There’s nothing quite like bringing a new puppy home to join your family. Before you start taking a ton of pictures and enjoying snuggles, it is important to prepare your house. Puppy proofing can not only protect your belongings from your new pup, but it can also keep your pet safe from potential dangers inside the house. Use this guide to properly prepare your place for your new puppy:
Puppy Proofing: Hide Away Electrical Cords
Puppies love to explore the world, and they often do this with their mouths. Electrical cords pose a serious risk to a curious pup. Anything from headphones to plugs could be hazardous for your puppy. Try to put any free-standing electrical cords into drawers or cabinets that securely close. You can use PVC pipe or dog cord protectors to keep plugs safely away from your curious pup.
Puppy Proofing: Think Like a Dog
If a puppy can chew something, he most likely will. Spend some time walking around your house and try to think like a dog. That pair of shoes in the foyer might look unappealing to you, but they could seem like a tempting dessert to your puppy. Try to store all small objects away safely. This can include anything from socks to bobby pins. If a puppy eats something like this, you might find yourself visiting the vet unexpectedly. Invest in a few puppy-friendly toys that he can safely chew on to try to keep his nibbling under control.
Puppy Proofing: Be Careful with Plants
There are many common household plants that are actually toxic for dogs. While some might just lead to mild digestive upset, some can cause fatal complications. If you are getting a puppy, be aware that the following plants are poisonous to dogs to some degree:
- Aloe vera
- Calla lily
- Baby’s breath
- Chrysanthemum
- Citronella
- Daffodil
- Hydrangea
- Jade
- Peonie
- Rhododendron
- Sago palm
- Tulip
Visit this page for a full list of toxic plants for dogs.
Puppy Proofing: Watch the Trash
Puppies can move fast when they want something. An uncovered trash can is extremely tempting for a curious pup looking for something fun and/or delicious. It only takes one unsupervised second for your puppy to get into the trash and potentially eat something dangerous. Invest in a lidded can for the kitchen, bathroom, and anywhere else where your puppy has easy access.
Puppy Proofing: Hide Cleaning Supplies
Many common household cleaners are toxic for dogs. Be sure to store any of your cleaning supplies in a puppy-proof cabinet or closet. Put your dog in a different room when you clean to be sure they do not accidentally ingest something.
Puppy Proofing: Give Yourself Some Security
There is no way you can keep an eye on your puppy every second of the day, and no amount of puppy proofing can guarantee safety. Enroll your puppy into training classes at a young age so he can start to learn how you want him to behave. Training classes combined with home efforts like crate training provide a strong foundation of learning. This makes it easier to help your puppy transition into life in your home.
Union Lake Pet Services is here to help you through every stage of dog ownership. From puppy training to daycare and boarding, we make it easy to create a life that works for your pet. To learn more about our services and how they can help you, please call (248) 363-6262.