Hol
06-03-2003, 12:11 PM
"Puppies are naturally inquisitive, which can often lead to serious injury. Here are some tips on how you can make your house safer for the new arrival.
* That's shocking - Young animals love to chew when they're teething. Keep electrical wires out of reach, or use a pet-repellent spray.
* They'd die for some chocolate - Chocolate can be dangerous. It contains theobromine, a powerful stimulant that is toxic to pets. Sweets, cakes and cookies can also upset a young animal's G.I. tract and lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which can be serious.
* Treats can be threats - Never give turkey, chicken or rib bones as a treat. They can splinter and cause serious injury.
* Common household killers - Cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, paint, gasoline, rat poison. Keep them locked up.
* Check the antifreeze - Pets are attracted to the odor and sweet taste of antifreeze. Store it high and tightly sealed, wiping up any spills on the garage floor. Window-washing solution also contains antifreeze.
* Killer house plants - Poisonous plants include lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem Cherry and plant bulbs.
* Keep off the grass - If you treat your lawn with chemicals, keep pets away. Read and follow label directions carefully.
* It fit yesterday - Puppies grow rapidly. Collars can be quickly outgrown, leading to serious wounds.
* Take care of personal items. And medications - Cosmetics, shampoos, skin creams, hair "perm" solutions, depilatories, suntan lotions, sleeping pills, antihistamines, aspirin and acetaminophen can all be lethal to pets.
* It's not a toy - Don't leave plastic bags out. Inquisitive young animals can suffocate.
* The heat is on - Watch out for hot irons, coffee pots and space heaters. Puppies will suddenly be able to jump to new heights.
* A dip tip - Keep covers on hot tubs and swimming pools. Young puppies can fall in and not be able to get out.
* 'Tis the season - Keep holly, mistletoe and especially Christmas tree tinsel out of reach, Glass Christmas tree ornaments should be placed on the tree well out of puppy lips' reach.
* Cozy up - Always use a fireplace screen.
* Do you eat with that mouth? - Rule of thumb: If any or all of something will fit in a mouth, it's dangerous. Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbons and, yes, even pantyhose. Because what goes in must come out, often via surgery."
* That's shocking - Young animals love to chew when they're teething. Keep electrical wires out of reach, or use a pet-repellent spray.
* They'd die for some chocolate - Chocolate can be dangerous. It contains theobromine, a powerful stimulant that is toxic to pets. Sweets, cakes and cookies can also upset a young animal's G.I. tract and lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which can be serious.
* Treats can be threats - Never give turkey, chicken or rib bones as a treat. They can splinter and cause serious injury.
* Common household killers - Cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, paint, gasoline, rat poison. Keep them locked up.
* Check the antifreeze - Pets are attracted to the odor and sweet taste of antifreeze. Store it high and tightly sealed, wiping up any spills on the garage floor. Window-washing solution also contains antifreeze.
* Killer house plants - Poisonous plants include lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem Cherry and plant bulbs.
* Keep off the grass - If you treat your lawn with chemicals, keep pets away. Read and follow label directions carefully.
* It fit yesterday - Puppies grow rapidly. Collars can be quickly outgrown, leading to serious wounds.
* Take care of personal items. And medications - Cosmetics, shampoos, skin creams, hair "perm" solutions, depilatories, suntan lotions, sleeping pills, antihistamines, aspirin and acetaminophen can all be lethal to pets.
* It's not a toy - Don't leave plastic bags out. Inquisitive young animals can suffocate.
* The heat is on - Watch out for hot irons, coffee pots and space heaters. Puppies will suddenly be able to jump to new heights.
* A dip tip - Keep covers on hot tubs and swimming pools. Young puppies can fall in and not be able to get out.
* 'Tis the season - Keep holly, mistletoe and especially Christmas tree tinsel out of reach, Glass Christmas tree ornaments should be placed on the tree well out of puppy lips' reach.
* Cozy up - Always use a fireplace screen.
* Do you eat with that mouth? - Rule of thumb: If any or all of something will fit in a mouth, it's dangerous. Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbons and, yes, even pantyhose. Because what goes in must come out, often via surgery."