Puppies are a lot of fun, but they can also be a lot of work. One of the most important things you can do to make sure your puppy is safe is to puppy proof your home.
This means taking steps to prevent them from getting into trouble and injuring themselves.
Let’s look at 12 Easy Ways to Puppy Proof Your Home:
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1. Remove Any Poisonous Plants from Your Home
Some common plants that are poisonous to dogs include lilies, aloe vera, and sago palms. If you have any of these plants in your home, be sure to remove them or keep them out of reach of your pup.
2. Keep All Medications and Cleaning Products Out of Reach
Puppies are curious creatures and will try to investigate anything they can get their paws on. Be sure to keep all medications and cleaning products out of reach and locked away in a safe place.
If you have cabinets that would be easy for your puppy to get into, consider getting child safety locks for the doors.
3. Block Off Any Dangerous Areas
If you have a pool, hot tub, or other body of water on your property, be sure to block it off with a fence or other barrier.
You should also block off any stairs or rooms that you do not want your pup to have access to, such as the laundry room or bathroom full of things that smell good to a puppy but are actually dangerous for them to eat.
4. Puppy Proof Your Furniture
Puppies like to chew on things, so it is important to puppy proof your furniture. This means keeping any cords or sharp objects out of reach and covering up any holes or tears in your furniture.
You can also use bitter spray to deter your pup from chewing on furniture.
5. Keep Garbage Cans Out of Reach
Another puppy hazard is garbage cans. They are frequently filled with tempting things that puppies love, such as food wrappers and bones, but which are actually poisonous and dangerous for them to consume.
To prevent garbage cans from being accessible, keep them in a cabinet or away.
6. Get Rid of Anything That Your Pup Could Choke On
Puppies can choke on small objects, so it is important to get rid of anything in your home that they could choke on, such as coins, buttons, and if you have kids in the home, make sure small toys are picked up and put away.
You should also keep any strings or ribbons out of reach, as they can be a choking hazard as well.
7. Keep Your Pup Away from Toxic Chemicals
There are many items in your home that contain toxic chemicals, such as bleach, antifreeze, and detergents. Be sure to keep these items out of reach or in a locked cabinet.
If and when you use any of these products, be sure to clean up thoroughly afterwards so that your pup does not come into contact with the chemicals.
8. Keep Your Doors and Windows Closed
Puppies can escape through even the smallest opening, so it is important to keep doors and windows closed at all times. If you have a screen door, be sure that it is secure and cannot be pushed open by your pup.
9. Be Cautious Around Space Heaters and Fireplaces
Space heaters and fireplaces can be a hazard for puppies if they are not used properly. Be sure to keep space heaters and fireplaces out of reach of your pup, and never leave them unattended.
If you have a fireplace, be sure to use a child-proof screen to prevent your pup from getting too close to the flames.
10. Put Away Foods That are Harmful to Puppies
There are many foods that are harmful to puppies and dogs in general, such as chocolate, coffee, onions, and grapes. Be sure to put these foods away in a sealed container or in a place where your pup cannot reach them.
Should your puppy get a hold of any of these dangerous foods, please call your veterinarian right away.
11. Keep Your Pup’s Nails Trimmed
Just like a newborn baby, puppies’ nails can grow quickly and become sharp, so it is important to keep them trimmed.
You can do this yourself or take your pup to a groomer.
12. Be Careful with Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations can be a hazard for puppies if they are not used properly. Be sure to keep decorations out of reach of your pup, and never leave them unattended.
If you have a Christmas tree, be sure to dog proof your tree and use a barrier such as a baby gate to prevent your pup from getting too close to the tree or eating any of the decorations.
In Conclusion
Puppy proofing your home is an important way to keep your pup safe. Puppies are as curious as they are adorable and as we can see, there are many hazards that puppies can encounter.
By taking some simple precautions, you can make sure that your pup stays safe and healthy.
