- Human medications are a common source of poisoning. Keep them inaccessible to puppy at all times.
- Follow your veterinarian’s guidelines for deworming, flea, tick, and other medications (including OTC and alternative products). Check labels and ask your vet first if you have any questions.
- Use caution when storing and using chemicals, cleaners, pest control products, solvents, anti-freeze, and lawn and garden products.
- Electrical cords and poisonous plants are chewing hazards. Check plants on the ASPCA site, and restrict puppy’s access to unsafe cords and appliances.
- Some common food items such as chocolate, xylitol (sweetener), and macadamia nuts can be dangerous for dogs. If in doubt about any food, do not feed it until you have verified that it is safe.
- Keep your veterinarian’s number handy. Ask your veterinarian what you should do in the case of an after-hours emergency. Keep the number for ASPCA poison control handy (888.426.4435) and contact information for any family members or neighbors who will be able to help you if you are held up and cannot get back to your puppy.
- Puppies do not typically come with door manners. Use a baby gate to block your front hallway or otherwise prevent puppy from escaping your home. This is even more critical if you do not have a fenced yard around your house, and if you live near a road.
- Keep identification tags on a well fitted buckle collar. Collar should be just snug enough that it will not pull off over puppy’s head. Regularly check fit as puppy grows. Consider micro-chipping your pet.
- Keep your puppy up to date with all recommended vaccinations. Avoid exposing your puppy to environments that might have been visited by un-vaccinated dogs.
- Ask your veterinarian about the safest options for car travel with your pet. Some options include seat belt harnesses and crates.
- Always maintain control of your puppy. Fences, leashes, long lines, crates, tethers – and above all – supervision will help keep puppy safe.
- EXTRA CREDIT: Consider taking a pet first aid class.
- EXTRA CREDIT: Consider purchasing a Pet Health Insurance plan for your puppy.
