Puppy Proofing
It’s finally here! The day you and your family have been waiting for!
You’ve found the perfect furry friend to add to your home and they are arriving in the next few days!
It’s important to make sure your home, both inside and outside are safe for your new addition.
Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do to prepare!
Puppies are extremely energetic and curious, so when puppy-proofing your home, you must be thorough. It’s amazing what one little puppy can get into. By puppy-proofing, you’re trying to keep the puppy safe and prevent him from getting access to anything dangerous to him.
Checklist for Indoor Puppy-Proofing
Electrical: Make sure that all accessible cords are out of reach of your new puppy. If you are not able to move the cords, put them through a protective sleeve on concealer. Chewing cords can burn your dog’s mouth or shock your dog.
Food: Keep human food on the table and away from puppies. While you may be able to feed some people food to your pup, many foods are dangerous. If your pup is accustomed to having people food, they won’t know the difference between what is safe and what is not.
Cleaners: Any household cleaners or other dangerous substances need to be kept out of reach of your new pup. Whether in a locked cabinet or in a high cabinet, this will help to keep your puppy from harm. Remember also to keep your new pup out of any rooms that you might be using chemicals in. This can affect their sensitive sense of smell.
Medication: Puppies are extremely curious and will explore anything with their mouths. This includes any medication that you may have out on the counter or your night table. Make sure to put those things away and out of reach.
Toilets: Dogs drinking toilet water is pretty gross, especially when they kiss you right after. But what’s worse, is that puppies can drown if they fall in. So make sure those lids are closed!
Doors & Windows: Doors and windows should be kept closed at all times with a new puppy. They like to explore and could easily escape if given the chance.
Choking hazards: Any small items that a puppy could choke on need to be put away. When in doubt, don’t leave it out!
Trashcans: Nothing is more irresistible to a puppy than some interesting smelling garbage. So keep your cans close and secure to avoid any accidents.
Plants: If they don’t know what it is, a puppy will put it in their mouth. This includes your houseplants! Keep them up and away from your dog in order to make sure that you don’t end up with a sick puppy.
Checklist for Outdoors Puppy-Proofing
Fence: If your yard is already fenced, inspect it to make sure there are no holes your puppy can get through. If you do not have a fence, consider getting one!
Plants: Any potentially toxic or dangerous plants need to be removed.
Pool: If your home has a pool, it is essential to have an enclosed fence around it. Puppies love to explore and could end up drowning. Even if your dog can swim, if they can’t find the steps out, they also could get into trouble.
Maintenance: Keep your lawn trimmed and brush under control. Unkept vegetation is a great place for ticks to hang out!
Chemicals: Avoid the use of any lawn chemicals, pesticides or insecticides if your dog is going to be using that area.
Heat: Make sure that you have some kind of shade for your pups outside! Supervise your dogs on hot days and always provide fresh, cool water for them.
Cleaning Up: Make sure you pick up your dog’s waste. Not only could they eat it but it can also carry disease.
Supervision: Also make sure you are looking after your new pup outside! They are incredibly vulnerable at this age and your support will help to keep them safe and comfortable in the new space!
