Like most people, you’re probably excited about the newest addition to your family – a puppy! Puppies are a lot of fun, but they can also be a lot of work, from taking care of their daily needs like feeding them and getting them to exercise to staying on top of all their routine checks up. However, One of the most important things you can do to make sure your puppy has a great home that often gets overlooked is puppy-proof everything. This article will discuss how to puppy-proof your home so that your new furry friend can enjoy everything safely!
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Secure Any Cords And Cables
One essential part of puppy-proofing is securing any cords and cables. Cords and cables can be tempting for curious puppies, who may try to chew on them or pull them. This can not only damage your electronics but also pose a choking hazard. To keep your puppy safe, take a few minutes to secure all cords and cables. You can use cord covers or zip ties to keep cords out of reach, and furniture pads can help protect against chewing. Keeping cords and cables tidy is also good, so they’re not as tempting for your puppy.
Lock Up Your Cleaning Products
When you bring a new puppy home, it’s important to make sure your whole house is safe for them. They’ll be exploring everywhere, so you need to do a thorough puppy-proofing. One area that people often overlook is the cleaning products under the sink. Puppies are curious creatures, and they may be tempted to investigate those colorful bottles and interesting smells. Unfortunately, many cleaning products can be hazardous to pets. To keep your puppy safe, always store cleaning products in locked cabinets or out of reach.
Get Rid Of Poisonous Plants
Another part of puppy-proofing includes getting rid of any poisonous plants within their reach. Dogs are curious creatures, and they’re often drawn to colorful flowers and leaves. However, many common plants can be toxic to dogs if they ingest them. Some of the most dangerous include lilies, azaleas, and rhododendrons. If you have any of these plants in your home, it’s best to remove them or keep them out of your puppy’s reach. Taking these precautions will help to ensure that your furry friend stays safe and healthy.
Secure Your Trash Can
Many puppies are curious creatures who will rummage through garbage in search of something interesting, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues if they ingest something they shouldn’t. Make sure your trash can is securely covered, either with a lid or a bungee cord. You may also want to place it in a cabinet or another area where your puppy can’t easily access it. If either of these solutions doesn’t work for you, there are also special garbage cans designed to be puppy-proof that will prevent your furry friend from getting into the trash.
Protect Your Furniture
If you’re bringing a new puppy into your home, it’s important to take steps to protect your furniture. Puppies are notoriously playful and full of energy, and they often like to chew on whatever they can get their teeth on. This can quickly lead to scratched wood, chewed-up cushions, and shredded upholstery. To avoid expensive repairs or replacements, take some time to puppy-proof your furniture before they arrive. You can use furniture pads or covers to protect against damage, and you may also want to consider using a bitter spray deterrent to help train your puppy not to chew.
Keep Small Objects Out Of Reach
If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know how curious they can be. Everything is new to them, and they want to put everything in their mouths. Unfortunately, this can lead to them swallowing small objects that they shouldn’t. If these objects are sharp, they could puncture your puppy’s digestive tract. If they’re small enough, they could also get lodged in your puppy’s throat and cause them to choke. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to keep small objects out of reach from your puppy. This means picking up any loose coins, putting away small toys, and keeping anything else that could be a choking hazard out of reach.
Install Puppy Gates
Puppy gates are essential for keeping your furry friend safe and out of trouble. Whether you’re looking to keep them out of the kitchen while cooking or creating a designated potty area, puppy gates can help you create boundaries that will keep your pup safe and sound. When choosing a puppy gate, it’s important to consider the size of your dog and the area you’re looking to block off.
For smaller dogs, choose a gate with smaller openings that they won’t be able to squeeze through. If you’re looking to block off a larger area, choose a sturdier gate that you can mount to the wall for added security.
Remove Any Hazards From Your Yard
When you bring a new puppy home, it’s also important to ensure that your yard is safe for them to explore. This means removing any hazards that could harm them, such as broken glass or sharp objects. It’s also important to secure any gates or fences so that your puppy can’t escape. If you have a pool, make sure to install a fence around it. And be careful with pesticides and herbicides – many of these products are toxic to animals, so it’s best to avoid using them altogether. By taking these simple precautions, you can ensure your backyard is a safe haven for your new puppy to enjoy.
Conclusion
Puppying proofing your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little bit of planning, you can create a safe space for your puppy to explore and play. By taking some simple precautions, you can ensure your home is safe and welcoming for your new furry friend. If you are unsure whether something is safe for your puppy, err on the side of caution and remove it from their reach.
