Dr. John Littlejohn, with Woodbine Animal Clinic, gives some tips on petproofing your home. When you bring home a puppy or a kitten, approach your new pet as if it were a toddler. Remember that puppies and kittens will put anything into their mouths that will fit. This is a stage they will eventually grow out of, but you need to take precautions.
Wine corks are small enough to become lodged in a pet's throat or digestive system.
Kittens are notorious for finding and eating thread. It's not uncommon for a kitten to eat anywhere from 20 to 30 inches at a time. Do not leave food out in the kitchen. Dogs love chocolate, but it is very toxic to them when ingested. If your pet is chewing on furniture, wires or cable, there are bitter-tasting deterrents available.