Whether you keep your dog indoors or outdoors, you need to consider how you will keep your four-legged pal safe from any dangers that can crop up. Both puppies and adult dogs have a talent for getting into things that they shouldn’t. Taking protective measures to dog-proof the interior and exterior of your home can go a long way in keeping your furry friend safe.
Dog-Proofing Your Home Indoors
Investing and installing childproof cabinet locks and child gates can help warrant safety indoors for a dog. The most common kitchen-related potential danger is food, which is why locking your cabinets up is a smart idea if you’ve got an explorer on your hands! Toxic foods for many dogs include but are not limited to chocolate, grapes, onions, coffee and nuts. Examine your kitchen from your dog’s eye level to ensure that your dog cannot gain access to foods, sharp knives, and little things like plastic twist ties and bag clips.
Crate training is another great way to ensure safety and give your dog its own home while you’re away. A create also helps to eliminate surprise vet visits and health scares. After dogs are created trained, most will view the crate as a den and will come to love it, even if training seems rough in the beginning. A crate is a win-win for safety and your canine family member.
Bathrooms and laundry rooms can also pose hazards. Common household items such as towels, bleach, detergents, dental floss, and fabric softeners can be dangerous if swallowed or consumed by dogs. Everyday items may tempt any breed to chew and can lead to acute gastrointestinal problems. Make it a daily habit to ensure every bathroom and the laundry room are tidy. This will eliminate your dog finding find things that aren’t his on the floor or low tables for easy access. Put anything that can be a choking hazard or chewing hazard away, including small toys, puzzle pieces, buttons, rubber bands, jewelry and plastic bags. Not only will you have a tidier home, it can avoid having to make an emergency trip to the vet.
Tips for Outdoor Safety
Coyote activity is on the rise in both suburban and urban areas across the United States. To keep your dog in your yard and the coyotes out, consider installing a fence around your property. It should be at least 6 feet high and 12 to 18 inches into the ground. You may even want to consider putting barbed wire on the top of the fence to keep those especially athletic coyotes out. Coyotes are scavengers, so be sure to not leave food and water bowls outside. Bring them in when your dog is finished eating or drinking. Bird feeders can attract coyotes, so if you live in an area with a high coyote population you may want to remove it to ensure your dog’s safety.
Not only does an enclosed yard offer privacy from neighbors, but fence can offer extra safety to your dog. Fences are able to prevent a dog’s curiosity with roaming, getting lost, or getting struck by a car. In fact, getting hit by a car is a frequent cause of canine injury and death.
When landscaping your backyard, be sure to avoid planting toxic shrubberies and flowers that can harm physically your dog. These include hydrangea, cactus, tulips, azaleas, daffodils and lilies. If you do plan to seed any of these plants, do so in a potted pot away from a dog’s reach and access.
If you own a hot tub or swimming pool, use extra caution when performing cleaning and maintenance around your four-legged friend. Cleaning chemicals can be highly poisonous to pets, so be sure to store them out of paw’s reach.
The ideal situation for any dog is to be part of the family both indoors and outdoors. Remember that prevention is key when comes to canine safety. Think ahead and prevent a costly accident from happening with the safety tips shared in this post.
