How to Puppy Proof Your Home

If you are adopting a puppy, you need to make your home safe. Puppies can hurt themselves with common household items. Follow these tips before bringing your new canine companion home.

1.  Keep small objects out of your puppy’s reach. Puppies like to chew and can easily swallow things like coins and jewelry.

2.  Replace potentially toxic plants with fake plants or non-toxic ones. Some plants which may be a danger are carnations, daffodils, eucalyptus, and azalea.

 

3.  Put garbage cans in a place where your dog cannot reach them. Items in the trash such as chicken bones, uncooked meat, and dental floss can be harmful.


4.  Use childproof latches on lower cabinets.


5.  Cords for blinds and curtains should be kept out of reach as they can cause strangulation.


6.  Keep cleaning supplies away from your dog. Store them in areas out of reach such as cupboards with childproof latches. Put your puppy in his crate or in another room when you are using them.


7.  Puppy-proof electrical cords. Puppies tend to chew on anything they can get a hold of. Electrical cords can cause electrocution. You can purchase cord runners at a home improvement store.


8.  Keep toilet seats down and do not leave water unattended in the bathtub to prevent drowning. Also, be sure to fence off or cover pools and hot tubs.


9.  Place baby gates in front of stairs. Puppies can be clumsy and fall.


10.  Do not let your dog chew on shoes. Store shoes in a closet your puppy cannot get into. If shoelaces are swallowed, they can cause serious health problems.


This list is just for starters. The important thing is to think like a parent - puppies are a lot like toddlers and can hurt themselves easily. Puppy-proofing your home is part of being a responsible dog owner and can help prevent accidents from happening.