Puppy Proofing

Has a puppy just joined your household? Good for you! Having a puppy is definitely lots of fun, but it also entails quite a bit of work. Training and socialization are both crucial parts of puppy parenting. Another thing that is a must at this stage? Puppyproofing. Little Fido is going to want to taste test anything and everything he can get his paws on, and figure out what is and isn’t safe. A local Brampton, ON vet offers some tips on this below.

Small/Sharp Objects

Anything small or sharp is definitely a concern. Don’t assume that your canine buddy won’t be interested in eating things like nails or pennies. It’s all fair game, as far as little Fido is concerned. Some of the dangers here include things like craft kit pieces, pen caps, jewelry, buttons, lipsticks, keys, small toys … the list goes on. In general, anything that bears even the slightest possibility of being a choking or poisoning hazard should be kept safely out of paws’ reach.

Toxins

Toxins are a concern for pets of any age. Little Fido can easily ingest dangerous substances: all he has to do is walk through a recently-treated spot and then lick his paws. He also has been known to chew bottles and boxes, which can also lead to accidental ingestion. Some of the things to be concerned about here include cleaning agents, automotive products, pesticides, fertilizer, fungicides, paints, turpentine, drain opener. Medication is also a huge hazard.

Plants

Many popular houseplants are toxic to Man’s Best Friend. Some of the most dangerous ones include cyclamen, oleander, lily of the valley, philodendron, rhododendron, and sago palms. You can find more information on unsafe plants at the ASPCA site here.

Laundry

When little Fido starts teething, he’s going to want to gnaw on anything that will help soothe the pain in his gums. That includes small pieces of clothing, such as socks, underwear, towels, and scarves. Keep these things off the floor!

Plastics

Plastic is not only a choking hazard: it can cause severe gastrointestinal issues if ingested. Unfortunately, many of our furry friends like the taste and/or texture. Keep plastic bags, wrappers, and ties out of the way. The plastic rings that hold beverages together are also unsafe.

Do you need to make an appointment for your new puppy? Contact us, your local Brampton, ON animal clinic, today!