Pet Safety For Puppies - Everything Changes As They Grow

Puppy parenting can definitely be a challenge when it comes to safety. The precious little bundle of fur is also a bundle of energy and curiosity. They love to explore, run, jump, and, of course, chew. All the while they are growing which means that, in order to keep them safe, thing need to change right along with them.

July is Pet Safety Month and it is also a  month when many families welcome new pups into their home. Puppies will chew and try to eat everything so it's important to know what to keep out of reach and when to worry if something is accidentally ingested. With growth comes change and many things need to change right along with them. Remember, what is "out of reach" today may be fully accessible to them tomorrow.

Not all foods are dog friendly: Many everyday human foods are toxic to dogs, including, but not limited to,

• Chocolate
• Onions
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Avocado
• Gum (that contains Xylitol)

Not only should these foods never be given to your dog, they must be kept far from their reach. Open bowls on tables, bags of food in a backpack, grocery bags left on a chair, are all  places your pup may find, and eat, what they shouldn't.

Medications: Be sure to keep all prescription and over the counter medications out of puppies reach (both human and veterinary) . Bottles of pills rattle and may sound like fun to your pup. Remember, they will be able to chew right through the bottle, box, or packaging. These bottles or boxes can be easily grabbed off a table top or can be pulled out of a bag or backpack.

Frequently Check Toys: Puppies love toys that squeak.  Unfortunately, if that toy becomes ripped and tattered the squeaking mechanism can become a choking hazard. Check toys often for rips and tears and discard those that could become a danger.

Beware of plants both inside and out: Click Here  for a listing of both toxic and non-toxic plants.

Collars, Leashes, and Harnesses: As your puppy grows their collars, leashes, and harnesses need to grow with them. Collars should be checked every week to ensure a comfortable fit. Too tight collars will irritate your dogs skin or will cause lacerations if they become much too small.

Frequently check the leash for rips and tears. Puppies love to chew on them and damaged areas may break unexpectedly on a walk and cause a dangerous situation.

Keeping up with your puppies ever changing world is the best way to keep them happy and safe.