Fever pets

Watch Out For These Common Household Items That Can Kill Your Dog
By Douglas Hanna

Just as you child-proof your home before the new baby begins to walk, you have to consider the fact that a new dog will go after just about anything in the house. Here are some common household items that are poisonous to dogs.

* Prescription medications that that should be kept out of the reach of dogs: Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, aspirin, cough and cold syrups.

* Indoor plants can be very dangerous for dogs and should only be kept on a counter high enough that the a dog cannot reach them. If you have a large dog, you may want to get rid of these plants altogether. Plants that can cause harm to dogs are tulip bulbs, poinsettias, philodendrons, daffodils, lily of the valley, and azaleas.

* Foods: Dogs have a way of getting into cabinets where you store the "good stuff." Foods that are dangerous to dogs: chocolate, yeast, grapes, onions, and raisins.

* Insecticides: These kept in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf in the garage and not in the home: rat poison, flea and tick products, and other insecticides.

* Cleaners: If you keep these under the kitchen sink, be sure to dog-proof the cabinet. This will make sure these items cannot be taken out by your dog: bleach, detergent, furniture polish, soap, and disinfectants.

* Chemicals: These include lighter fluid, turpentine, antifreeze, gasoline, glue, paint, solvents, and any type of acids.

* Tobacco: Try to avoid leaving out a pack of cigarettes that can be easily eaten by your dog.

* Household Hazards: Ensure that there are all the electrical outlets in your home are covered. No extension cords should be in a placed where dogs can chew on them. All electrical appliances should be turned off or unplugged.

* Small collectible items that you have showcased in your home should be transferred to the top of an open bookshelf or an enclosed glass closet.

* Ensure that no bathroom items are left out on the sink or counter. If you have a cabinet under the bathroom sink, make sure it has a safety lock as well.

I am curious dog

Dogs are a curious animals and are inherently prone to forage for food or other items they consider to be chewable toys. Think of your dog as another child. As dedicated as you are to child-proofing your home, you should be just as careful about dog-proofing it. This way, there is little or no chance of an accident happening when you are not home or when you are fast asleep.

For puppies, a good recommendation is to keep them in a kennel during the night so that they can sleep peacefully and not roam around the house.

Err on the side of caution

However, always err on the side of caution. A simple test would be to get down on your hands and knees and go through your entire home. This test has been used by those who wish to child-proof their homes. It is a sound idea for dogs as well.