How to Puppy and Kitten Proof
Your Home

Kittens and puppies are naturally inquisitive, which can often lead to serious injury. Here are some tips on how you can make your house safer for the new arrival.

That's shocking - Young animals love to chew when they're teething. Keep electrical wires out of reach or use a pet-repellent spray.

They'd die for some chocolate - Chocolate can be dangerous. It contains theobromine, a powerful stimulant that is toxic to pets, especially dogs. Sweets, cakes and cookies can also upset a young animal's gastro-intestinal tract and lead to diarrhea and vomiting which can be serious.

Treats can be threats - Never give turkey, chicken or rib bones as a treat. They can splinter and cause serious injury.

Common household killers - Many cleaning agents such as bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, paint, gasoline, rat poison are extremely dangerous to pets and should be kept locked up.

Check the antifreeze - Pets, especially cats, are attracted to the odour and sweet taste of antifreeze. Store it high and tightly sealed, wiping up any spills on the garage floor or driveway immediately. Window washing solution also contains antifreeze.

Killer house plants - Poisonous plants include lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem Cherry and plant bulbs.

Keep off the grass - If you treat your lawn with chemicals, keep pets away. Read and follow label directions carefully.

It fit yesterday - Puppies and kittens grow rapidly. Collars and harnesses can be quickly outgrown, leading to serious wounds.

Take care of personal care items and medications - Cosmetics, shampoos, skin creams, hair "perm" solutions, depilatories, suntan lotions, sleeping pills, antihistamines, aspirin and acetaminophen can all be lethal to pets.

It's not a toy - Don't leave plastic bags out. Inquisitive young animals, especially kittens, can suffocate.

A dip tip - Keep covers on hot tubs and swimming pools. Kittens and young puppies can fall in and not be able to get out.

Do you eat with that mouth? - Rule of thumb: If any or all of something will fit in a mouth, it's dangerous. Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbons and, yes, even pantyhose. Because what goes in must come out, often via surgery.

If you'd like more information on pet insurance contact Pet Plan at 1-877-4-Pet Plan or visit the Pet Plan web site at www.petplan.com.