Expert Advice for Dog-Proofing Any Home

Sharing a home with a pet is a commitment, not only to feed them and love them, but also to keep them safe from harm. Have you just adopted your first puppy? I want to help you make your home as safe as it can be. Are you a seasoned veteran of pet-ownership? Well, if old dogs can learn new tricks, then so can you. Are you testing the waters of pet ownership by dog-sitting for a friend? Well, you’re still making a commitment to keep that dog safe while she’s in your home.

The following tips will help guide you through the important dog-proofing steps necessary to ensure your home is ready and safe for any four-legged friend — new, old or just visiting.

When reviewing each of the hazards in this article, it’s important to consider the reach of your dog as he grows. Yes, a Great Dane is much more likely to go counter surfing than a chihuahua. However, don’t underestimate that chihuahua’s ability to jump over barriers or climb the furniture when he sees something he wants. Take each of these recommendations and personalize them for your dog and your home.

Bathroom

Bathrooms tend to house many potential dangers for inquisitive dogs. Keeping this area as hazard-free as possible should be a priority.

· Keep lids on trash bins… or better yet, keep all trash bins locked away in a cabinet. That space under the sink or vanity is usually ideal for this. Bathroom trash bins contain many hazards, from used razor blades to medications to dental floss. Even empty shampoo or cosmetic bottles can make attractive but harmful chew toys. And by the way, dogs don’t care how embarrassing it is to go to the vet after dining on a tampon or condom, but I promise, you will…

· Speaking of medications, be sure to keep all vitamins, supplements, and any other prescription products locked away in a cabinet as well. It may be more convenient to leave these items sitting out on the counter; however, keeping them out of reach may just save your pup’s life.

· More items to keep securely behind those cabinet doors: cleaning supplies. Harsh chemicals such as bleach, grout cleaners, and even that mixture of vinegar and water can have profound gastrointestinal consequences if ingested. Thankfully, many household cleaning agents are reasonably non-toxic. Be sure to read all labels and contact the manufacturer or a veterinarian if you’re unsure.

Kitchen

The kitchen is often a gathering place for families. If your fur baby is going to join you, make certain that you have eliminated these risks:

· Just like the bathroom, kitchen garbage cans contain an array of items that entice our canine’s senses and curiosity. Snacking on discarded leftovers or spoiled food, often referred to as “dietary indiscretion” is a common cause of pancreatitis, according to Merck Veterinary Manual. Swallowing bones, or other inedible items is a huge risk-factor for gastrointestinal obstruction in dogs. Always keep lids on garbage cans, and never allow the bin to become over-full.

· Food doesn’t have to be spoiled to pose a threat to our four-legged friends. Plenty of wholesome ingredients found in the kitchen are big no-no’s for our dogs. If you’re not sure what is safe for your pet to eat, check with your veterinarian and read on…

o Common toxic culprits include chocolate (especially dark or baker’s chocolate), caffeine-laden treats, raisins and grapes, garlic, onions, nuts (especially macadamia nuts), and dairy products. Did you know that dogs are actually lactose intolerant?!

o Some lesser known dangers include xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in products like gum, peanut butter and sugar-free desserts), raw fish (especially salmon, trout, and sturgeon), unrisen yeast bread dough, and fruits with large pits, including avocado.

· Please keep all utensils, knives and other food prep equipment far, far out of your pet’s reach. It may be hard to imagine a tiny puppy injuring herself on or even swallowing one of these objects, but trust me, it happens. The yummy smells left behind on a kitchen knife or fork are sometimes just impossible for these kiddos to resist.

Need some more convincing? A popular veterinary magazine called, Veterinary Practice News produces a yearly competition for veterinary professionals to submit entries for their “They Ate What?!” column. Check out the 2018 “winners” here.

Bedroom

Bedrooms are often overlooked areas when setting out to dog-proof a home. But don’t forget about these important elements that need to be monitored daily:

· Keep all clothing items, especially items with…ok, I’ll say it… pungent body odors, picked up and placed in secure laundry baskets or closets: socks, underwear and shoes tend to be favorites. Your new pair of Sketchers could quickly become Rusty’s new teething toy. But what’s worse is the risk that Rusty swallows the shoelaces and could require surgery to remove them from his intestines.

· Bedside tables: Consider what is placed on these table tops every night. Is your dog tall enough to reach your favorite lotion, medication, hair bands or jewelry? If so, think about placing these items in a drawer or cabinet instead. Are there heavy objects such as lamps or picture frames that can easily be knocked over? Make sure these are secured in place and can’t bonk Benji on the head.

· Electrical cords and phone chargers should be unplugged and put away when not in use. These items also tend to be enticing chew toys and present risks for electrical shock. Playful puppies may also become entangled in longer cords when exploring the nooks and crannies of your bedroom.

Lounge/Living Room

Living rooms are another gathering place for families. Keeping this space clean and uncluttered is often a difficult daily task, given the hustle and bustle this area typically sees. Try some of these tips to make doggie-proofing the lounge a little easier:

· All toys, game pieces and other small objects that pose a choking hazard to your dog should be put away. Provide children with secure containers or bins to easily store these items.

· Remotes and other items containing batteries need to be kept out of Buddy’s reach. Batteries pose another choking hazard, and if swallowed can cause serious damage to your pet’s stomach.

· Just like in your bedroom, make sure all lamps, picture frames, television stands and decorations are secure enough that they can’t easily be knocked over during puppy playtime.

· Routinely pick up all shoes, socks and other laundry that is left laying on the floor or couches… Remember that new pair of Sketchers that Rusty likes? Provide plenty of appropriate toys and safe chewies for your dog instead.

· If your living room has a fireplace, position a protective barrier like a screen or baby gate in front of the unit. Provide Old Blue with a soft bed away from the fireplace so he doesn’t use the hearth rug as his favorite resting place.

Garage

The garage can be an interesting, and consequently, dangerous place for a dog. You already know that chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and anything with an attractive odor should be placed safely out of reach. But also remember to thoroughly clean up spills of any kind before allowing a pet into this area.

· Antifreeze and oil are common life-threatening toxins that are often overlooked, especially if your car has a leak. Ingesting even small amounts of antifreeze can have dire consequences for your fluffy colleague. Call your veterinarian right away if you suspect she had a taste.

· Rodenticides (certain pesticides that are meant to kill rodents) are especially attractive to curious canines. Most formulations lure in the intended victim with sweet odors and flavors. So, its not hard to understand why this type of poisoning is commonly seen in veterinary practices. The best thing to do before bringing home a pet is to throw these products away. There are definitely safer options for pest control.

If you have concerns that your pet may have eaten a rodenticide, call your veterinarian right away. If possible, have the packaging handy so you can tell her which type of toxin your pet ingested.

Other Household Dangers

· Remember to keep Buster’s safety in mind when decorating your home for the holidays or any special gathering. Monitor his interest in those sparkly Christmas tree ornaments, festive birthday balloons, and irresistible Halloween candy. Also be aware that holidays, in all their excitement, happy chaos and noise, can be stressful for anxious pets. The experts at Fear Free Happy Homes suggest decorating in stages and providing your dog with an area for quiet retreat. This will help her adjust slowly and comfortably.

· Any house plant has the potential to cause stomach upset (mainly vomiting and/or diarrhea) if chewed or ingested. For this reason, all indoor plants should be considered toxic to pets. We do know that some are more dangerous than others. Cycads such as sago palms and fern palms, philodendrons, English ivy, dieffenbachia, and Mother-In-Law’s Tongue are some of the more common culprits that I see in general veterinary practice.

*A special note about lilies: while these gorgeous flowers pose a risk for causing tummy discomfort in dogs, our feline friends are most at risk for kidney failure and even death if ANY part of the plant is ingested.

Yard/Garden

Creating a dog-friendly back yard or garden area allows you to spend relaxing quality time in the great outdoors with all members of your pack. Following these tips will help you breathe easy each time Bella and Baxter go zooming out the doggy door.

· First, I recommend checking out the ASPCA’s website of poisonous plants for a comprehensive and searchable list of potential dangers.

o Certain garden plants can pose extreme risks for playful chewers and diggers. This is especially true for bulbous flowering plants. The bulbs, most commonly planted in the fall for spring blooming, are tempting and easily found by curious noses. Common culprits include tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and flowering crocus. Symptoms of toxicosis range from mild diarrhea or vomiting to cardiac arrhythmias, seizures or even death1.

o Also, remember that fruit-bearing trees such as apple, plum, peach and apricot present risks as well. We already know that the fruit’s core or pit poses a choking hazard. But fallen fruit, left on the ground to decay, may also leave your pet exposed to certain molds or even cyanide toxicosis.

· Familiarize yourself with the ingredients and recommendations for the fertilizer and weed killer products you use. Many of the products on the market today are actually quite safe for pets. BUT you’re responsible for doing your own research.

o Keep these simple factors in mind:

§ Check the label: only use products that are certified to be pet-friendly. These will be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a veterinarian.

§ Use the product only as direct. Many chemicals that are applied to your lawn or garden have a specific drying time that must be adhered to before pets and children can safely be allowed back in the area.

§ Consider using organic or homemade fertilizers and weed killers if appropriate. For more information, contact your local Master Gardener program.

· Provide a secure, fenced yard whenever possible. Fencing ensures that Fluffy can’t wander. Even the most well-trained dog can become distracted and run off to chase a bird, a squirrel, and don’t forget about that poor mailman. Fencing also helps to keep out unwelcome guests like stray dogs that may not always be there to make friends with your best friend.

As a veterinarian, I always stress the importance of preventative medicine. It’s our first line of defense in keeping our furry family members healthy, safe and snuggled in our laps for years to come. Benjamin Franklin knew this when he proclaimed that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. And guess what!… you can practice prevention too.

Ok, I know we can’t protect them from everything. But if you follow these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to keeping that heartfelt commitment you made — the one where you promised to care for and protect your furry best friend… despite their best efforts to the contrary.