| Dogs have been "man's best friend" for thousands | | | | * caladium |
| of years. Since dogs watch over their owners, it's | | | | * boxwood |
| only right that dog-loving humans keep their pets | | | | * holly berry |
| safe in return. And now, dogs need our extra | | | | * azaleas |
| attention morethan ever. With a little thought, you | | | | * chinaberry trees |
| can easily create a safe home for your precious | | | | * oleander |
| pups. | | | | * wisteria |
| As you know, dogs have a keen curiosity. Take a | | | | * hydrangea |
| look at your home from your puppy's perspective | | | | Other ways to protect your pup include keeping |
| and you'll likely find all sorts of interesting items to | | | | him or her safely confined to your home. |
| check out. You may not realize that dogs first | | | | Wandering dogs are more likely to be injured by |
| sniff, then mouth things to inspect them. So it's | | | | vehicles or meet up with unkind people. |
| especially important that you keep the following | | | | Make sure your yard is fenced and the fencing is |
| out of your dog's reach: | | | | tall enough and strong enough to keep your dog |
| * insect traps | | | | from roaming. Many dogs try to dig out under the |
| * phone and electric cords | | | | fence, so it's crucial you regularly check for gaps |
| * ashtrays and cigarettes | | | | around the fence perimeter. Teach everyone in |
| * open doors and windows | | | | your family to carefully close doors and keep |
| * rubber bands | | | | gates latched. |
| * housecleaning chemicals | | | | Additionally, it's important that your pet wears a |
| * candles | | | | collar with an identification tag at all times, in the |
| * Christmas tree ornaments | | | | event he or she gets lost. In fact, most cities |
| * uncovered trash cans | | | | require that all dogs wear a collar and tag. This |
| * medications | | | | way, it's more likely your dog will be returned |
| * foodstuffs like: chocolate and grapes | | | | home safely to you. You may also consider |
| * plastic bags | | | | microchipping, where a small silicone chip containing |
| * batteries | | | | your contact information is painlessly inserted |
| * anti-freeze | | | | under the dog's skin. Most animal shelters and |
| * valuable items, like jewelry, photos, and books | | | | veterinarians automatically scan lost pets in search |
| Don't forget the great outdoors when inspecting | | | | of a microchip. However, an identification tag will |
| your dog's area. Dogs, especially puppies, find | | | | be useful if your puppy is found by an average |
| plants fun playthings. They love to dig in the dirt | | | | citizen. |
| or pull branches off shrubs. Because of this, make | | | | If you reside in an area prone to natural disasters, |
| sure the plants in and around your home aren't a | | | | keep an emergency pet supply kit handy. Include |
| health risk to your dog. The following common | | | | a week's worth of food and water, as well as |
| house and garden plants are toxic to dogs: | | | | any medication your dog needs. Don't forget a |
| * English ivy | | | | photo of your pet too, in case you're separated |
| * dieffenbachia | | | | at any time. |
| * mistletoe | | | | Use these simple tips to keeping your dog safe |
| * philodendron | | | | and you and your "best friend" will enjoy many |
| * elephant ear | | | | years of fun and joy together. |