Pets: Proofing a home for pups

I plan on getting a new puppy soon and want to know what I need to do to make my home safe for a new pet?

Before getting a puppy home, you need to “puppy proof” your home. Puppies are like babies, they want to explore every corner of your house and put everything into their mouths. So, one good rule to remember is: Anything unsafe for a baby is unsafe for a pet.

Identify any poisonous household items and make sure they are securely stored out of the puppy's reach. Household cleaners, insecticides, fertilizers, mothballs, antifreeze, insect poisons, rat poisons and other items should be put 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. Also, be aware that many plants can be harmful to dogs. For example, pits of apricots and peaches, as well as spinach and tomato vines, can make your puppy sick and can even be fatal in large dosages. Consult your veterinarian about household foods that may be dangerous, too.

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. Puppies are also often tempted to play in toilet bowls, which can be a hard habit to break, and toilet cleanser may be harmful if swallowed.

Remember that playful and intelligent puppies investigate objects by touching, chewing and tasting. They love to explore but need protection from household items that are dangerous if swallowed, such as string, small ornaments, rubber bands, plastic bags and dozens of other things.

Some quick tips:

• Never leave a puppy unsupervised inside or outside, and keep him or her off balconies, upper porches and high decks where he can slip through openings and fall. Also, provide pet-safe puppy toys to keep them occupied.

• Unplug, remove or cover any electrical cords in your puppy’s confinement area. It’s also a good idea to cover electrical outlets, when they are not in use. Secure dangling blind and curtain cords.

• Keep kitchen countertops clean and clear of food items to reduce temptation, while household chemicals and poisons should be locked away.

• Keep buttons, string, sewing needles, pins and other sharp objects out of your puppy's reach.

• Tying ribbons around your puppy's neck could choke him if the ribbon gets caught on a fence or other object.

• Keep your dog indoors and safe from extreme weather conditions year-round. Also, in winter, rinse your dog’s paws with warm water and towel-dry after outings to rinse off snow and melting chemicals that irritate the footpads and mouth

• Keep your puppy on a leash at all times. Who knows what mischief and dangers a puppy can get into when he or she is free to run wild.

Need advice from METRO's pet expert? E-mail your questions to metrobeijing@chinadaily.com.cn or our Sina Weibo @chinadailymetro . Answers supplied by the International Center for Veterinary Services on (+8610) 8456-1939.