Having a dog in your home can create a sense of security you can’t get otherwise. A Labrador retriever dog is a companion to their owner and will do anything for them. In return, you have to take some necessary steps to keep your dog safe. It’s only natural for some Labrador breeds to have chewing tendencies, so hiding any valuable items they could chew on is simple to do. Read here for other safety tips for dog-proofing your home.
Hide All Electrical Cords
Electrical cords can seem like good chew toys for a Labrador retriever dog, whether the cord is running along the floor or dangling off the counter. They can obviously shock themselves if they chew on it too much, so it’s your responsibility to be sure the cords are hidden or elevated out of their reach.
Store Any Chemicals
Some common chemicals like ant poison, antifreeze, fertilizer, treated wood chips, swimming pool chemicals and more may look and smell like a treat to an American Labrador retriever. They don’t know these objects are potentially harmful to them, and consuming a significant amount can be dangerous. Store any of these chemicals high on a shelf or in an area behind closed doors where your dog cannot access them.
Be Conscious of Potential Choking Hazards
Look around your home for any type of choking hazard. This is especially true if your Labrador retriever dog is a puppy who likes to chew on toys and other items. The stuffed animal toy you gave them may seem harmless, but it could have a small object attached to it that’s a choking hazard if not removed. It may seem impossible to remove every potential choking hazard, but being conscious of them will at least keep you on alert.
Don’t Leave Food Out
All Labrador breeds want to eat the food you have. Giving your dog table food isn’t ideal, but a small bite occasionally is good for a treat. Just be sure not to leave any food out on the table or counter unsupervised, as it could be tempting for your dog to jump up and hurt themselves. Or they could potentially consume an item that’s harmful to them, like chocolate.
Provide Warmth or Coolness as Needed
A good rule of thumb to live by is if you are cold or hot, your Labrador retriever dog likely is too. Give them a blanket if it’s cold outside or turn on a ceiling fan for them if it’s hot. Look at your dog’s body language to determine whether they are comfortable or not.
Keeping your dog safe at home takes a little bit of effort, but you owe it to them to do your part. Your home should be the safest place for your dog to be, so keeping them out of danger is one of your top responsibilities as a pet owner.
