KEEPING YOUR COCKER SAFE

For thousands of years, dogs have been "man's best friend." Friendship is a two-way street, and dog-loving humans have tried to keep their pets safe in return. As our world moves faster and becomes more complex, dogs need our extra attention now more than ever to stay safe. With a little foresight and action, dog's best friends can create a "home, safe home" for their precious pooches.

Dogs have a keen curiosity. If you look at your home from your dog's perspective, you'll probably find all kinds of interesting things to examine. What most people don't realize is that dogs first sniff, then mouth items to learn about them.

So, be sure to keep the following out of your dog's reach: roach and ant traps, electric and phone cords, cigarettes in ashtrays, open doors and windows, rubber bands, housecleaning chemicals, candles, Christmas trees ornaments, paperclips, uncovered trash cans, human medications, chocolate, grapes, anti-freeze, plastic bags, valuable books, wedding rings and other jewelry.

Dogs, especially puppies, find plants irresistible as playthings. They love to dig in the dirt of houseplants, and seem to enjoy pulling off branches of shrubs. Because of this, it is important to make sure the plants in and around your home won't pose a health risk to your dog.

The following are some common house and landscape plants that are toxic to dogs: Philodendron, English ivy, caladium, dieffenbachia, "elephant ear", poinsettia, mistletoe, azaleas, holly berries, boxwood, wisteria, hydrangea, oleander, chinaberry tree.

 Keep your pet safely confined to your home. A wandering dog is much more likely to be injured by vehicles or unkind people. In most cities, by law, your dog may only be off your property if she is on a leash controlled by a person.

To prevent escapes, make sure the fencing in your yard is high enough and strong enough to keep your dog from roaming. Frequently check for gaps between the fence bottom and the ground; watch for signs your dog is trying to dig out under the fence. Teach all the members of your family to carefully close doors and latch gates.

If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, keep an emergency pet supply kit with your own. Include a week's worth of food as well as any medication your dog takes on a regular basis. A photo of your pet is also good to keep with your emergency supplies, in case you are separated from your dog during the event, you'll have a way to get the word out to locate her. Every dog, regardless of age or living situation, should wear a collar with an identification tag. Most municipalities require that all dogs wear a collar and tag.

To ensure your dog finds her way home if she ever loses her collar, consider having your dog micro-chipped. In micro-chipping, a small silicone chip containing the owner's contact information is painlessly inserted under the dog's skin. Most animal shelters automatically scan lost pets to read the owner contact information. However, if your dog is found by an average citizen an identification tag will speed up your reunion.

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