HOW TO PUPPY AND KITTEN PROOF YOUR HOUSE
Kittens
and puppies are naturally inquisitive, which can often lead to serious injury.
Here are some tips on how you can make your house safer for the new arrival.
That's Shocking
Young
animals love to chew when they're teething. Keep electrical wires out of reach,
or use a pet-repellent spray.
They'd die for
some chocolate
Chocolate can be dangerous. It contains theobromine, a powerful
stimulant that is toxic to pets. Sweets, cakes and cookies can also upset a
young animal's G.I. tract and lead to diarrhea and, vomiting, which can be serious.
Treats can be
threats
Never give turkey, chicken or rib bones as a treat. They can splinter
and cause serious injury.
Common household
killers
Cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaner,
oven cleaner, paint, gasoline, rat poison. Keep them locked up.
Check the antifreeze
Pets
are attracted to the odor and sweet taste of antifreeze. Store it high and tightly
sealed, wiping up any spills on the garage floor. Window-washing solution also
contains anti-freeze. And remember, engine warmth promotes cat naps, so honk
your horn to wake pets under the hood.
Killer house
plants
Posonous plants include lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant
ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander,
boxwood, Jerusalem Cherry and plant bulbs. (see Poisonous Plants on our Links page)
Keep off the
grass
If you treat your lawn with chemicals, keep pets away. Read and follow
label directions carefully.
It fit yesterday
Puppies
and kittens grow rapidly. Collars and harnesses can be rapidly outgrown, leading
to serious wounds.
Take care of
personal care items, and medications
Cosmetics, shampoos, skin creams, hair
"perm" solutions, depilatories, suntan lotions, sleeping pills, antihistamines,
aspirin and acetaminophen can all be lethal to pets.
It's not a toy
Don't
leave plastic bags out. Inquisitive young animals, especially kittens, can suffocate.
The heat is
on
Watch out for hot irons, coffee pots and space heaters. Kittens and puppies
will suddenly be able to jump to new heights.
A dip tip
Keep
covers on hot tubs and swimming pools. Kittens and even young puppies can fall
in and not be able to get out.
'Tis the season
Keep
holly, pointsettia, mistletoe and especially Christmas tinsel out of reach.
Do you eat with
that mouth
Rule of thumb: if any or all of something will fit in a mouth,
it's dangerous. Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, sewing
needles, thread, ribbons and yes, even pantyhose. Because what goes in must
come out, often via surgery.
Cozy up
Always
use a fireplace screen.
These household safety tips were provided by Zoetis Animal Health