One of the first things you need to do before you get a new puppy is to puppy-proof your home and yard. In doing so, you will save yourself money and time in repairing damage caused by a rambunctious puppy, not to mention potential trips to the vet after your new furry baby ate something he shouldn’t have.
Doors, windows, and gates. Gates are perfect for blocking off rooms and areas that you do not want your puppy to go. You may also want to cordon off stairwells until the puppy is older and can maneuver stairs better. Additionally, keep drawers and cabinets closed and puppy-proofed with safety latches, especially those that hold toxic or dangerous substances. Make sure windows and screens are securely fastened to prevent your puppy from falling out or escaping. Lastly, be sure to close doors that lead to rooms where a new puppy could get into mischief (i.e. storage rooms, offices, garages).
Household poisons and hazards. This includes items such as chemical cleaners and other household chemicals, medications, cosmetics, small objects (i.e. children’s toys, buttons, coins, jewelry, yarn, paper clips, strings, etc.), recreational items such as fishing gear (i.e. lines, hooks and lures), dangerous plants, and harmful human foods (i.e. chocolate, candy, grapes, walnuts, macadamia nuts, apple seeds etc.). Anything the least bit dangerous or toxic to pets should be removed and stored well away from curious puppies.
Keep trashcans up and away. Trashcans around the home can pose an irresistible, and dangerous, temptation to many puppies. In the kitchen garbage, items such as food scraps, coffee grounds, and plastic food wrap can be harmful to your puppy’s health. In the office, items such as staples, pencils, pens, and paperclips are alluring to trouble-seeking puppies. Lastly, in the bathroom trash, razors and sanitary supplies can be hazardous. Of course, besides the risk factors, you don’t want to walk into a room to find trash strewn about—what may be fun for your puppy will not necessarily be fun for you.
Cords and wires. Puppies often consider cords and wires appealing chew toys. Unfortunately, puppies can get an electrical shock or worse from chewing wires. So, to protect your furry baby, try rubber banding or tying dangling electrical wires and placing them in a location where they will be out of your puppy’s way and no longer a temptation. You might also get spiral cable wraps or cord concealers to protect wires from your puppy. Additionally, drapery and blind cords should be tied up or have the loop cut since dangling cords can strangle a jubilant puppy.
Inspect your backyard. Create a pet safe yard from the very beginning. Ensure there are no poisonous plants anywhere in or near your yard. Even the seeds or dead leaves of a toxic plant could be harmful to a curious puppy. Consider replacing any toxic plants with ones that are not dangerous. Also, if your yard is fenced, periodically inspect it to be sure there are no holes or gaps that your industrious puppy could escape through. Regardless of how secure your yard is, you should always supervise your puppy when he is outside.
Pools, hot tubs, and ponds. Do not let your puppy near any pools, hot tubs or ponds without your supervision. He could easily fall in the water and drown. If he will be around water, consider putting a pet flotation device on him. Inside the home, protect him from full tubs, sinks and toilets. Always keep your puppy away from toilets that use automatic bowl cleaners.
Pesticides, fertilizers, and auto supplies. Safely store fertilizers, pesticides, oil, paint, gasoline and antifreeze well away from areas to which your puppy may have access. Remember that antifreeze is especially deadly to pets—even a small amount can kill your pet. Also, you should wait 48 hours before letting your puppy play on a recently treated lawn. If you have any questions or concerns about any chemicals, consult your veterinarian before you let your puppy anywhere near them.
Some other items you should not let your puppy near include, but are not limited to:
• Books, magazines, and other important papers that a puppy might enjoy shredding
• TV and radio controls, tapes, CDs, MP3 players
• Pillows, blankets, rugs, mats
• Candles, potpourri
• Toilet paper, tissues, paper towels
• Clothing, nylons, socks, hats, gloves, laundry
• Cleaning items, such as sponges, rags, cleaners, and detergents
Most puppies are real characters and will find trouble, no matter what. The best you can do is look at everything in your home from the perspective of a puppy. If there is something that you think your puppy will be able to reach, and it looks like something he might enjoy chewing or carrying off to his favorite spot, you probably want to remove that item or place it well out of harm’s way. With careful planning and thought, you can easily make your puppy’s new home safe and comfortable.
