Tips for making your home safe for pets

This article is reprinted from Wine Country Real Estate, a special advertising section of The Press Democrat.

Most parents have vivid memories of crawling around the house ahead of their newly mobile baby, making sure there are no hidden landmines that may harm an inquisitive child. What some of us don't realize is that we have to do the same child-proofing when we bring home a new puppy. They're as inquisitive as children and they're better jumpers. Even though we are focusing on puppies in this article, much of the information applies to cats as well.

While babies are attracted by interesting shapes and colors, puppies are also drawn to delicious smells. Garbage, dirty laundry, and the kitty litter box are all wonderfully aromatic to a puppy.

It's well known that puppies love to chew. Some breeds love to chew all their lives. Never mind the proverbial slippers. Be concerned about your wallet, cell phone, and prized heirlooms. Is nothing sacred? No, not to a puppy.

There are two areas of concern: The things pup can harm and the things that can harm him. As with a baby, you'll go room by room, checking low cabinets for dangerous cleaning supplies. Will they spill if knocked over? Are there drips running down the side that pup might lick? Is the toilet lid always down? The toilet is a drowning hazard and may also contain harmful chemicals.

Chocolate Cravings

Eating chocolate can actually kill a puppy. At holiday times—and year-round if you are a family of chocolate lovers—make sure the treats are kept safely out of reach and in secure containers.

Toxic Plants

While plants beautify our homes and enrich our lives, some are poisonous to small animals. Popular lily plants are highly toxic to pets. All parts of these plants are considered poisonous, so even if a puppy just chews on some leaves, he can be poisoned. Even if pup doesn't eat the offending plant, licking his paws after playing with the plant can result in poisoning.

Mistletoe can kill a puppy who eats one or two berries. Even if it is hung in an inaccessible place, can you be sure a berry won't fall off the plant and tempt your vulnerable pet? Poinsettias are known to be harmful, but the danger with it is milder than with lilies or mistletoe. Best to research any plants you have or plan to get, especially at the holidays.

Even with 'safe' plants, the danger is more to the plant and your carpeting. Many puppies have been known to dig in the nice soft dirt, spreading it all over, and paw at the plant until it's in shreds. (This is a favorite cat activity, too.) It's best to remove the temptation completely by using hanging baskets or placing plants in truly inaccessible spots.

Mending Fences

Fences are essential if you let pup play in the yard, but the fence itself can be a hazard. Puppies can squeeze through remarkably small openings and be vulnerable to traffic and other dangers.

Watch Those Cords

Puppies think electrical cords must be clever new chew toys. They can get shocked when they chew through the protective covering. CPR may not work in such cases, but it's good to know for all the situations in which it will help. Best to avoid the problem by using baby gates for some rooms or areas. Fortunately, as clever as dogs can be in getting into mischief, people are cleverer when they are proactive. Cords on blinds and drapes are also appealing to pups, and dogs have been known to get strangled by these cords.

Garden Chemicals

There are many reasons to avoid using chemicals in your yard, and the health of your pet is one. Rose-protecting chemicals are especially harmful, as is snail bait. Look up whatever you plan to use, so you don't put your pet at risk.

Swimming Pools

Dogs have been known to drown in backyard pools, so be sure to invest in an alarm on the door leading to the pool area. If you rely on a fence, make sure it's one your dog can't jump over or squeeze through.

Doggie CPR

If you're fortunate to be home when an accident happens, you may find that quick action can save your pet. If you have a new pup or are about to get one, invest in a CPR class especially for dogs. When the accident is happening, you may not have the time to go online and look it up. Or the accident could happen away from home.

You didn't realize that pet ownership was so strewn with landmines, did you? Many people say, 'We never used to worry about all these things.' True. We never used to worry about seat belts or child car seats, either. And some of the time, some of us were lucky. But not always.