How To Puppy-Proof Your Home
Did you just get yourself a new puppy? If you have, then you must know that getting a puppy isn’t exactly like a walk in the park. You should expect to be busy and to have your hands full because your puppy will definitely get its paws on everything. This is why puppy-proofing your home is important.
Providing a safe environment for your puppy is vital, and is something that any responsible pet owner should think of. Just like how you would prepare your home for a toddler, preparing and puppy-proofing a home has its similarities. What you have to do is to make sure that there aren’t any possible dangers that might cause accidents. Expect your new puppy to fiddle on almost every cord, closet, and any item in your home that it can get hold of. It will chew on anything, even your shoes as well! You need to make sure that your things will be safe from your new puppy.
Nonetheless, your puppy should be safe too, especially from any type of safety hazards that may possibly harm them. Puppies are very curious, so expect them to mess with everything. But are you wondering about how you can puppy-proof your home?
SOME IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER:
- When puppy proofing your home, you may want to start by looking for the loose wirings or electrical cords. Puppies love to chew, and seeing exposed cables will be very tempting for them. What you can do is to tape any cords or wires, or hide them in places where your puppy can’t reach them.
- Look around your house and look for things that may entice your pup. For example, get rid of things that it might end up chewing on, climbing on, or puling downwards. Make sure to keep them away from reach, and secure their places. You can also get down on your knees so that you will be able to have an idea on what your puppy sees.
CHECK YOUR PLANTS
Expect your puppy to chew on or eat plants. If you have plants indoors, or even outdoors, you may want to check them or put them away. Certain plants can be harmful for your puppy, and can cause diarrhea and vomiting. There may even be more serious cases as well. Check all the plants that you have in your home and make sure that they aren’t harmful to animals.
KEEP MEDICATIONS AWAY
The same goes for medications. Make sure that they are kept at a high place, or out of reach of your puppy. Secure your and your pet’s medicines and other prescriptions in an area where it doesn’t have access to them. It may be best to place them at high areas or cabinets that are out of reach.
SECURE YOUR TRASH
It is also important to secure your trashcans with sturdy lids that cannot be easily opened. Don’t leave trash lying around, especially those that are up for recycling. Plastics, cans and those with sharp edges can harm and cause accidents for your puppy. This also includes leftover food like chocolate, onions, garlic, and many other items that can be toxic for your dog. Make sure you don’t leave food lying around in your kitchen as well.
SECURE YOUR CLEANING SUPPLIES
Also ensure that your cleaning supplies are safely tucked away in an area or cabinet that won’t be accessed by your puppy. Cleaning supplies have chemicals that are toxic for you and your dog, so it is important to keep them in a safe place.
PROTECT YOUR FURNITURE AND PUT AWAY SMALL OBJECTS
If you want to prolong the life of your couches and other furniture, then you can purchase couch covers, and other protective items for your furniture. There are also various dog-friendly furniture available in the market. It is also important not to leave small objects lying around in your home as well. Your puppy can easily swallow earrings, pins and other small items lying around if you don’t secure them.