DAMBF
Dogs Are Man's Best Friend
Preparing your home!
The kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and even family room hold a world of mystery and temptation for any dog - there's always something to do.
But while gnawing on the sofa cushions is a relatively harmless canine pursuit - despite the sure scolding from his human companions - chewing on or otherwise investigating other household objects may prove to be deadly.
Room by Room
Family Room, Dining Room and Bedroom Hazards: All holds the allure and danger of loose electrical wires, curtains, blind cords, etc.
TIPS
-
Anything that should be kept from a child's hands should also be bundled, stored or tied beyond a dog's access.
-
Use cayenne pepper spray or any bitter tasting or foul-smelling repellent available at pet stores to make certain areas less than tempting for your dog (to train him to stay off couches and beds).
-
Use a nylon chew toy or wet, knotted towel left overnight in the freezer to provide soothing relief for a teething puppy.
-
Never buy toys and treats in the shape of shoes or clothes.
-
Don't use old clothes or shoes as toys.
-
Use latex, nylon, hard plastic and rawhide chew toys and bones.
Kitchen Hazards
-
Sharp cooking and cleaning utensils
-
Poisonous detergents
-
Sharp aluminum cans
-
Choking and suffocation hazards such as discarded chicken bones and plastic bags
-
Shattered glass or dish
TIPS
-
Lock cabinets where plastic bags and detergents are stored.
-
Keep cutlery and dishes away from a dog's access.
-
Hide garbage bags out of sight.
-
Be vigilant about cleaning up messes.
-
Teach your dog to keep out of the kitchen—or any room—at your command to allow you the time to clean up breakages and spills.
Bathroom Hazards
-
Medications
-
Air fresheners
-
Personal-care products
-
Open toilet seat
TIPS
-
Keep all medications, air fresheners and personal-care products out of a dog's way.
-
Keep the lid down on the toilet when you aren't around (smaller dogs may fall in). Also, most toilet tank fresheners are poisonous, so remove them, find a pet-friendly product or keep the lid closed altogether.
Garage Hazards
-
Paint
-
Chemicals
-
Motor oil
-
Sharp tools