For thousands of years, dogs have been "man's best friend." Dog-loving humans have tried to keep their pets safe in return. As the world becomes more complex, dogs need extra attention now more than ever to stay safe. With a little foresight and action, you can create a "home, safe home" for your precious pooches.

Dogs have a keen curiosity. If you look at your home from your dog's perspective, you'll probably find all kinds of interesting things to examine. What most people don't realize is that dogs first sniff, then mouth items to learn about them. So, be sure to keep the following out of your dog's reach:

roach and ant traps

electric and phone cords

cigarettes in ashtrays

open doors and windows

rubber bands

housecleaning chemicals

candles

Christmas trees

ornaments

paperclips

Dogs, especially puppies, find plants irresistible as playthings. They love to dig in the dirt of houseplants, and seem to enjoy pulling off branches of shrubs. Because of this, it is important to make sure the plants in and around your home won't pose a health risk to your dog.

Keep your pet safely confined to your home. A wandering dog is much more likely to be injured by vehicles or unkind people. In most cities, by law, your dog may only be off your property if she is on a leash controlled by a person. To prevent escapes, make sure the fencing in your yard is high enough and strong enough to keep your dog from roaming. Frequently check for gaps between the fence bottom and the ground; watch for signs your dog is trying to dig out under the fence. Teach all the members of your family to carefully close doors and latch gates.

Every dog should wear a collar with an identification tag. Most municipalities require that all dogs wear a collar and tag. To ensure your dog finds her way home if she ever loses her collar, consider having your dog micro-chipped. In micro-chipping, a small silicone chip containing the owner's contact information is painlessly inserted under the dog's skin. Most animal shelters automatically scan lost pets to read the owner contact information. However, if your dog is found by an average citizen an identification tag will speed up your reunion.

Fireworks and loud bangs can frighten pets, and that fear can cause your dog to panic and try to escape from your yard or house. Please keep your pet indoors on Halloween or the Fourth of July in a quiet isolated room, or the basement where there are no windows, to help her feel safe and secure. Turn on a fan, a radio or television to muffle the sound of fireworks. They'll provide familiar sounds and will help soothe her if she must be alone on these noisy holidays.

If you follow these simple rules both you and your dog will enjoy that special dog/owner relationship.