Doggy Proofing Your NJ Home

Many of us when we first get a puppy do not realize that it is just like having a baby in the sense that we need to doggy proof the house, this way they do not get into anything such as chemicals or any kind of materials that could be harmful to them. But the question is how do I go about doing this? How do I find out what is safe and what is not safe for my dog? or what even goes into safety proofing my house for my dog?

Here is a list of potential hazards to your dog:

1. House Cleaners – Items such as bleach, detergents, over cleaners, soap and many more. All of these have different levels of toxicity and may cause harm to your dog it touched or consumed. Keep all these cleaners in their bottles and make sure to store the bottles out of reach or in a locked cabinet. Keep in mind that some dogs are able to open normal cabinets.

2. Chemicals - Items include automotive fluids (especially antifreeze), fertilizers, moth balls, weed killers, and much more. These are very toxic to your dog. Make sure you keep all automotive and household chemicals locked away in cabinets or storage areas. If you keep all these chemicals in the garage then make sure to keep the door closed at all times. During the spring and summertime if you treat your lawns with chemicals, please keep your dog off the grass for at least 48 hours after the lawn treatment has been applied.

3. Foil & Plastic Wrap – Many times you will wrap some tasty foods in these materials and your dog can easily shred it to pieces without a second look. If your dog happens to eat any of these materials they can do some serious internal damage. If your using any of these materials do not leave them lying around the house. Once you are done using it put it someplace where your dog cannot get to it.

4. Drugs – Whether it be prescription or over the counter medicine it is still harmful to your dog, even if it’s your dogs own medication, it can cause a serious problem in the case of an overdose. Please do not assume that mild drugs could be okay for your dog because they are not. Make sure to keep all medications in sealed containers and out of your dogs reach. Never self prescribe medication for your dog without the approval from your veterinarian.

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5. Various Human Food – Many NJ dog owners think their dogs are able to eat any type of food but that is not the case. Many foods like chocolate, grapes, onions and coffee are dangerous to your dog. Foods that contain a lot of fat can cause digestive problems for your dog. Please do not give your dog people food, keep it out of reach. You should also try and block your dog from being able to get into trash cars in the kitchen and bathrooms.

6. Plants – Some NJ dog owners do not realize that plants can be harmful as well to their dogs. They can cause problems that range from upset stomachs to more serious consequences. Some examples of dangerous plants for your dog are tulips, hydrangea, hyacinth, fig, iris, holly, daffodil, and many others. When you do bring home new plants watch your dog to see how he/she reacts to it to make sure they are not tempted to try and bit it. To stay on the safe side please keep all plants out of reach from your dog.

Remember NJ dog owners are not perfect, but we can do the best we can to provide a safe and loving environment for our dogs!