How to Puppy Proof Your Home
Welcoming a new puppy home is an exciting but also worrisome experience. While puppies are joyful, they also love to explore, without necessarily knowing what is safe and not safe for them.
Before your new companion arrives home, here’s a recommended list of actions to help your pup stay safe and avoid any accidents.
Secure Electrical Cords
Given their natural curiosity, puppies are inclined to chew through electrical cords. You can hide visible cords out of their sight and reach, and use cord protectors on any accessible cords to minimize risk of electrical shock.
Remove Toxic Plants
Many common household plants are dangerous for dogs. Puppies may accidentally chew on or digest these plants, which can lead to nausea, diarrhea, or kidney poisoning. If your pup accidentally digests a toxic plant, you should call your vet or local animal hospital immediately.
Examples of dangerous plants to dogs include Azaleas, Oleanders, Philodendrons, and Fox Gloves.
Lock Away Chemicals
Common soaps, detergents, other chemical compounds (e.g., human medicine or supplements) can be very dangerous to dogs. Secure these items away in high shelves, secure cabinets, or in pet-proof boxes.
Even innocuous items like vitamins can be dangerous for dogs and especially for puppies.
Keep Small Objects Out of Reach
Puppies love to chew on things and may accidentally ingest smaller items. Therefore, small objects can pose a chocking hazard. These items include: coins, rubber bands, bottle caps, and children’s toys. If your pup accidentally ingests an item, report to your veterinarian right away as this requires medical attention.
Block Off Staircases
Puppies are still figuring out their legs … they don’t have the best coordination and can be prone to falls. So it’s best to block off staircases to avoid accidents.
A best practice is to install baby gates at the top and bottom of your staircase to keep your pup out.
Secure Trash Bags
The small of leftover food can entice puppies to explore through trash. This can cause a mess and your pup might also ingest something they shouldn’t.
A best practice is to have a trash can with a secure lid, or to place your trashcan away in a cabin. When placing out trash bags, make sure they're securely tied and to place them out of your pup’s reach.
Puppy-Proof Your Yard
If your puppy will be spending time in your yard, make sure that fences are installed to keep them from running away. And be sure to remove any poisonous plants that may be within your pup's reach. Click here to learn more about how to puppy-proof your backyard.
Create a Safe Space
Designate a safe area of your home as your puppy’s safe space. You can use a crate or a playpen to delineate and secure this space.
If your puppy ever feels weak or in danger, such as in a thunderstorm, or if hurt from an accident, he or she can retreat to this space to feel secure.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can create a safe space for your new family companion. Puppy-proofing your home not only keeps harm away from your pet, but also makes you feel safe and at ease knowing that your pup is safe.
Are you looking to bring home a new pup? If so check out our Dog Breed Quiz to find the best match for your lifestyle.
