Before you bring that adorable new puppy into your life, it is important to make sure that your home will be a safe place for him to live and grow. Like young children, puppies are very curious about the world around them. If allowed to, they are likely to get into any mischief they can -- just for the sheer fun of discovering something new. Your puppy probably can’t wait to investigate everything within his reach. Sometimes puppies get into mischief that’s more risky than amusing, and this adventuresome spirit can spell danger, so I recommend that you "puppy-proof " your home and yard -- ideally before your new bundle of joy moves in -- by making sure that all potential poisons and dangers are out of reach. One way to do this is by walking through your home and thinking about everything from the puppy’s point of view. (It actually helps if you get down on your hands and knees to check things out!) Look for things on the floor, on low tables, or otherwise within reach. Inspect cabinets and closets that the puppy can get into. Try to prevent as many emergencies as possible. Keep in mind that whereas a human child uses hands and fingers to investigate, a puppy’s natural instinct is to use it’s mouth and teeth to explore new things. He will be tempted to bite and chew on any object he can get into his mouth, and even swallow it. Your puppy doesn’t know any better, so he is not being naughty -- he is just doing what comes naturally. Here is a few of the hazards you should be particularly aware of: *Swallow able objects - Pick up and put away any objects your puppy can reach that are small enough for him to swallow. It obviously could be bad for your puppy to get a hold of and swallow any object with sharp parts, such as a pin or razor blade. Such things could cause serious injury to his digestive tract, but even an object that is smooth, soft, or made of non- toxic material -- such as a ping- pong ball -- can be harmful if swallowed, because it can get stuck in the intestines and cause blockage. *Garbage - Household garbage is one of the most common sources of things that can make a puppy sick. Spoiled food, sharp lids and discarded toxic materials are just a few of the risks that can lurk inside. And with it’s tempting smell of food scraps, the kitchen waste can is sure to be of interest. Use one with a lid that closes securely, or put the can in an inaccessible place when your not home and "on guard." Remember that your puppy will be eager to investigate wastebaskets in other rooms of the house as well. *Medicines - Make sure that all medicines are stored above your puppy’s reach, and never leave individual pills or containers on low, accessible surfaces, even for a moment. They can be swallowed in an instant. Even gobbling down too many vitamins can make a puppy sick. *Poisons and household chemicals - See that no containers of cleansers, polishes, poisons or other dangerous chemicals have been left at puppy-level or easy-to-open cabinets(child-safety latches can help.) Some to look for are oven cleaners, floor products and waxes, bathroom cleansers, makeup items, paint removers, plant fertilizers or sprays, laundry products, insect traps or sprays, and rodent poisons. Cigarettes and felt-tip pens can be toxic, too. *Poisonous plants - Not all plants are pet friendly. Many can be harmful to your dog. Toxic indoor plants include cactus, dumb cane, mistletoe, philodendron, and poinsettia. Outdoors, keep your pup away from plants such as azalea, boxwood, cherry seeds, daffodil blooms, honeysuckle, horse chestnut, holly, lily of the valley, morning glory, rhododendron, rhubarb, skunk cabbage, tulip bulbs, and wild mushroom. Once you’ve thoroughly puppy-proofed your home, the final key to ensuring that your puppy stays safe and sound is to have a watchful eye over him. Just as you wouldn’t let a toddler wonder through the house unsupervised, keep tabs on your young puppy. Consider setting up a "safe room" for him where he can’t get into trouble during those times that you are not watching him, rather than leaving him to roam the entire house. By preparing your home ahead of time for that inquisitive, adventurous new family member, and keeping careful watch over him once he arrives, you’ll help ensure that he will grow up to be your happy , healthy companion for years to come.

puppy proof your home !