Puppies are naturally energetic and curious, and they love to explore their surroundings. This is part of what makes them so much fun, but it can also lead them getting into harmful situations.
Not only are puppies prone to chewing because of their age and teething, breeds used for guide dog work have a natural desire to pick things up because they are retrievers. Bringing a puppy into your home involves some preparation. To make a home and yard safe and secure, puppy-proofing is essential.
Here are a few tips on how to puppy-proof:
- Keep all tempting "chewable" items out of the puppy's way. These include slippers, socks, underclothes, garbage pails, stuffed toys etc. all of which can be choking hazards or result in a serious or fatal intestinal blockage if swallowed.
- Prevent access to cat's litter boxes, small animal cages, diaper pails and garbage.
- Keep other dangerous items away from the puppy's reach: medications, sharp items, household cleaners, tobacco products, alcohol, and small choking hazards such as children's toys.
- Electrical cords can be dangerous to puppies, who often chew on them while playing. This can cause burns in the mouth, electrical shock, or death by electrocution. It is best to tie up electrical cords and keep them out of sight. Suggestions to conceal cords include purchased spiral cable wrap, cord concealers, or even PVC pipe to keep them safe from the puppy.
- Store the puppy's food and other food safely away from the reach of the puppy.
- Use of baby gates to prevent access to areas of the home which are not safe for the puppy (e.g. steep/slippery stairs, workshop, laundry room if cleaners are accessible).
- Cords for curtains and blinds could cause strangulation. Tying up excess cords or cutting the loop in the cord can prevent this danger.
- It is best to screen off fireplaces and wood stoves. Never leave the puppy unattended in a room with an open flame or space heater.
- Keeping your yard free of any debris such as broken glass, cans, wire, exposed nails, or other sharp objects is essential. Additional hazards include cocoa bean mulch which can be toxic to dogs, and landscaping stone, which can cause dangerous intestinal blockage. Some ornamental bark can also be toxic to dogs, so check before using it.
- Puppies can sneak through very small gaps, so it is important to check that your yard is secure and any holes in the fence are repaired. If your yard is not secured with a fence, keep the puppy on a leash when outside.
- Working locks and latches will keep the puppy secure and prevent running away.
- Making sure all gasoline, oil, paint, lawn fertilizers, insecticides, weed killers, slug pellets and auto supplies are placed into secure containers, out of reach is vitally important. Be especially careful with antifreeze and rat poison, both of which taste good to dogs and both of which can be fatal if ingested.
- Keep all food and other garbage in securely closed containers. Used coffee grounds can contain harmful amounts of caffeine, and decomposing food may contain toxic molds. Keep compost in a secure bin.
Dangerous Plants
Many house and garden plants are potential sources of danger to dogs and puppies. Poisonous plants are deadlier to small puppies, but some plants, even in small amounts, can be toxic to dogs of any size. Some may cause vomiting or diarrhea while others may cause organ failure and death. Depending on the type of plant, either the leaves, stems, bark, roots, or fruit can be toxic.
If you think that the puppy or your own dog may have consumed a poisonous or potentially poisonous plant, get them to the vet immediately. Bring a small amount of the plant with you, including the leaf and the flower, to help with identification.
For a complete list, with additional information and photos of these plants, please check out the following links on the ASPCA website.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
The following is a list of some of the plants that can be harmful to the puppy. It is not an all-inclusive list, just some of the most common.
| Aloe Vera | Elderberry | Nightshade |
| Amaryllis | Eucalyptus | Oak Tree (buds and acorns) |
| Apple (seeds) | Ferns | Oleander |
| Apricot (pit) | Foxglove | Onion |
| Asparagus Fern | Foxtail | Peach (wilting leaves and pits) |
| Avocado | Garlic | Peony |
| Autumn Crocus | Geranium | Philodendron |
| Azalea | Gladiola | Poinsettia |
| Baby's breath | Hemlock | Poison Ivy |
| Begonia | Holly | Poison Hemlock |
| Bird of Paradise | Honeysuckle | Poison Oak |
| Black-Eyed Susan | Hyacinth | Poison Sumac |
| Black Walnut | Hydrangea | Poppy |
| Bleeding Heart | Iris | Potato (all green parts) |
| Calla Lily | Ivy | Primrose |
| Carnation | Jade Plant | Rhododendron |
| Castor Bean | Kalanchoe | Rhubarb |
| Cherry (seeds, wilting leaves, and pit) | Larkspur | Rubber Tree |
| Chives | Laurel | Shamrock Plant |
| Chrysanthemum | Lily | Spinach |
| Clematis | Lily of the Valley | Stinging Nettle |
| Corn Plant | Lobelia | St. John's Wort |
| Crocus | Lupins | Tobacco |
| Cyclamen | Marigold (Marsh Marigold) | Tomato Plant (entire plant except ripe fruit) |
| Daffodil | Marijuana | Umbrella Tree |
| Daisy | Milkweed | Wisteria |
| Delphinium | Mistletoe | Yew |
| Dieffenbachia | Morning Glory | Yukka |
| Easter Lily | Mushrooms | |
| Eggplant | Narcissus |
From this list you can see many plants that we may think of as harmless can potentially be dangerous to a puppy. When the puppy is near these or any other plants, make sure that they do not have the opportunity to ingest them. In the home, putting houseplants out of reach from the puppy, preferably in a room that the puppy does not have access to, is best. Fencing off the garden area and supervision when they are outdoors will make sure they are not eating potentially hazardous plants.
Harmful Foods
There are some "human foods" that are a definite "no-no" for the puppy or any dog. The following is not an all-inclusive list but rather some of the more common foods which can cause health problems for puppies. It is safest for the puppy to not consume any human food. Stick to the puppy food provided which is specially formulated to be safe and healthy for dogs.
| Type of Food | Health Problems Caused |
| Alcohol | Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. |
| Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine | Contain methylxanthines which, when ingested can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. |
| Citrus |
The stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants contain varying amounts of citric acid, essential oils that can cause irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression if ingested in significant amounts. Small doses, such as eating the fruit, are not likely to present problems beyond minor stomach upset. |
| Grapes / Raisins | Can cause kidney failure. |
| Macadamia Nuts |
Can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 12 to 48 hours. |
| Milk and Dairy-based products | Can cause diarrhea or other digestive upset because dogs do not possess significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. |
| Assorted Nuts |
Including almonds, pecans, and walnuts, contain high amounts of oils and fats. The fats can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis in pets. |
| Onions, Garlic, Chives | Can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Dogs are at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. |
| Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones |
Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets and humans. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin, which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract. |
| Salt and Salty Snack Foods |
Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. |
| Xylitol |
A sweetener used in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods, and toothpaste. Can cause insulin release in most species and lead to liver failure. An increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days. |
| Yeast dough |
Can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. Can be painful and cause the stomach to bloat, potentially twist becoming a life-threatening emergency. The yeast produces ethanol as a by-product and a dog ingesting raw bread dough can become intoxicated. |
Please refer to the following link on the ASPCA website for more information:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets