As the owner of a Scottish terrier dog, one of your new responsibilities is to keep your pet safe. This rather complex world we live in may present countless threats to their health and physical well-being. However with a little extra attention you can avoid several risky situations and create a safe environment for your young or adult Scottie.

Here are six simple procedures that will ensure your Scottie's safety:

1. Do not leave anything on the floor or within reach that can be chewed, eaten or swallowed. The Scotty's natural curiosity will lead him to examine a new "finding" first through sniffing and later through mouthing it. Small toys, a safety pin, game pieces, a needle, a small plastic bag, a paper clip, batteries, human medication, house cleaning chemicals, anything represents a risk and can cause serious health problems if ingested. Also to prevent damage and losses, make sure jewelry and valuable books or paintings are out of reach.

2. Never leave any exposed electric and phone cords. Scotties, in special puppies, have a tendency to chew and eat anything. Biting and chewing an electrical cord may cause them to burn their mouth or even to shock and die. So be extremely careful when handling electric appliances at your home.

3. Do not keep plants at your home that pose a health risk to your Scottie. By their nature, Scottish terriers are instinctive diggers so digging in the dirt around plants is a pleasant activity that will keep them busy for hours. While playing with plants they may chew leaves and roots that can be toxic to them. Here's a list of some house plants that are toxic to dogs: azaleas, boxwood, caladium, dieffenbachia, holly berries, hydrangea, mistletoe, oleander, philodendron, pointsettia.

4. Make sure your Scottie is on a lead before you open an outside door. Be aware of the fact that your Scottie can run faster and farther than you. If for some reason he decides to run down the street or straight into the traffic you'll hardly catch him before he gets into trouble. Besides this, local laws in many cities require that your dog is on a leash when walking on the street and wears a collar with an identification tag.

5. The fencing in your yard should be strong and high enough to prevent escapes. Periodically check it for gaps and holes, because your Scottish terrier will certainly try to dig his way out under the fence. Also make sure doors and gates are properly closed.

6. Bar unaccompanied access to the pool. Scotties aren't great swimmers and can drown easily and quickly, just like a small child. For his own safety let him access the pool only when in your company or of a member of your family.