If you are planning to introduce a puppy into your home in the near future, you should be concerned about certain foods and plants that can harm your pet. Puppies are much the same as young children, in they will put everything in their mouth, so it is important to check that the environment is safe prior to bringing the puppy home.
Toxic Plants
If he is free to roam the garden, there are certain plants toxic to dogs, particularly bulbs, which include the following:
- Amaryllis Bulbs
- Azalea
- Daffodil Bulbs
- Foxgloves
- Hemlock
- Hyacinth
- Lupins
- Morning Glory
Toxic Foods
There are certain foods that should not be given to dogs, which include all of the following:
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Onions, Garlic & Chives
- Alcohol in any form
- Macadamia Nuts
Xylitol
This is an artificial sweetener that is present in many foods, and this can cause liver failure in a dog. Even small doses are considered very dangerous for dogs, so don’t go giving him any human snacks until you have checked the ingredients. Soft drinks often contain Xylitol, as do some other beverages, and large doses can actually be fatal for dogs, so be very careful about giving your dog any human type snacks.
Dairy Products
Milk and cheese can cause digestion problems for dogs, especially blue cheeses, so to be on the safe side, avoid giving your dog any dairy related products. Some people mistakenly think it is fine to give their dog a bowl of milk now and then, yet dogs do not possess very much on the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk, so to be on the safe side, avoid giving your dog milk.
Bones
Dogs and bones seem to have a real connection, yet in reality, you should avoid giving your dog bones, ad chunks can get stuck in their throat, and sharp slivers of bone can damage the intestines. There are, of course, different types of bones, hard and soft, and while soft bones might not present much of a risk, you are advised to resist the temptation to buy your dog bones from the butcher.
Pet Health Care
It is a good idea to take out some form of pet insurance for your dog, as there are many risks; aside from ingesting something harmful, your dog could be hit by a car, or suffer any kind of injury while exercising. If you search online, you will find a leading Australian pet insurer and they would have a range of policies to suit every budget.
Routine Health Care
Just like humans, dogs should have a regular check-up, and when you first bring your puppy into the home, make an initial vet appointment to have your pet chipped and registered, plus the vet will give him the vaccinations he needs. You are advised to keep your dog away from other dogs until after the vaccinations have been administered, just to be on the safe side, and with regular check-ups, the vet can monitor your dog’s growth and general health.