Before you bring your new puppy home....
Use this checklist when dog or puppy proofing you home:
Before bringing your puppy home, you'll need to "puppy proof" your house. Puppies are like
babies: they want to explore every corner of your house, and they want to put everything into their
mouths.


Poisonous household items:

Make sure all poisonous household items are securely stored out of the puppy's reach.
Place all household cleaners, insecticides, fertilizers, mothballs, antifreeze, insect poisons, rat
poisons and other items in cabinets or on high shelves. Remember, as your new puppy grows, he
will be able to explore higher places and be tempted to jump up on shelves.


Check your plants:

Many plants in and around your house can be harmful to your pup. Did you know that the pits of
apricots and peaches, as well as spinach and tomato vines, can make your puppy sick and, in
large dosages, can even be fatal. For a more complete list of plants that are dangerous to dogs,
consult your veterinarian.
CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF TOXIC & NON-TOXIC PLANTS

Take a Puppy's-Eye View:

Get down on all fours and look around. Are there any dangling electric cords, loose nails, plastic
bags or other tempting objects that will be in puppy's reach? If there are, be sure to put them away
immediately.


Keep your toilet lid down:

Puppies are often tempted to play in toilet bowl water. This can be a hard habit to break and toilet
cleanser may be harmful if swallowed.

Click Here to get all the dog facts!
Use this checklist when dog or puppy proofing you home:
  • * Remove poisonous plants in the house and yard or keep them safely out of reach.

  • Install childproof locks on doors where cleaning supplies, pesticides and other chemicals are kept.
    Store all toxins up high, where your dog can’t reach them

  • Invest in indoor and outdoor trash cans with secure lids or keep trash where your dog can’t get into it.

  • Pick up small objects that could be choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages, including loose
    change, paperclips, rubber bands, and dental floss. UNDER GARMENTS CAN BE EXTREMELY
    DANGEROUS TO YOUR NEW PUPPY OR A DOG AT ANY AGE. Be careful and watch where you put
    these items.

  • Cover electrical cords with rugs or plastic cord guards or tape them to baseboards to keep dogs from
    chewing them. Use outlet plugs on open outlets

  • Secure or move lamps, statues, and other breakable objects placed on unstable tables or bases. A
    frisky dog could easily knock these items over.

  • Make sure screens are secure on low windows. Install springs on screen doors and gates so that they
    can’t be left open.

  • Use tall baby gates to block stairs and access to other areas you don’t want your dog to venture.

  • In the yard, fix fence holes and gaps; remove chocking hazards, dangerous plants, and other toxic
    substances.

  • Clean driveway and garage floors to remove any antifreeze or other car drippings.

  • Fence or cover hot tubs, swimming pools, deep fountains, and ponds.
Some Additional Tips:

•Never leave your puppy unsupervised inside or outside, and keep him off balconies, upper porches
and high decks where he can slip through openings and fall.

• Unplug, remove or cover any electrical cords in your puppy's confinement area. It is also a good idea
to cover electrical outlets, when they are not in use.

• Keep buttons, string, sewing needles, pins and other sharp objects out of your puppy's reach.

• Tying ribbons around your puppy's neck could choke him if the ribbon gets caught on a fence or other
object.

• A good rule to follow is that anything that is not safe for children is not safe for pets.

Want more tips? Go to ASPCA.ORG or click here
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**Most importantly, just have fun and enjoy the
wonderful experience of having a brand new,
loving Cocker Spaniel puppy!**
Copyright ©2010~ Ritz Cockers, Crystal Lake, Illinois. All Rights Reserved
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