Just as you house-proof your home before the new baby begins to walk, you have to consider that a new dog will go after just about anything in the home. 

Here are some common household items that are poisonous to dogs.

* Medications:  Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, aspirin, cough and cold syrups, and prescription drugs should all be kept out of the reach of dogs.

* Indoor Plants:  These can be very dangerous for dogs and should only be kept on a counter high enough so a dog cannot reach for it.  If you have a large dog, you may want to get rid of these plants altogether.  They include: Tulip bulbs, poinsettias, philodendrons, daffodils, lily of the valley, and azaleas.

* Foods: Dogs have a way of getting into cabinets where the “good stuff” is stored.  These foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, yeast, grapes, onions, and raisins.

* Insecticides: These should not be kept in the home, but kept in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf in the garage: rat poison, flea and tick products, and other insecticides.

* Cleaners: These are sometimes kept under the kitchen sink.  Dog-proof the cabinet so that these items cannot be taken out by your dog: bleach, detergent, furniture polish, soap, and disinfectants.

* Chemicals: These include lighter fluid, turpentine, antifreeze, gasoline, glue, paint, solvents, and any type of acids.

* Tobacco: Try to avoid leaving out a pack of cigarettes that can easily be eaten by a dog.

* Household Hazards:  Ensure that there are all the electrical outlets in your home are covered; no extension cords are within sight or available for a dog to chew on; all electrical appliances are turned off or unplugged, and small collectable items you have showcased in your home are transferred to the top of an open bookshelf or an enclosed glass closet. 

* Ensure that no bathroom items are left out on the sink or counter.  If you have a cabinet under the bathroom sink, ensure it has a safety lock as well.

Dogs are a curious animal and they are inherently prone to forage for food or other items they consider chewable toys.  Think of your dog as another child; as dedicated as you are to child-proofing your home, consider dog-proofing as well.  In this way, there is no chance of an accident occurring when you are not home or when you are fast asleep.

For puppies,

it’s a good recommendation to keep them in a kennel during the night so that they can sleep peacefully and not roam around the home.  For older dogs, no doubt they will be trained not to attempt to eat something they are not supposed to, or grab something out of a cabinet.

Always err on the side of caution, however.  A simple test would be to get down on your hands and knees and go through your entire home.  This test has been used by those who wish to child-proof their home; looking at it from a child’s perspective.  It is a sound idea.