When bringing your new mate home much time is spent on creating a lovely set up for their shelter, sleep and feeding, but what’s equally important, is to make sure that they are safe by pre-empting any possible dangers in the home. For a puppy that will investigate anything and everything, there’s actually a lot for you to do!
Backyard
• Do a perimeter check of the fences; make sure there is no escape route, underneath the fence or through it
• Check that large objects such as the outdoor table, chairs, or bbq are away from the fence as these can provide a ladder type situation for pets to jump it
• Do a full rubbish check and remove anything that has sharp edges, such as tins or broken glass
• Swimming pool? Drowning is a risk. Check the integrity of the fence and consider in time, teaching your mate how to get out if they do actually fall in
• Check for weeds that are common allergens such as trad, and do a check for any possible toxic plants. You may need to remove these or if not possible set up an area your puppy can’t enter
Garage
• Do a poison check in the garage and lock everything away or throw it out. Pay special attention to rat or snail bait, fertilisers, insecticides etc. Puppies will get into and eat anything
Inside
• Lids on rubbish bins
• Household cleaners need to be securely locked up
• Medications must also be securely locked up and out of reach
• Put away any small ornaments or toys that could be eaten, and could potentially cause a blockage of the tummy
• Your pantry: be aware of the dangerous human foods for dogs and keep them out of reach
• Breakables and precious items should be moved from low tables or places they can easily be knocked over,(this is as much for you as for your dog!)
• Candles that are for burning should also be placed in an area that can’t be knocked by your puppy, as they can be responsible for burns
• Other hazards include: Electric cords (should be out of reach or in a box), batteries, coins, string
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