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 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