March 23rd is National Puppy Day! Puppies are definitely something to celebrate! There are few things that can bring more joy into your life than a new pet. Of course, raising little Fido entails quite a bit of work. You’ll not only need to train your canine buddy, you’ll also need to be on your toes as far as safety. Accidents can happen very quickly! A Norwalk, CA vet lists some key puppy safety points below.

Puppyproofing

Little Fido is going to be very curious about, well, everything. He’ll also be quite interested in sorting out what he can and can’t eat. Add the pain of teething in, and you’ve got a pet that will chew on anything within paws’ reach. This can be extremely dangerous! Many of the things in the average household are choking or strangling hazards. Toxin ingestion is also a huge concern. Keep anything you don’t want your furry buddy gnawing on out of reach. That includes things like plastic bags and ties; small or sharp objects; laundry items; wires and cords; and medicine. Foods are also a concern, as are household chemicals. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Veterinary Care

Speaking of veterinarians, take your cute pet to meet his doctor as soon as possible. The little guy will need a thorough exam. He’ll also need to get started on his vaccines and parasite control, and get that spay/neuter surgery scheduled. We love meeting new patients!

Security

It only takes a moment for a playful pooch to run off or wander out into the road. Keep little Fido leashed whenever you take him off your property. If you have a fenced yard, make sure your fencing is secure and that your gate shuts securely.

ID

One of the first things you’ll want to do is get your canine companion microchipped. Little Fido should also always have ID tags on. If you want to go a step further, a GPS collar isn’t a bad idea, either.

Training

Last but not least, start working on little Fido’s petucation right away. Teaching your furry pal to respond to basic commands, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down, is absolutely crucial, and could one day save his life! Are you looking for a great vet for your new canine friend? Contact us, your local Norwalk, CA animal clinic, today!