Dachshund Pet-Friendly And Safety Tips
Parents of small children have had to ride the long hard road to childproofing, and pet parents need to follow the same road. Pets run the risk of all types of injuries in a home fraught with the same dangers posed to little people. Stories of pets falling in cleaning buckets full of water, chewing apart beds made from unsafe materials and choking on the foam have been reported. There are also been reports of small dogs being blown into pools on windy days and drowning as a result. Here are the top 15 things that make your home pet-friendly and pet safe.
1-Safe Bedding. Cheaply made bedding will often be manufactured with foam. Foam is comfortable for sleeping, but can be a tempting chew toy to dogs. Foam will expand in the stomach and that is extremely dangerous. This can result in an obstruction that will require surgery. A bed made from cedar chips will make the bed less attractive to chew, has a washable cover, and is naturally flea repellent.
2-Safety Den. Crates can be stressful for people, but for dogs they provide a safe space. When planning your doggy den, choose a spot away from too much sun and heat, and cold exposure. You can use a crate, a cabinet, or a space under a desk. The dog must be able to stand up and turn around in the space. Cushion it with a bed, blankets, and make sure they have access to water. If you choose a cabinet or a partially open area, such as under a desk or table, use curtains or table clothes to make a fabric door for your dog. Decor does not have suffer for function. If using a crate, you can leave the door of the crate open and you will find that when your dog is having a moment, he will voluntarily retreat to his den.
3-Toy Tote. Dogs have the tendency to chew anything around the house. Keeping things out of the way of a dog is the human’s job, not the dog’s job. If you do not want your dog to chew your new shoes, then make sure you put them away and close the closet door. Another way to keep your dog focused on his own toys is to give him his own toy tote. Place all the dogs things in the tote and when he wants something, he knows where to go to find his own toys.
Source: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/doggie-pet-toy-chest/?Kenshoo=eda7f438-d3c9-453e-8457-
4-Breakable Barriers. If you have breakables, make sure they are out of reach of your dog. Coffee tables, end tables, and bedside tables should be free from things that are important or valuable.
Source: https://www.rover.com/dog-proofing-your-home/
5-No Bleach. Bleach is a fantastic cleaner, but can be absorbed through your dog’s paws if you use it to clean the floor. Use vinegar and water to wash floors. It is safe and cleans well.
Source: http://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/can-bleach-hurt-puppy-5696.html
6-Airtight Food. Open dog food bags are just asking for bugs to come for a visit. Store all food and snacks in airtight containers. Keep the containers indoors. Raccoons have been known to unscrew tops of food storage containers.
7-Skid Proofing. A dog sliding across the floor is pretty funny in commercials, but the truth is that it can be quite dangerous. Puppies are fairly resilient, but can still injure themselves when they slip. For older dogs, it can be a disastrous event. Use skid proofing material under your area rugs. It can be cut to size to fit under any rug.
Source: http://thepuddleaquafitness.com/slip-proof-your-floors-prevent-injury-to-your-dog/
8-Walk Ready. Getting a dog hyped for a walk is adorable. They get excited and happy as you quickly find out that your dog is smart enough to spell! Well, they can not actually spell, but they can read body language and grasp timbre in your voice. When they are bouncing around, getting worked-up, you find you have to search for the leash, the baggies, and the keys. This leads to stress and frustration on everyone’s part. Keep everything all in one spot. You can use a basket or a hooks on a wall.
9-Food Safety. You are probably assuming we are going to advise you here about what kind of food to buy. This assumption would be incorrect. We mean food bowl safety. Most people have had that late night trip over the dog bowls. It can be very unsafe, especially if the water spills and you risk a second slip.
Use bowls with rubber bottom and make sure you find a bit if an under space for your bowls. If possible, have a built-in feeding station installed.
10-Cut Cords, Cords pose as much of a risk to pets as they do to small children. They can wrap cords around their necks if they are given the opportunity.
Wrap or cut the cords to blinds and drapes.
Source: https://www.blindschalet.com/kba-window-blinds-safety-tips-for-kids-236.html
11-Perch Perfect. Pets like to perch. Windows are a favorite spot, but are dangerous if not properly secured. Make sure you have sturdy screens and bars on windows. If you live above a first level, use screen guards or bars to prevents leaps. Source: https://www.rover.com/dog-proofing-your-home/
12-Seat Safety. A toilet lock is a lifesaver for kids and pets. Never underestimate the value of a toilet lid lock. Reports of pets and children drowning in toilets are true and very real.
13-Keep Closed. An open washer or dryer front is a tempting spot for dogs. They are interesting. They are warm. They smell like you! Keep the doors to all appliances closed at all times when you have pets.
Source: http://blog.designerappliances.com/kitchen-safety-for-pets/
14-Plant Patrol. There are hundreds of gorgeous and aromatic plants and flowers that can kill your dog. Please visit the ASPCA site for the complete list.
Source: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
15-Always Up. There is a hard and fast rule when it comes to having pets – always up! If your dogs can get at it, whether it be chemicals, medicine, or make-up, keep it out of reach of your pet. If you leave it in sight and smell, it is a risk to your pet.
Source: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/14_1/features/Dogs-Grabbing-Belongings_20161-1.html
Following these easy tips will help things run smoothly in your pet loving home. Making things less stressful is best for pets and parents.
