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How to Puppy Proof Your Home

Posted by Clare Bristow | Leave a Comment

Puppies are naturally very inquisitive and, combined with a huge amount of energy, can get themselves into trouble and/or cause a great deal of destruction in a very short space of time.

To keep your puppy safe, and help you retain your sanity in the first few weeks after you bring him home, it pays to spend some time 'puppy proofing' your home prior to his arrival.

It doesn't take too long to do and the best way to do it is by looking at your house through the eyes of a puppy. Try getting low down on the floor and looking around you, pretend you are in the house for the first time - you'll notice lots of interesting things to investigate, and many could cause serious injury, or prove fatal, if your puppy gets hold of them and starts chewing.

Here is a list of some of the common indoor hazards your puppy could encounter on a daily basis and many of them apply to a dog of any age:

• Check to see if you have any houseplants that are known to be toxic to dogs; if you do, either replace them or put them somewhere where your puppy either can't reach them or pull them down from the place you've put them.
  Some of the more common poisonous plants are azalea, lilies, ivy and begonias;
• Electrical cords can prove fatal if they are chewed - run any visible cables under the carpet, tidy up and conceal surplus wire behind furniture where possible and consider using plastic cable covers or plastic tubing to cover any exposed cables;
• Small objects left lying around can cause all sorts of problems such as choking, poisoning and intestinal blockages - children's Lego, sewing kits, yarn, pencils, pens, items of clothing are all items you need to be aware of and tidy away;
• Many medications, cleaning products, human food and tobacco products can be toxic to dogs. Keep medicines and cleaning products shut away in cupboards or on high shelves. Ensure food and tobacco products (cigarettes, tobacco, nicotine patches and gum) are also well out of reach. Do not underestimate your puppy's ability to jump up and take things off low tables and shelves;
• All types of fires can be dangerous, so fence your puppy off from them with a baby gate or fire guard;
• Trash cans are another potential hazard and I suggest you either put them in a cupboard or buy a strong fitting lid for them. I had to brick on top of my trash can to stop Zoe rummaging around in there! and
• Keep toilet lids down and don't leave bathtubs and sinks full of water - all are potential drowning hazards for your dog.

More generally, when inside with your puppy:

• Do not leave leave your puppy in a room un-supervized; if your attention is needed elsewhere, it's a good idea to put him in a small playpen with a few safe toys to play with;
• When he's in a room with you, keep windows and doors shut, or closed off with a screen or gate, so he can't wander off and get himself into trouble in another room of the house or outside;
• Close off stairwells, porches and raised decks with a screen or gates.

I still keep most of the items listed above out of the way of Fritz and Zoe because it's become a habit - the house looks a great deal tidier too!

A huge dollop of cuteness for a Sunday!

Posted by Clare Bristow | Leave a Comment

When Zoe was a puppy I spent hours at a time watching her play; it really is fascinating and fun to watch puppies explore and play.

Just look at the adorable Golden Retriever puppies in this dog video having fun with a passion fruit - I hope you enjoy the video.

How to be Your Vet's Best Friend

Posted by Clare Bristow | Leave a Comment

Yesterday I talked about how to choose a vet for your dog and the importance of finding one with whom you can build a good relationship.

As we all know, a good relationship is a two way process and yesterday's post set out what to look for in a veterinary practice. What about our side of the relationship, how can we be a good client for our chosen vet? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Remember to keep appointments and be punctual. For the safety of your dog and other people and animals at the clinic, make sure your dog is on a leash or in a carrier when you take him to the vet;
2. Consistently schedule appointments for vaccinations, annual medicals and dental checkups;
3. If your vet gives your dog medication or a care regime to follow, make sure you follow through on the instructions;
4. Learn what your dog's 'normal' condition is by undertaking [tag]routine examinations[/tag] at home. By doing this you'll be able to spot signs of illness in it's early stages.
   Leaving easily treatable illnesses until they become difficult to successfully treat or are life threatening is distressing for you, your dog and your vet;
5. If your does develop symptoms of an illness, or needs emergency treatment, provide as much information to your vet as is possible - examples are any changes to diet and exercise prior to the symptoms showing, if your dog is vomiting, what you think he may have ingested and a sample of the product if possible. This type of information will help your vet make a quick and accurate diagnosis;
6. It's unfair to expect your vet to make a diagnosis or suggest a treatment plan over the telephone and don't disturb him outside the clinic's opening hours on matters that can wait until the next day;
7. If you want to discuss a medical issue outside surgery hours, then emergency clinics provide an excellent service. If you do use one, be sure to inform your vet next time you visit him. The emergency clinic should forward details of your appointment to your vet, but it also helps if you explain in your own words what the emergency was and how it was treated; and
8. If you don't understand what your vet is saying to you whether it's discussing a treatment plan or explaining your dog's medical condition, then say so, otherwise your vet will assume you do understand.

You want the relationship you have with your vet to last many years because he will become an important ally in keeping your dog fit and healthy. The more you can help your vet, the more you are helping you dog and your purse - early diagnosis is always cheaper to treat!

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