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