Puppy proofing your home should start days before your new puppy arrives. If you have followed our protocols, you have spent a significant amount of time and resources to get this far. Don’t stop, you still have work to do.
As a responsible new pet owner, you will need to provide a safe environment for your little puppy. Preparing your home and yard for the new family member is similar to doing so for a curious toddler — you want to eliminate any and all dangers. Your pup will want to investigate every electrical cord, every closet, and every rut in the yard, and he won’t distinguish between your favorite pair of shoes and his chew toy. It’s up to you to make sure your dog (and your stuff!) will be safe from those puppy temptations.
- Plants Can Be Dangerous
Like a baby, puppies explore the world by putting everything in their mouths. Many plants can be harmful to dogs, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, or even organ failure. Research all of the plants you have in your home currently and make sure they are not harmful to dogs. - Keep Medications in a Safe Place
Put all of your medicines, and your pet’s medicines kept up in a safe place. Many of us are guilty of laying our pills on the counter and then coming back to take them later in the day. It’s important to stop this habit because your dog could get to them before you.If your pup is a determined chewer, he may be able to chew through the plastic of a pill container, so be sure to keep the containers in a safe place too. Consider keeping your pills in a high cabinet or drawer in your bathroom or kitchen. Be sure to keep the drawer or cabinet closed.
- Dog Proof Trash Can
Dogs get into trash cans easily. Something about the smell of garbage just gets dogs excited. Bathroom trash can be dangerous with razors, and kitchen trash can be life-threatening with toxic foods to dogs. Keep your trash in a higher place your dog cannot reach and in a container that covers the top, so it is not open. - Cleaning Supplies Are Toxic
Cleaning supplies include chemicals which are toxic to all animals and people. So keeping them in an enclosed area, away from your pets, is essential. A high shelf in a closet is always a good idea. Don’t forget to keep that closet closed. - Cords and Puppies Don’t Go Together
Electrical cords are like the treat of all treats to a puppy. They love to chew on earbuds and cords to anything and everything. Be sure to keep wires protected or in a safe place, and watch your pup to make sure he’s not chewing on electrical cords. You can also get spiral cable wrap, cord concealers or PVC pipe to keep your dog from getting to your cords. - Get a Dog Proof Couch
When you get a dog, you have to decide if he will be allowed on the furniture. Each pet own is different. Would you like to snuggle up on the couch with your dog? Or do you want a longer lifespan out of your couch and it not be covered in dog hair? You decide… do you want pet-friendly furniture or pet proof furniture. - Put Away Small Objects
Now is the time where you need to be cleaner than ever. No more leaving your earrings on the end table or your on the night stand. Puppies can get into anything so make sure you’re putting things away where they belong. Pick up after yourself and stay vigilant! Taking your dog to the vet and seeing an x-ray of his abdomen full of bobby pins, q-tips and other unappetizing objects is not ideal. So keep those objects out of reach from your dog. - Don’t Let Your Dog Get In Your Laundry
Dirty laundry and puppies are like white on rice; they are a natural marriage. Natrually, underwear and socks are a favorite for any puppy looking to chew on something. Unfortuately, dogs can quickly end up with a life-threatening intestinal blockage. - Consider Dog Proof Rugs
You can dog proof rugs by purchasing ones with small patterns and dark colors. That way, less hair is shown on large chunks of solid, light colors. You can also purchase rugs meant for outdoors to use indoors since they are often more durable and easier to clean. - Backyard Safety For Dogs
You can puppy proof backyard by getting a dog proof fence. What is a dog proof fence? Basically, a fence that cannot be jumped over or dug beneath by your dog. This will vary by each dog.