Puppy Hazards

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Puppies are cute and lovable but they can get into all kinds of trouble. Their inquisitive nature frequently puts them in harm's way unless they are carefully watched. Everything is new and exciting to a puppy, but not everything is safe, and as puppies explore their world, hazards abound. Here is a list of some common hazards with links to more in-depth information.

Puppies tend to explore their world with their mouths. Exposed electric cords can be quite tempting, and chewing through these cords can result in serious, even fatal, injury.

Puppies don't understand that the safe play area ends at the street. With their rambunctious enthusiastic nature, puppies can run into the road. It is important to restrain your puppy to avoid automobile injuries.

Anyone who has ever owned a puppy will agree that they always seem to be getting into things.

Ingesting table scraps, trash, foreign objects or toxins can all result in illness. Other popular items include fishhooks, human medications and plants. Common toxins are also a danger and can poison your pet, including ethylene glycol and rodenticide.

Although you may think your puppy is adorable, other animals may not agree. Puppies have not learned how to tell a friend from a foe and this can lead to some animal attacks and bite wounds.

Children and puppies have many things in common, one of which is their interest in reptiles and bugs. In certain parts of the United States, some toads are toxic and ingesting them can lead to illness. Various species of snakes are venomous and even a couple of spider species can cause serious sickness. Click here to learn about pit vipers or coral snakes. Also, you can learn about black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders.

Swimming pools are another source of potential tragedy. Drinking chlorinated waterFresh Flow Pet Fountain
Pets are naturally attracted to fresh flowing water. This unique silent fountain won’t scare your pet when drinking from bowl or ramp. Ultra Qui... can make your puppy ill and some puppies have drowned in pools.

Lawn and garden supplies must be kept secured from your puppy's curious nature. Many products used to keep the yard beautiful can poison your pet.

Insecticides are very dangerous and exposure can cause significant illness. If you use insecticides such as organophosphates or carbamates, be very careful to keep them safely locked away from your puppy.

And lastly, at holiday time, special holiday hazards abound. Make sure the holidays stay joyous and keep your puppy away from all the potential dangers.