Home Safety Tips For Puppies

We are a nation of animal lovers and the Humane Society estimates that there are more than 78 million dogs owned in the United States. Every day, thousands of families welcome a new puppy into the home but is he a health hazard for the new arrival? By their very nature, puppies are inquisitive and are forever investigating every nook and cranny. While this is one of the adorable traits of puppies, it is also one that can get them into trouble if the home does not contain adequate safety measures. Below, we look at some home safety tips for puppies.

Puppies love to chew, so ensure all electrical wires are raised off the floor and out of reach. Alternatively, place masking tape on the wires and ensure that all electrical items not in use are unplugged. Make sure that small objects are not left lying around on the floor as these are potential choking hazards. A thorough sweeping or vacuuming of the floor is in order as tiny objects could escape your attention and if the puppy swallows it, the object could get lodged in the throat causing the puppy to choke.

Remove any house plants with pesticides or any chemical on them and store containers with antifreeze, insecticides, and/or paint remover safely away. It is easy for a puppy to knock over a container and lick up the spillage which proves to be poisonous.

It is wonderful to watch your new puppy frolic outdoors, but again, a thorough inspection of the property is in order. Make sure that the fence is secure and doesn’t contain gaps that the puppy can squeeze through. Additionally, it is important to block access to a swimming pool (if you have one) because puppies will generally not be able to swim well and can easily drown if they fall into the water.

Young children lack the technique required to safely handle an animal, so it is your duty to show them the best way to pick up and pet your new puppy. A child can accidentally cause real pain to a puppy by picking it up incorrectly. Careless behavior such as dropping the puppy or pulling his ears must also be discouraged.

Don’t worry if the puppy cries during the first few days. This is normal because he will be uncomfortable with his new surroundings but this feeling will pass. Within a week or so, he should have settled in and hopefully you will have created a safe and loving environment for him to thrive in. When bringing a puppy home, the safest thing to do is act like he is a toddler and take similar precautions.

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