Puppy and Kitten Safety Tips!

With spring right around the corner, some of our readers (or their friends/family) will be bringing home a new puppy or kitten. While this is an exciting time, full of frisking and hilarious antics, it is also a dangerous time for the new baby. Please take inventory of your home and yard to be sure it is a safe environment for the new, innocent ones.

Many hazards exist inside your home for both puppies and kittens. Keeping the bathroom safe by moving cleansers and other toxic containers up out of reach, and closing the toilet lid, are easy measures. Little ones love to nap in piles of laundry and can easily be put in the washer along with clothes or bedding. Keep the washer/dryer doors closed.

Electrical cords, phone cords, computer wires – all pose threats to the new addition and should be wrapped or hidden to prevent electrocution.

Curtain and blind cords can entangle a neck or leg, and houseplants and cut flowers of many varieties are extremely poisonous to both cats and dogs. Plastic bags, some human foods, and medicines can also be deadly.

Fireplaces and wood stoves should not be left burning unattended and windows and screens should be secure. Small objects common to all homes can be swallowed by the curious little one so check for jewelry, rubber bands, paper clips and coins, and toys with small parts. These can cause serious blockages.

For puppies, be sure the outside areas are safe and secure, without gaps a puppy can squeeze through. Check for any hazards in the play area, such a loose wire. Finally, be careful going in and out doors, the puppy or kitten could be caught in the door, and when doors are left open with screen doors, sudden breezes can blow them shut on a tiny body. Use door stops.

Feed an appropriate puppy or kitten food and remember, many human foods are toxic or dangerous to animals. Cooked bones, too much fat, grapes, and chocolate are just a few of these. Lastly, once you know your home is safe for the new family member, just enjoy them and love them. They won’t be babies very long!