The kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and even family room hold a world of mystery and temptation for any dog — there's always something to do. But while gnawing on the sofa cushions is a relatively harmless canine pursuit — despite the sure scolding from his human companions — chewing on or otherwise investigating other household objects may prove to be deadly.
Kitchen Hazards:
- Sharp cooking and cleaning utensils
- Poisonous detergents
- Sharp aluminum cans
- Choking and suffocation hazards such as discarded chicken bones and plastic bags
- Shattered glass or dish
Tips:
- Lock cabinets where plastic bags and detergents are stored.
- Keep cutlery and dishes away from a dog's access.
- Hide garbage bags out of sight.
- Be vigilant about cleaning up messes.
- Teach your dog to keep out of the kitchen — or any room — at your command to allow you the time to clean up breakages and spills.
Family Room, Dining Room and Bedroom Hazards:
- All hold the allure — and the danger — of loose electrical, curtain and blind cords.
Tips:
- Anything that should be kept from a child's hands should also be bundled, stored or tied beyond a dog's access.
- Use cayenne pepper spray or any bitter tasting or foul-smelling repellent available at pet stores to make certain areas less than tempting for your dog (to train him to stay off couches and beds).
- Use a nylon chew toy or wet, knotted towel left overnight in the freezer to provide soothing relief for a teething puppy.
- Never buy toys and treats in the shape of shoes or clothes.
- Don't use old clothes or shoes as toys.
- Use latex, nylon, hard plastic and rawhide chew toys and bones.
Bathroom Hazards:
- Medications
- Air fresheners
- Personal-care products
- Open toilet seat
Tips:
- Keep all medications, air fresheners and personal-care products out of a dog's way.
- Keep the lid down on the toilet when you aren't around (smaller dogs may fall in). Also, most toilet tank fresheners are poisonous, so remove them, find a pet-friendly product or keep the lid closed altogether.
Garage Hazards:
- Paint
- Chemicals
- Motor oil
- Sharp tools
