PUPPY-PROOFING YOUR HOUSE

 Congratulations! You’ve decided to enter the thrilling and often hectic world of dog ownership. You’ve undoubtedly done some studying and have a good idea of how to care for your new puppy. Because your dog will spend the bulk of its life in your home, it is critical that you take care to ensure that it is a safe environment.

Puppies are incredibly lively and inquisitive, so you must be diligent while puppy-proofing your home. It’s amazing what a single puppy can get itself into. You’re trying to keep the puppy safe by preventing it from having access to anything dangerous.

Don’t forget to get down on your knees and look around your house through your puppy’s eyes to spot any hidden threats. Remember, whatever you’d keep out of reach of a child, you should keep out of reach of your new puppy as well.

What does puppy-proofing your house mean?

 Puppy-proofing your home involves conducting a safety check or “four-legged inspection” to identify all potential hazards that a curious puppy may encounter. Puppies have a natural tendency to put everything in their mouths, which means they can easily consume something dangerous, choke on a large object, or ingest a foreign body, among other things.

In addition, when you bring a new puppy home, accidents appear to lurk around every corner. Your pet could suffocate if they become stuck, pinned, or wedged behind furniture, or they could break a bone if they fall down the stairs or off the couch.

As an owner, it is your job to do everything possible to care for your puppy and maintain its safety from these potential threats in order to limit

the likelihood of them being injured.

01: Puppy-Proof the Living Room:

 Your living room is probably where your new family member will spend the most time, so learning how to puppy-proof your home should be a top priority.

Conceal exposed cables and wires:

Electrical cords, cables, and wires pose a significant risk to pups that bite on them while playing. They can cause tongue burns, electrical shock, and even death from electrocution. To keep your dog from chewing on loose electrical cords, tie them up and use protective cord covers.

Remove Toxic Houseplants:

Sadly, certain common houseplants can be poisonous to dogs, so use caution when arranging greenery.

Block Stairs with a Pet Gate:

A pet gate is similar to a baby gate in that it is designed to keep your puppy from chewing on the stairs, struggling to climb them, and maybe falling down. Install the dog gate at the top of the stairs to keep your puppy safe. If your puppy wants to climb the stairs, install an additional pet gate at the bottom.

Close Windows and Doors:

Make sure all of the doors and windows are closed and locked because if your puppy sees an open one, it can interpret it as a signal to run outdoors and begin exploring. Furthermore, tuck the wires on your blinds aside to avoid accidental

strangulation.

Cover the Couch with a Blanket:

If you let your dog join you on the couch, a throw blanket can keep them from tracking messes onto the upholstery. Just keep puppies away from blankets with fringe or tassels, and don’t leave them on the couch unaccompanied if they can’t safely jump down yet.

Spray Furniture with Taste Deterrent:

Another approach to stopping your dog from chewing on anything they discover and perhaps choking is to use a deterrent spray. Plus, it will prevent canine tooth stains from appearing on your home’s surfaces.

o2: Puppy-Proof the Kitchen:

 This kitchen should be at the top of your list when puppy-proofing because it frequently presents the greatest risk to your pet.

Safely Store Chemicals and Cleaning Supplies:

Make certain that your puppy does not come into contact with any chemicals or cleaning products. Dogs use their mouths to explore the world, so you definitely don’t want them to consume any of these pollutants.

Lock Cabinets and Pantry:

Install childproof locks on any cupboards that are within your puppy’s reach. This is especially crucial if your cabinets or pantry include cleaners or other potentially harmful goods for pets.

Keep the Garbage Covered:

Your puppy could suffer harm if your trash is left open, either by ingesting something harmful or choking on a sharp bone. Keep trash in dog-safe trash cans that lock using a pedal system or keep it all securely covered in trash cans to avoid temptation.

Place Human Food Out-of-Reach:

Always keep human food out of reach. Many human foods are hazardous or harmful to dogs, so they should not be consumed. Things like apple cores, chocolate, and onions are examples of these that may appear to be completely safe.

Stash Plastic Grocery Bags:

When you’re through using plastic bags, make sure to store them out of pups’ reach to prevent choking.

03: Puppy-Proof the Bedroom:

 The bedroom contains a few safety risks for pups as you go through the checklist to puppy-proof your home.

Fill Small Gaps Between Furniture:

Puppies can easily become trapped between a desk and a dresser because they like to make their dens by squeezing themselves into tight spaces. To ensure that there is no room left for your puppy; think about placing flat storage boxes. Make the boxes heavy by filling them to the point where your dog can’t push them aside.

Place a Barrier Between the Box-Spring Mattress & Floor:

Puppy-proof your bed by putting anything thin, like cardboard or foam, between the box spring mattress and the floor. In the event that your puppy decides to investigate under the bed, this will shield them from any loose springs.

Block Off Under the Bed:

By piling books, cardboard boxes, storage bins, etc., you can stop pups from crawling under the bed (or couch). Pet blocks can also be used as a dog barrier. These will stop your puppy from crawling underneath the bed and keep the area clean of dust and grime.

Get a Puppy-Proof Crate:

Crate-training your pet can help prevent accidental suffocation at night. Your dog can relax and recuperate in the crate in a secure, cosy environment. Puppies sleep about 85% of the day, so it’s crucial to provide them with a special, comfortable place to doze off.

Put Laundry in the Hamper:

It is unsafe to leave laundry strewn over your bedroom floor because items like socks, buttons, and strings present a significant choking risk to your puppy if consumed. A puppy who consumes socks runs the danger of developing major difficulties due to an obstruction in the digestive tract.

Keep Shoes off the Floor:

It’s best to prevent your pet from developing unhealthy chewing habits as early as possible. You may lessen the chance of choking by keeping shoes, toys, clothes, and any other enticing items out of your dog’s reach. This will stop the puppy from developing harmful habits.

04: Puppy-Proof a Bathroom:

 The bathroom is a space that also needs careful consideration. Make your bathroom puppy- proof by following these tips.

Seal and Safeguard Medications:

Did you know that ingesting human medication is the most frequent cause of pet poisoning? All of your prescription drugs and dietary supplements should be kept in a locked drawer or cabinet to prevent a tragic catastrophe from happening to your dog.

Seal and Safeguard Medications:

Your dog won’t consume toxic cleansers or perhaps drown if they slip inside and are unable to escape by always keeping the toilet lid down (or perhaps even adding a seat lock).

Store Paper Products:

A lot of puppies and dogs enjoy eating toilet paper. Eating toilet paper can upset your stomach and result in diarrhoea, vomiting, tiredness, and constipation, among other symptoms. Use roll covers or store toilet paper rolls in containers.

Cover the Trash Can:

It’s a good idea to cover or store the trash can in the bathroom with a child safety lock because it can contain some pretty dirty and dangerous objects.

Puppy proofing involves more than just ensuring the safety of your dog and preventing harm to your house. Puppy-proofing living spaces can be greatly reduced by training a puppy.