made of toxic materials, but they can injure your puppy. For instance, your puppy may try to chew on a glass ornament or swallow a wad of tinsel, which can obstruct its digestive tract. Note: Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not especially toxic, and usually cause only minor irritation to the lips and mouth.
EXTERNAL HAZARDS
• Falling hazards. This group includes all the things that your puppy could fall down (stairs), fall off (decks, balconies), fall into (holes, excavations) or jump through (windows, glass doors).
• Strangling and choking hazards. Ropes, cords, small objects, toys.
• Sharp objects. Nails, broken boards, wires, sheet metal, broken glass.
• Swimming pools. Unless you’ve taught your youngster to use the ladder or steps to get out, all types of swimming pools – outdoor, indoor, in-ground, above-ground – are dangerous if your puppy can’t easily walk on the bottom.
SAFETY STRATEGIES
The average household can be a dangerous place for a puppy. The following defense tactics will help you keep your little buddy safe:
• Elimination. Get rid of the dangerous items.
• Substitution. Replace the hazardous product with a safer one. For example, use non-toxic white vinegar to clean bathroom faucets and surfaces. Replace highly toxic ethylene glycol antifreeze with propylene glycol, which is less toxic (though not non-toxic).
• Obstruction. Make it impossible for your puppy to get to the hazard. Hide electrical cords behind furniture. Put dangerous items behind closed doors; in locked cabinets (check out child-proof locks at the hardware store); or in a closet, storeroom or attic. If that’s not possible, store hazardous items on high, sturdy shelves. Use puppy-proof storage containers. Barricades and fences can be effective both inside and outside, but they must be strong enough and high enough to withstand your puppy’s efforts to through or over them. When you’re not home, put your puppy in a crate or a completely dog-proofed area, such as a laundry room, bathroom or outside dog pen.
• Education. Teach family members not to leave dangerous objects and substances where the puppy can get into them. Teach your family about potentially toxic foods. Teach them to close cabinets, doors and gates. Teach them that everyone is responsible for the puppy’s safety.
• Stimulation. Your puppy needs mental and physical activity, as well as human companionship. If you skimp on the time you spend with your pup, it may turn to destructive – and potentially dangerous – activities to relieve its boredom and frustration.
• Supervision. This is the most important defense strategy of all, the one tactic that can overcome the shortcomings of all the others. There’s just no substitute for knowing what your puppy is doing all the time.
