morkie puppy proofing

Most veterinarians and animal experts agree, that the top 5 sources of Morkie health problems are:

1. genetics - those diseases that Morkies tend to get, through their Yorkie and Maltese genes

2. certain people food
3. common household and garden plants
4. everyday items around your home
5. human medications

So as you can see, you can avoid 4 out of 5 Morkie health problems with good Morkie puppy proofing!

The Morkie was originally bred to bring out some of the best traits of both parent breeds -- the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier. The result, a fiery little package - is a smart, loyal and lively toy-size dog that's sure to give you many years of love and lots of fun! If you can't decide between getting a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese, then a Morkie is the perfect answer!

Like the Yorkie, your Morkie may demand a lot of attention from you and the family... and may be a bit of a barker. And like the Maltese, the Morkie can sometimes be challenging to housebreak (you can read more about housebreaking a toy dog on my other lens.

But those are fairly small downsides to one of the new 'designer dog breeds' that's stealing everyone's heart: the Mighty Morkie!

Please take a look at my Just Morkies store on Cafe Press.

You'll find mugs, sweatshirts and T shirts, clothes for your Morkie, mousepads, tote bags and lots more - all featuring the cute Just Morkies graphic design.

Even things for babies!

To really see what's getting your Morkie's attention, take a look from his perspective. Literally! Get down on the ground and take a visual inventory of what might be interesting to a Morkie. Anything small, shiny or interesting-looking poses an immediate threat.

Some of the top dangers are:

• cupboards that can be opened - your Morkie could get into medications, household cleaners and dangerous chemicals


• toxic household plants


• everyday things in our homes like tangled electrical cords

Dogs are curious animals, and puppies more so.... if they can pry open a cupboard or paw open a door - well, they will! I bought and easily installed basic baby door latches from my local Toys R Us to prevent the problem. Meds and cleaning chemicals are the two big nasty surprises your Morkie can find behind those closed doors!

People Medications

As a dog lover, you know that you need to be extra careful with all medications around the home - and not just prescriptions. Keep them all in a closed cabinet, well out of reach of your dog. Some of the most common and harmful medications that poison dogs include Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen; Antidepressants and Isoniazid, a tuberculosis drug. If you happen to drop a pill on the floor, be sure to look for it immediately.

Chemicals and Cleaners

And you also know that cleaners, chemicals and workshop stuff has to be carefully stored too -- I love the child-proofing cupboard fasteners for my peace of mind. Antifreeze, paint thinner, rat killer and chemicals for pools are some of the common dangers.

You've probably also heard that Christmas Poinsettias are very poisonous to pets... but they're not the only common houseplant that can seriously harm or even kill your dog.

You can find a complete list of dangerous-to-dogs houseplants here on the ASPCA poisonous plants list.



Cyclamen plants are very toxic for dogs and cats.

• Azaleas and rhododendrons - may cause vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and potentially even death.
• Tulips and daffodils - may cause serious stomach problems, convulsions, and damage to the heart.
• Sago palms - just a few seeds may cause vomiting, seizures, and liver failure.

Other common plants that are killers include holly, calla lilies, ivy and Philodendron.

Puppies can chew through electric cords -- causing serious injury or even death. Wrap cords up and hang them out of reach or lay down rubber or plastic runners (available at most home supply stores).

Consider baby gates to keep your Morkie from a serious fall on the stairs.

Click here to find accessories, clothes, training equipment and more at Just Morkies

A collection of special things at Amazon just perfect for your Morkie - Just Morkies!

All puppies love chewing on shoes and socks ... especially Morkie puppies! It's not only annoying to you but it's potentially very dangerous to your Morkie. A swallowed shoelace or piece of leather could get wrapped around their intestines causing serious injury or death.

Chewing up newspapers, toilet paper, tissues and all that tasty stuff is mostly just a harmless nuisance, but sometimes paper can clog up your Morkie's tiny intestines, resulting in great pain and potentially, a costly operation.

Foods that could seriously harm your Morkie

Since Morkies are so small, the chances of them jumping on the counter and grabbing a steak (like my Golden does!) are pretty well nil. However there are some people foods that are seriously dangerous to all dogs, so keep an eye out for these!

- Alcoholic beverages
- Avocado
- Chocolate (all forms)
- Coffee (all forms)
- Fatty foods
- Macadamia nuts
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions, onion powder
- Raisins and grapes
- Salt
- Yeast dough
- Garlic