How Do You Puppy-Proof Your Home?
Puppies can be a lot of fun, but they are also a lot of hard work. It’s important to understand their needs and how you can best accommodate them. Puppy proofing your home prior to their arrival is extremely important and will prevent anything happening to your new family member. We’ve put together some handy tips on how to puppy proof each area of your home.
Kitchens
The kitchen is one of the most intriguing places for new puppies! The smells of food (and the garbage) make all pets want to explore. However, the kitchen also contains all kinds of dangerous things: sharp cans, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, foods that are toxic etc. Keeping your puppy away from these may seem simple, but it is important to remember that curious puppies can get into all kind of trouble.
Be sure that all your kitchen cabinets, trashcans, and fridge have securely closing doors and lids to keep inquisitive noses safe.
A list of common pet toxins can be found here: bit.ly/2tp7IX3
Bathroom / Laundry
Bathrooms and laundries are particularly dangerous rooms. They can contain medication, soaps, cleaning products, and other potentially hazardous products if ingested.
Consider storing any harmful products in high areas where puppies cannot reach them, as well as keeping cupboards closed and locked where possible.
Living Areas / Bedrooms
One of the main concerns in living areas and bedrooms is power points and cords. Puppies will naturally chew and destroy cords that are left lying around. Make sure that all cords are unplugged and consider buying covers for power points and cords. This will take away the desire to chew the cords.
Securing furniture and appliances is also important. Bookshelves, vases and lamps have the potential to fall and crush puppies if not secured.
Also be careful of leaving socks and underwear on the floor – clothing that smells strongly of you is unbelievably appealing to puppies and they may end up chewing and/or swallowing them!
Outside Areas
The backyard can be one of the most dangerous places for a puppy. Drowning is a very real risk for young puppies, so if you have a pool, make sure the gate is always closed and they cannot get in.
If you have fruit trees or bark chips in your garden, be aware that the seeds and bark can be potential choking hazards, and frequently cause bowel obstructions when ingested.
The garden shed contains many nasty chemicals, such as fuels and antifreeze. These can potentially kill animals if ingested. Secure the locks on your garden shed in order to keep your pets safe.
Also be aware of potentially toxic plants in your garden. The Adelaide Emergency Centre has produced a handy leaflet of which plants to look out for: bit.ly/2usGK5Z
Bonus Tip
Consider blocking access to high decks and staircases, where falling is a potential hazard.
