THE RIGHT STUFF

Calling all puppy parents: Have you consulted our vet-approved checklist for all things dog?

- MAGGIE SEAVER

A NEW PUPPY! Is there anything more exciting to bring home, especially if it's a surprise for the kids? But before the cuddling, bonding, and playing can begin, it's crucial to doggie-proof your home inside and out to protect your furry addition, your family, and your stuff. To walk us through the prep process-purchases, people, and more-we turned to Kurt Venator, DVM, PhD, chief veterinary officer at Purina. Here are his insights.

A Harness

"A harness is a great tool to help your puppy learn how to walk on a leash, and they're becoming a preferred way to walk dogs, particularly puppies, because they discourage pulling," Venator says. "Harnesses use the puppy's center of gravity (instead of their head or neck) to guide their body."

Doggie-Proof Your Space

Before you bring that ball of fluff into your life, make sure you've done a sweep of potentially hazardous spots, taking care to check every corner. For example, cleaning supplies, medications, valuable household items, and anything else that could be harmful to your pet should be safely stowed away somewhere inaccessible to them. Venator names things like toothpaste and chewing gum, which may contain artificial sweeteners such as xylitol that are toxic for dogs. Find a way to cover or move loose electrical cords your pup might be tempted to chew on. And check your greenery, too. "Remove any household plants from your puppy's reach," he adds.

Line Up a Veterinarian

Not sure where to start to find a vet? Venator suggests first asking your pet-owning friends for recommendations. "Many veterinarians are Fear Free-certified, which means they're dedicated to offering their pet patients exams centered around making the veterinary experience as stress-free as possible," he adds.