We have all heard how important it is to "baby-proof" your home, but have you ever thought about "pet-proofing" for your dog? As many of us pull out our brooms and yard tools this month, we thought that we would offer a few tips on making sure that your home is a safe place for your pet — inside and out. A few precautions taken now will save you and your pet from possible regret in the future.

One of the simplest things to start with is to put all items that you want to keep away from your pet, away from your pet. This can mean anything from placing breakables on higher shelves to keeping your shoes in the closet — away from potential chewing and gnawing. Don’t leave small objects around the house (children’s toys, coins, sewing supplies) that could cause choking, or worse, if swallowed. Also, take care to make sure that more dangerous items such as cleaning supplies, toiletries, medications, and even your own food are kept in high cabinets. Dogs are naturally curious, and it is easy for them to gnaw through plastic bottles.

As you look around your home, make sure all electrical cords are out of sight or covered so that they do not become a dangerous chew toy. If you see any draw cords or pulls that could pose a choking hazard, shorten them.

Snack time can be dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken. A thirsty animal may find the toilet a convenient watering hole and ingest dangerous cleaning chemicals along with the water. Always keep the seats down. Keep all treats away from your pet. Remember, the chocolate you have in a bowl on the table can kill your dog.

Your idea of a good snack may not include plants, but to many animals they can be very enticing. Select plants that are non-toxic. Many decorative holiday plants are poisonous, including a current seasonal favorite — the Easter lily — which can be deadly to cats. Unexpected dangers could lurk in the form of the herbicide or "safe" pesticide used to protect your plant. Investigate the safety of any chemical before using it in your home.

Plants also carry hazards outside. Keep all lawn fertilizers and garden chemicals away from your pet and make sure that you leave ample time for your grass to dry after spraying before letting your animal romp and play. Many outdoor plants and even some fruits and vegetables can harm your dog. Ask your veterinarian or a garden expert about potential hazards.

Having the proper fence in place is one of the most important things that you can do outside. Cars or other animals can seem exciting to your pet. Make sure that your fence is high enough to prevent jumping over and deep enough to prevent digging under. Look for holes and possible latch problems. And, in the case that your furry friend does escape your yard, your pet should always wear a collar and ID tag.

Finally, your garbage should be off-limits to your pet. Don’t allow your pet to find dangerous chemicals or spoiled food and bones that can make your dog sick. A secure container in a hard-to-reach location is the best way to keep your pet away from the trash.

Making your home and yard safer will give you peace of mind and provide your pet with the perfect playground.

Top designers have recently unveiled the season’s new fashions. Have you thought about a little bit of haute couture for your hound? As you prepare to shed your winter coat and dress yourself in the lighter fabrics of spring, you don’t have to worry about leaving your furry companion behind. Companies all around the world are beginning to cater to the discriminating dog, with the designer price tags to match. Now your pet can dress — and live — like a runway model.

Although your dog may just love the sweater that you knitted for her, why not spoil her with a Chanel-inspired ensemble? Or, she can show off her fashion sense with a $16,900 bejeweled collar from the TeaCup Boutique in Hollywood, Florida while traveling in a Louis Vuitton dog carrier that retails for about $1,300. Of course, no traveling outfit would be complete without the perfect pair of shades. A $20 pair of Doggles will save your canine’s eyes from harmful UV rays.

Make sure that every piece of fur is in place with an electric fur dryer. You can choose between a stand-up style just like in the beauty salon, or the less expensive hand-held version. If you are looking for other ways to let your companion know you care, why not pamper them with a "peticure" using Pawfect Pawlish from the Pampered Pet in Los Angeles. The perfect shade of pink with just a hint of glitter is sure to get the other dogs talking.

After a hard day of shopping, who doesn’t enjoy a day at the spa? Now your pet can enjoy acupuncture, massage therapy, and hydrotherapy at the new $7 million Olde Towne Pet Resort in Fairfax, Virginia. After that he can dine from a specially designed pet menu featuring items like last holiday’s Turkey Cranberry-Schnauzer Stew from executive chef John Iachetti at the Regency Hotel in New York.

Fashionable dogs need their beauty sleep, so why not pamper your pet with a stay in a hotel designed especially with pets in mind? Many destinations worldwide offer everything from jeweled water bowls to special bedding to gourmet dog treats. The newest pet accommodations in Las Vegas can be found at the American Dog and Cat Hotel. Here, for $79-a-night the private suites include round-the-clock room service, a state of the art sound system, and even videos-on-demand for the pooch that just wants to relax while watching a classic such as 101 Dalmatians or Lassie.

The ease with which travelers are able to move around the world with their pets can be seen in the increasing number of hotels, restaurants, and travel destinations that operate with you — and your pet — in mind. We know where you want to go. Call puppy travel today (1-877-261-3555) and start planning the kind of vacation that you and your pet have only dreamed about.

Although dogs and cats represent the most common household pets in the United States, there are several other options out there for the person who wants to become an "exotic" pet owner. And since we are celebrating the greenest of all days this month, we thought you might enjoy a fun look at some of the more colorful pets available.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a little green creature? Frogs and toads make great pets, with the American Green Tree Frog standing out as the best "beginner" frog. All you need is a 10-gallon tank, some artificial branches and plants for climbing, and the necessary food — live crickets and other bugs!

If you have a few extra crickets, why not add a lizard? Lizards that are commonly kept as pets include chameleons, geckos, iguanas, green anoles, and bearded dragons. Proper care for these unique animals ranges from the needs of the green anole (again a good 10-gallon tank and lots of crickets and meal worms) to the more complicated iguana, which can grow to anywhere between 4 and 6 feet. And you thought your dog was big!

Maybe a snake is more up your alley — or under you bed for that matter. The most important thing to know when purchasing your new pet is that snakes will constantly search for ways to escape; your enclosure should be as escape-proof as possible. Snakes are definitely not for everyone. They are a big commitment (one breed of python has been known to live for as long as 48 years), some grow to be extremely large, and many are very dangerous.

Are you thinking about a turtle? Although they may seem like an easier pet to care for, turtles must be in just the right environment in order to thrive. In fact, experts recommend keeping turtles outside if you live in an appropriate climate.

Finally, for those future owners who want fewer bugs and more fruits and vegetables in their home, an Amazon parrot might be the way to go. These beautiful birds live on fruits, seeds, berries, nuts, vegetables, and mineral supplements. The common 15-20 years of life for these birds is plenty of time to practice the art of talking.

Of course the most important thing to remember is that good research is essential before acquiring any new animal. Knowledge — along with a few bugs for some of our more scaly friends — is the key to making your home a good one for your pet.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!