New Puppy Safety

• I do not recommend toy breed dogs to homes with small children. It is not that the puppy won't love the kids; it is not safe with small children. Most Poms go to their new homes at only 2 lbs. That is very small and they are very fragile. A child picking a puppy up incorrectly can strangle the pet. A child could drop the pet, and if it is dropped on its head, can have neural damage, most often resulting in death.
• It is easy for a pup to be slammed in a door, as they love to follow our feet, and depending on where the door hits, this could be devastating.
• On the same note, you definitely need to learn to shuffle your feet with a baby around. They are easily stepped on, and or kicked if you are not careful.
• A foot off the floor is too high for a pup. Their little legs break easily. I learned this the hard way by having one of my baby girls on a chair with me, and she fell off. She was in a cast for 6 weeks and healed nicely thank goodness. I had to keep her in a baby playpen so the other dogs wouldn’t harm her.
• Reclining chairs and rockers are dangerous with a baby around. They can be caught, squashed, and smashed.
• Although it is tempting to give your puppy a bit of your people food, please don’t. It is a bad habit to start, and can be dangerous. I had a cube of cheese lodge in my Ace’s throat when he was tiny, and I though we were going to loose him. Not only choking, but the change of diet can make your puppy sick.

PUPPY PROOFING YOUR HOME

A small puppy can be just like a toddler in your home, in terms of mischief making.

Taking precautions will help keep your puppy safe, and your treasures unchewed!

Remember that it is you that is in charge, should something be damaged,

and don’t blame or be angry at your puppy for your poor planning.

• Electrical wires should be raised off the floor, or covered so that the puppy can’t be shocked or electrocuted when he chews them.
• Do not leave windows or doors open so the pup doesn’t accidentally escape.
• Balconies and decks should be covered with mesh to prevent the puppy from slipping through and falling, or getting caught in to small of an opening.
• Eliminate tablecloths that hang within reach of the puppy. He can pull and tug on it and possibly have something fall on him, or break a treasure of yours.
• Be mindful of small objects around the house or on the floor that your puppy could get choked on, like buttons, coins, balls, needles etc.
• Cleaning supplies should be kept out of reach. Bleach for instance is a toxic and corrosive chemical. Insecticides and antifreeze are also dangerous.
• Keep your plants out of reach, some could be poisonous.
• At Christmas time, keep the tree out of reach. A lot of ornaments are glass and could be broken or swallowed.
• Swimming pools should be gated or covered. Although most puppies can swim, if unattended, they could tire and drown before they could be rescued. Most pools are impossible for them to get out of on their own.