Puppies explore the world with their mouths. That turns the kitchen counter, the trash can and the garden into places to watch. Use this checklist to help keep your puppy safe.
Foods To Keep Away
Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, chives, macadamia nuts, alcohol and caffeine are all dangerous for dogs. Xylitol, a sweetener in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods and some peanut butters, is especially harmful, so check labels. Raw yeast dough, cooked bones, fatty scraps, corn cobs and fruit pits can also cause problems. When in doubt, don't share.
Plants To Watch
Sago palm, azalea, oleander, foxglove and lily of the valley are among the most dangerous garden plants for dogs. Tulip, daffodil and crocus bulbs are easy for a digging puppy to find. Houseplants like pothos and aloe can upset a dog's mouth and stomach, so keep them up high. Check new plants against a trusted pet-safe list, such as the one from the ASPCA.
Around The Yard
Wild mushrooms, moldy compost and cocoa bean mulch can make a puppy sick. Follow the label on lawn and pest products for how long to keep pets off treated areas. Walk the yard before you let your puppy out.
If Your Puppy Eats Something
Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline right away. Don't try to make your puppy vomit unless a professional tells you to. Have details ready: what your puppy ate, how much and when. Bring the package or a piece of the plant if you can.
Simple Habits That Help
Use trash cans with lids, keep food off counters and store medicine in closed cabinets. Tell family and guests which foods are off limits, and teach children never to share a bite. A few simple habits close most of the gaps.