Dogs rarely make national news, despite the fact that more than 62 million American households count them as pets. Two of President Biden’s German Shepherds grabbed headlines when they repeatedly bit Secret Service agents after moving to the White House. More recently, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem made news for a story in her just-published memoir about shooting her 14-month old hunting dog. She has taken weeks’ worth of criticism for that revelation, given the elevated status dogs often get as beloved family members by many “pet parents,” (as dog owners sometimes call themselves).
It’s worth asking yourself whether you are unintentionally endangering your own “fur babies” through unsafe home environments. This week, wellness design is going to the dogs – especially the younger ones. I reached out to a range of experts to bring you the latest guidance to help your pups age safely, healthfully and happily. Wellness design, after all, includes safety and security, along with health, comfort and joy, in its description.
Common Hazards
1/ Dr. Gary Weitzman, veterinarian CEO of the San Diego Humane Society, observes that pets are always eating things they shouldn’t. “Lock chemicals and medications away in cabinets, remove dangerous plants and flowers from your home and yard, keep trash cans secured with lids or stowed under cabinets, [and] don’t leave household or automobile fluids lying around.” He adds that “Toxins found in the home include alcohol, antifreeze, batteries, flea and tick medications (if not used as directed), insecticide, snail bait, marijuana, medications (over the counter and prescription medications) and cleaning products — especially bleach.” These can all be secured from curious pets in locked or high cabinets.
2/ Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer with pet care platform Rover, points out that kitchens and bathrooms tend to be the least safe rooms for pets, given the presence of numerous dangerous items found there, such as cleaning supplies, medications, and other chemicals. "Whether you're bringing home a new pet to add to the family or taking on the responsibility of looking after someone else's beloved pet, it's critical that you ensure your home and yard is ‘pet-proofed.’ These are two rooms where dog proofing is imperative,” she stresses. “Place items such as cleaning supplies, medication, and laundry soaps on high shelves. Keep all food out of reach of your pet, keep trash cans securely covered so that pets cannot get into garbage, consider installing child proof latches on cabinets, as some pets are quite clever. It's also not a bad idea to keep the toilet lid down to prevent pets from potentially drinking harmful chemicals.”
3/ Dr. Laurie Coger, Albany, New York-based veterinarian and founder of the Healthy Dog Workshop, warns of electrical dangers for unsupervised puppies prone to chewing on a range of items. “Electrical cords pose a shock risk,” she cautions. “Especially in the case of younger puppies, be sure they are confined in a secure area (crate or pen) if you are not directly supervising them.”
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(“Keep dangling wires from televisions, lamps, stereos, and other items out of reach of pets,” Ellis adds.)
4/ “Pest control products – rodent baits and similar products – are designed to be very appealing, and many puppies will find them even if you think they are well hidden,” Coger cautions. “Avoid using any baits that need to be ingested. Traps that require the rodent to enter a box-like device are likely safer.”
Outdoor Hazards
5/ “The most important safety feature in a yard is to have a secure fence that’s the appropriate height for your dog,” Weitzman shares. Is yours appropriate for your current pet’s size and agility?
6/ “Take a perimeter walk and ensure your fence doesn't have any holes or spaces where your pet might be able to squeeze through. Ensure there aren't items like patio furniture near the fence that a dog could climb and jump over the fence,” Ellis adds.
7/ Dog trainer Frank Bonomo, who works with clients in New York, Virginia and Florida, points to a vulnerability in pet enclosures: “Landscapers and kids are famous for leaving backyard gates open. Many dogs escape yards this way, often with tragic results,” he recalls, suggesting, “Install a self-closing gate spring and latch to keep your dogs safe in the yard.”
8/ For pets that are habitual runners, “If you can, dig a trench around the fence line and fill it with concrete. If you’re unable to do so, you can use bricks or large rocks to block off the dirt directly below the fence. We know it sounds extreme, but if a dog gets determined to run off, having barriers in place will help you keep them safe at home," Ellis advises.
9/ Water safety is another concern, Weitzman adds. “Some dogs love the water, and if you have a pool, hot tub or fountain, you’ll want to have safety features so that your pup does not fall in or drink the water.”
10/ Weather elements pose a risk to dogs, the Humane Society CEO notes. Never leave your dog outside for long periods of time unattended. When they are, “They need plenty of protection from heat, sun, rain, wind and cold,” he advises. “A doghouse or covered area can provide good protection. And don’t forget their food and water!”
11/ “Many cable, internet and phone companies run wires outside. Yet when puppy proofing the house, people tend to focus on interior wires without checking whether the dog might have access to exterior wires that could present a hazard,” observes Janice Costa, Long Island, New York-based owner of dog vacation company Canine Camp Getaway and a canine CPR instructor. “Before giving your dog access to the yard, scan your house for any exposed wires that might pose chewing temptations – and if you're changing Internet companies, ask them to run any needed wires at a height that's out of your dog's reach,” she adds.
12/ Costa also suggests that homeowners check under their decks for hazards. “For young dogs, under the deck can be a fun place to explore or dig, seek shade or play hide and seek. Unfortunately, other critters also find the area appealing, and when cornered by an exuberant dog, injuries can occur. If you're not sure what's under your deck, consider blocking it off with chicken wire to restrict access.”
Less Common Hazards
13/ Access to cannabis products has proven dangerous to dogs, Coger reveals. “We are seeing more dogs with marijuana toxicity,” the veterinarian comments, advising, “Store all products behind secure cabinet doors, especially edibles. If someone is smoking outdoors, be sure they dispose of all butts is a safe place. If just thrown on the ground, dogs will find and ingest them. If your puppy/dog should ingest any product, seek veterinary care immediately and be honest about the exposure.”
14/ Keeping your clothing safe can risk your pets’ safety, Weitzman cautions. “Mothballs can be toxic, causing serious illness or death if inhaled or swallowed. Mothballs that contain naphthalene are especially dangerous.” Keep closets, drawers, bins, trunks and chests with these products closed.
15/ “That lovely, fringed throw you keep on your couch may seem innocuous enough, but those dangling strings can be irresistible to your dog – and strings, when swallowed, can wrap around the intestines, leading to expensive surgery or even death,” Costa warns. “Until your dog is a bit older, remove anything with dangling fringe or strings.”
16/ “Essential oil diffusers and scented plug ins are often toxic or even fatal to your four-legged friend,” Costa adds. “Never use these without checking to be sure they are pet safe.”
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Author’s Note: All interviews were conducted by email within the last week.
