Dog safety at home and on walks: the checklist

Most accidents with dogs happen in familiar places: the kitchen, the garage, the sidewalk out front. The good news is that a few habits prevent many of them. Here's a practical checklist for dog safety at home and on walks, plus the training cues that can make all the difference.

Dog safety at home: the checklist

Get down to their level, literally. On all fours, walk around the house and spot what they could reach.

In the kitchen

• Garbage closed, or stored behind a cupboard door.
• Dangerous foods out of reach: chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, anything with xylitol. See our guide to foods toxic to dogs.
• Counters cleared when you leave the room.

In the bathroom and laundry room

• Medications in a closed cabinet, never on the nightstand.
• Cleaning products and detergent pods out of reach.
• Toilet lid closed if you use cleaning tablets.

In the garage and shed

• Antifreeze tightly closed and stored up high: it tastes sweet to dogs, and it's very toxic.
• De-icers, fertilizers, rodent poisons and insecticides out of reach.
• Tools and small items put away.

Everywhere in the house

• Electrical cords secured or hidden, especially with a puppy.
• Small items picked up: kids' toys, hair elastics, socks, batteries.
• Plants checked: some houseplants are toxic to dogs. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian.
• A gate at the stairs for a puppy or senior dog.

On walks: good habits

The right gear

• A well-fitted harness spreads pressure over the body rather than the neck.
• A standard leash in town. Retractable leashes give less control near streets.
• Checked equipment: clips, seams and buckles in good condition.
• Visibility at night: a light-up collar or reflective harness.

Identification

A tag with your phone number lets whoever finds your dog reach you right away. A microchip is a great addition: keep your contact details up to date with the registry. Also check your municipality's licensing rules.

Weather

• In summer, walk early in the morning or in the evening. If the asphalt is too hot for the back of your hand, it's too hot for their paws. Never leave your dog alone in a car.
• In winter, protect their paws from salt and cold. See our guide to protecting your dog's paws in winter.

On the ground

Food scraps, chicken bones, litter: teach them to "leave it", and keep an eye on that nose.

Training: your best safety tool

Three cues can truly protect your dog:

• Recall: they come back when you call.
• "Leave it": they don't touch what's on the ground.
• "Stay" or "wait": they don't jump out of the car or run out the door before your signal.

Practise at home first, then in a fenced area, before trying it outside. Reward every success enthusiastically. Small, soft treats like our duck training treats (about 2.7 kcal each) let you reward often during sessions.

Be ready for emergencies

• Save your veterinarian's number and the nearest emergency clinic's number in your phone.
• Keep a recent photo of your dog, useful if they get lost.
• If your dog swallows a dangerous product or food, call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if my dog runs off?

Don't chase them: they may think it's a game. Crouch down, call them in a happy voice or move away in the other direction so they follow you. When they come back, praise them, never scold.

How should my dog travel in the car?

In a secured travel crate, or with a safety harness attached to the seatbelt. Never on the driver's lap.

In short

Dog safety at home and on walks comes down to three things: a house checked at their level, the right gear and solid training. A few minutes of preparation, and you can enjoy your time together with peace of mind.