If you’ve just welcomed a new puppy into your home, congratulations! First, however, it’s important to ensure your house is safe for your new furry friend. Puppies are energetic and curious, so it’s important to puppy-proof your home before they have a chance to get into anything dangerous. This blog post will cover the ten most important points when puppy-proofing your home.
Why is puppy-proofing the home important?
Puppies are active and curious, so it’s important to make sure that your home is safe for them. By puppy-proofing, you can help prevent your puppy from getting into anything dangerous.
There are a few things to keep in mind when puppy-proofing your home:
- First, puppies are attracted to things that smell good, so keep any food or garbage out of their reach.
- Puppies like to chew on things, so it’s important to remove anything from around the house that could be harmful if chewed on, such as electrical cords.
- Puppies are also very curious, so it’s important to ensure that any potentially dangerous areas of the house are off-limits to them.
These precautions can help ensure that your puppy has a safe and happy home.
Is puppy proofing your home similar to baby proofing?
Puppy proofing your home is very similar to baby proofing your home. Just as you would with a baby, you want to ensure that any potentially dangerous items are out of reach or properly secured. You also want to look for potential hazards that could cause your puppy harm.
Here are some things to keep in mind when puppy-proofing your home:
- Keep all cleaning supplies, medications, and other potentially harmful chemicals out of reach. Secure them in cabinets or cupboards that your puppy cannot access.
- Make sure all electrical cords are either out of reach or properly secured. Chewing on electrical cords can be extremely dangerous for puppies (and adult dogs!) and can lead to burns or electrocution.
- Inspect your home for any small items that your puppy could choke on. Keep them out of reach or put them away in a safe place.
- Puppies love to chew, so it’s important to ensure that anything they can get their teeth on is safe. Look for things like chew toys and bones, or choose pet-safe furniture coverings if you’re concerned about your puppy damaging your furniture.
Following these simple tips can help keep your puppy safe and prevent accidents in your home. Puppy proofing is an important part of being a responsible dog owner, so take the time to do it right!
A 10-Point Checklist for Indoor Puppy Proofing a Home
Puppy proofing your home doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. By following this simple checklist, you can help make sure your puppy stays safe indoors.
- Keep all cleaning products, chemicals, and medications out of reach. This includes dish soap, laundry detergent, bleach, and hand sanitizer. Store them in a high cabinet or on a high shelf that the puppy can’t reach.
- Be careful with electric cords. Puppies love to chew on things, and electrical cords are tempting targets. If possible, tuck them away, so they’re not easily accessible. If that’s not possible, cover them with cord covers or tape so the puppy can’t get to them.
- Put away small objects. Things like coins, paper clips, and hair ties can be tempting for puppies to put in their mouths. Please make sure they’re out of reach or stored away in a safe place.
- Be mindful of plants. Some houseplants are poisonous to dogs if ingested. If you have any plants that could be harmful, keep them out of reach or remove them from the house altogether.
- Keep the trash can inaccessible. Puppies will rummage through trash cans in search of food, so keeping them out of reach is important. If possible, store the trash can in a closed cabinet or in a room that the puppy doesn’t have access to.
- Be careful with food. Certain foods, like chocolate and grapes, can be toxic to dogs. So keep all food out of reach, including countertops and table surfaces.
- Use childproof locks. Childproof locks can keep cabinets and drawers closed so the puppy can’t get into them. This is especially important in kitchens and bathrooms with potential hazards like cleaning products and medications.
- Block off stairways. If you have stairs in your home, block them off with gates or baby doors so the puppy can’t access them. Stairs can be dangerous for puppies since they’re still learning to walk and climb properly.
- Keep doors closed. Dogs are curious creatures and will often try to explore every nook and cranny of your home. To prevent the puppy from getting into trouble, keep doors to rooms you don’t want him to close at all times.
- Use a crate. Crates can be a safe space for puppies when they’re not supervised. This is a good way to confine the puppy to one area when you can’t watch him closely, so he doesn’t have access to the entire house.
Following these simple tips can help make your home safe and pup-proofed! Puppies are full of energy and curiosity, but with a little preparation, you can help keep them safe and out of trouble.
A 10-Point Checklist for Outdoor Puppy Proofing
Puppies are curious creatures that love to explore, so it’s important to take precautions when they’re outdoors. Following this simple checklist can help ensure your puppy stays safe while he enjoys the great outdoors.
- Keep an eye on him at all times. Supervising your puppy whenever he’s outside is important so you can watch for any potential hazards.
- Be aware of cars and traffic. Cars pose a serious threat to puppies, so it’s important to be aware of traffic whenever you’re outside with your pup. Avoid busy streets and watch for cars when walking near a road.
- Watch for other animals. If other animals are in the area, keep a close eye on your puppy. Other dogs, cats, and wildlife can threaten puppies, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep him on a leash. Puppies should always be kept on a leash when they’re outdoors. This will help you maintain control and prevent him from running off into danger.
- Fences: Check all the fences in your yard to ensure they are secure and there are no gaps your pup could squeeze through.
- Gates: If you have any gates leading into your yard, test them to see if they are sturdy and can’t be easily pushed open by a curious puppy.
- Plants: Puppies like to chew on things, so take a walk around your property and check for any plants that might be poisonous to dogs. Also, look for plants with thorns or sharp edges that could hurt your pup.
- Lawn chemicals: If you use any lawn chemicals, such as fertilizers or pesticides, ensure they are stored safely out of your puppy’s reach.
- Pool: If you have a pool, make sure it is properly fenced in and that there is no way for your pup to get into it without you knowing.
- Toys: Leave some toys in the yard so your pup has something to play with when he’s outside.
Following these simple tips can help ensure your puppy stays safe while he’s outdoors enjoying the fresh air!
Here are some products that will help you Puppy proof your home.
We have a complete guide on how to Train a Puppy
What to do if a puppy is chewing wires and cords?
If your puppy is chewing on cords and wires, the best thing to do is try to keep them out of reach. Put away any loose cords and cover up exposed outlets. You can also try using a cord protector or spraying bitter apples on the cords to deter your puppy from chewing on them. If you catch your puppy in the act, give him a firm “no” and provide him with an approved chew toy. Puppies need to chew to help relieve the pain of teething, so it’s important to give them something safe to chew.
Cords and wires are not the only things puppies like to chew. Puppies chew on anything they can get their teeth on: shoes, furniture, walls, you name it. So again, the best thing to do is to keep these things out of reach and provide your puppy with plenty of chew toys. If you catch him chewing on something he shouldn’t, say “no” firmly and redirect him to an approved chew toy.
What to do if a puppy is choking?
If your puppy is choking, the first thing you should do is remain calm. Puppies are very curious and will often put things in their mouths that they shouldn’t. If you panic, it will only make the situation worse.
Next, try to see if you can dislodge the object yourself. If you can’t, then it’s time to call for help. The best thing to do is to take your puppy to the vet as soon as possible. They will be able to determine what is causing the obstruction and help clear it quickly and safely.
In the meantime, here are a few things you can do to prevent your puppy from choking:
- Keep an eye on what your puppy is playing with and put away anything that could be a choking hazard.
- Be careful with small toys and bones. Always supervise your puppy when they are playing with these items.
- Keep food and treats out of reach. Puppies will often try to eat anything they can get their mouths on!
Following these simple tips can help keep your puppy safe from harm. If you are unsure about something, always err on the side of caution and contact your veterinarian for advice. Puppy proofing your home is an important step in keeping your new furry friend safe and healthy. By taking some time to do this, you can rest assured that your puppy will have a happy and enjoyable life.
Choking hazard items for puppies
Puppies are curious creatures and will put just about anything into their mouths. It’s important to keep an eye on your pup, especially when they’re exploring their new home. Here are some common items that can pose a choking hazard for puppies:
- Toys with small parts
- Small balls
- Bones
- Socks and other clothing items.
- Coins
- Paper clips
- Stickers
Puppies will also chew on just about anything they can get their teeth on. This includes furniture, shoes, baseboards, walls, and electrical cords.
Do I need to cover outlets for puppies?
Covering outlets is one way to prevent puppies from getting electrical shocks. You can buy outlet covers at most hardware stores. Another option is to keep all cords and electronic devices out of reach by placing them high up on shelves or behind furniture where puppies can’t access them.
Do you have any other tips for puppy-proofing your home? Could you share them with us in the comments?
