The benefits of keeping a dog as a pet are endless, they can provide comfort, help with depression, encourage you to exercise and can be very loving animals to own. However, there are many dangers in the modern world for a pet dog, many of which can be overlooked. Below are a few helpful tips for keeping your dog safe.

1.   Poisonous substances

Your dog is curious and when exposed to a variety of smells can become overly-stimulated and inquisitive. But seeing as they don’t have hands if they want to pick something up or examine something, they’re most likely to use their mouths. This can expose them to dangerous toxins that could be harmful or even fatal to your pet. Familiarise yourself household threats to your dog and take precautions to ensure they don’t come into contact.

2.   Runaways

With a shocking approximate of 15,000 dogs coming to Irish pounds last year, it is important that we remember that, unlike cats, dogs do not have the best sense of direction and do not know how far to stray from home. As a result, many homeless dogs populate the streets of Ireland. It is important to keep your front door closed when your dog is in the house and cover any gaps in your front of the backyard with materials such as wire fence.

3.   Socialising your dog

The majority of the time, dog’s are curious and even happy to see other dogs but this comes down to two things; firstly, the dog’s upbringing and temperament, and secondly, the owner’s reaction. Dog’s should be encouraged to socialise with other dogs during their younger years. This makes them accustomed to meeting new dogs. But bear in mind, as an owner, your emotions will be reflected in your dog and if you are anxious and nervous about an approaching dog, your pet is likely to exhibit likewise behaviour.

4.   Recognising a hostile dog

In addition to the previous point, not every single dog and dog owner will be the same in their temperament and training, so it is important to recognise when a dog is a threat to yourself or your pet. Although there are many different warnings, these three signs indicate that a dog is becoming aggressive dominant; straight or stiff tail wag, wide stance exposing the chest more, low growl exposing front teeth.