10 Tips to Keep Your Puppy Safe

You absolutely adore your puppy, even if they drive you batty every once in a while when they have an accident or chew on something they shouldn’t. Hey nobody’s perfect.

You want only the very best for your canine companion, and this means you’ll want to keep them as safe as possible, am I right?

Puppies tend to get themselves into trouble regularly as they go about their daily exploration and investigation of the world around them. It’s our job as their owner to watch out for them just like we would a human child.

Here are the Top 10 Tips to Keep Your Puppy Safe:

Keep your pup on a leash: When you’re out walking, it’s best to keep your puppy on a leash. They will be tempted to explore and may run off. You can’t protect your puppy from other dogs if your puppy is loose. The leash is the best tool to use to ensure your puppy stays close to you, doesn’t eat things they aren’t supposed to, and won’t be able to run away or get hit by a car. If your puppy is a puller…we've got a fix for that!

Avoid toxic plants & foods: Many common garden plants and foods can be highly toxic to dogs. Keep your pup away from these plants and foods to avoid sickness and even death. Some common plants that are toxic for dogs are Hyacinth and Daffodils as well as Bleeding Heart and Elephant Ear. Foods that your dog should never have include: grapes, onions, avocado, chocolate, and coffee. For a full list of plants and foods, your dog should avoid click here.

Use a crate when you’re away: Keeping your puppy in a crate when you can’t supervise them is like putting a baby in a pack n play or a crib. This is the best place to keep them so they don’t get into something they shouldn’t like the garbage or chew on electrical cords. The crate is never used as a punishment but can be one of your pup’s favorite places to go if they are properly trained. For the best crate training tips check out: 5 Puppy Crate Training Tips and Tricks.

Provide the right toys: Your puppy, like many puppies, will want to explore the world with their mouth, they will go through the teething stage between 3-6 months and their gums will be sore. Make sure you have the right toys on hand, that won't harm your puppy. Toys that can easily be pulled apart or eaten should be avoided. Stuffing can accidentally be ingested and cause severe damage to the intestines. Nylabones®, Kongs® filled with frozen treats, and canine puzzle toys (without small pieces), like a Kong Wobbler® are great toys to keep your pup entertained.

Teach Your puppy the “leave it” command: Your puppy is going to want to investigate just about everything and anything they can get near and some of the things are going to be downright dangerous for your pup. Make sure to start teaching the “leave it” command as early as possible as this is going to be a command you use often and for the rest of your puppy's life.

Work on a reliable recall: One of the most important safety commands is “come.” Your puppy should learn a reliable recall as soon as possible. This command can be one of the hardest to master unless you start early and practice often. You’ll want to be able to call your dog away from a danger which may include running towards the road, another off-leash dog or a wild animal loose in your yard like a skunk or porcupine. For tips on teaching your puppy a reliable recall click here.

Take your pup to vet: Your puppy needs routine vaccinations to keep them healthy. If you suspect your puppy is ill or injured, do not rely on the opinions of friends, family or social media to diagnose your puppy. When in doubt, immediately make a vet appointment to have your pup looked at. This could save you time, money, and heartache!

Use flea and tick preventatives: Fleas and ticks can wreak havoc on your puppy’s health. An infestation of fleas can leave your puppy weak, while ticks can transmit Lyme Disease. Use a monthly flea and tick preventative to keep the creepy crawlies away!

Avoid stagnant water: Stagnant water can harbor tons of bacteria that can make your pup very sick. These pools of water are also a breeding ground for mosquitos which can carry the parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis also known as heartworm.

Train your puppy: The best way to keep your puppy safe is with proper training. You can teach your puppy manners, great listening skills, and behaviors that will keep them safe while walking next to you and away from dangerous things they want to eat.

In the comments below tell me how you keep your puppy safe. Do you have anything to add to this list?