How to Puppy-Proof Your Home
If you're thinking about adopting a puppy, the first step is to prepare your home for its arrival. The article will show you how to remove or put away anything that could be harmful and what items might need special attention in order to prevent accidents from occurring. It's always best to plan ahead when welcoming new pets into your family! There are many small steps you can take to make sure that the rooms of your house are safe for both you and your pup. The following tips might help:
Get Rid of Harmful Items.
Give away or throw out anything that could be harmful to your dog, such as medicines, cleaning supplies, or other chemicals. These things should never be within reach of any pet because they could cause poisoning or injury if ingested.
Invest in Baby Gates.
Invest in baby gates so that pups cannot access stairs without supervision. Pets love climbing up the stairs but it’s important to keep them from doing so unsupervised to prevent possible injuries on their way down.
Cover Your Trash Can.
Trash can lids should remain closed when not in use. This goes double for the bathroom trash since most dogs find the smell of human waste irresistible and might ingest it if they get a chance.
Put Away Valuables and Other Items You Don’t Want Chewed.
If you have important things that you don’t want to be chewed, keep them out of reach or in a cabinet that the pet cannot open. Items with small parts could pose a choking hazard if swallowed. Steer clear of breakable items like vases and glasses, too.
Clean Up and Clean Out.
Make your life easier by removing or putting away anything that might trip your pup while he’s exploring the house on his own without supervision. Sweep up any potential choking hazards such as food, toys, and other small objects that might be harmful if swallowed.
Clean up any pet messes in the house promptly with enzymatic cleaners to avoid attracting your pup back to the same area.
Check for Harmful Plants.
Pets can suffer ill effects from eating certain plants, including the leaves of lilies and poinsettias, so make sure that these are not present in your home. Some houseplants are also poisonous to pets, so keep these out of reach, too.
Pet-Proof Your Yard.
Although your dog will be mostly indoors when it is young, you should still consider the safety of your yard when puppy-proofing your home. You can do this by putting up fencing, making sure that there are no potential hazards in the yard, and keeping it free of holes.
Be Prepared for Accidents.
A pet emergency could happen when you least expect it; make sure to have pet insurance or other coverage in place to prevent financial hardship if your dog gets sick or injured.
If you're thinking about adopting a puppy and want to make sure that your home is safe for them, we've got you covered. From removing harmful items to pet-proofing the yard, our tips should help keep both you and your pup happy! Remember: it's always best to plan ahead when welcoming new pets into your family. What are some other ways in which you have made your house more dog-friendly? Let us know what works well for you in the comments below!