2021 Home Puppy Proofing Tips
Whether this is your first puppy or your first puppy in awhile, you probably haven’t thought about what a little pup can get into quickly and easily. Take a look at some of the precautions puppy owners may not have prepared for.
Trash
Our trash bins hold many delicious smelling snacks for any animal, and puppies might be ruthless when it comes to getting what they want. There are trash cans that have snap-lock lids, or you can move your trash into a cabinet or pantry to keep prying paws out of them. Not only can they make a mess, but they could end up suffocating by getting twisted around in a bag, get cut by sharp cans or bones, or ingest something that could make them ill or worse.
Purses
There are so many items in purses that a puppy could quickly ingest or choke on including makeup, food wrappers, and lip balm. Xylitol is poisonous to dogs and mainly known as being an ingredient in peanut butter; however, it’s often found in mints and sugar-free gum which are often found in purses.
House Plants
Unless you know your plant is definitely not toxic to dogs, it’s best to move these out of a puppy-reach zone. If you have a male puppy that you’re trying to house train, keeping him away from plants (toxic or not) will help avoid marking in the house. Not to mention, a broken vase or pot and soil can be a bit of a mess to clean up, not including the soil covered pup.
Electronics
Cables, remotes, phones, tablets, and video game controllers are all chewable items, and boy do puppies love to chew. Tie them up, tape them down, or run them under rugs or behind furniture to avoid temptation.
Fragile Items
Anything easily breakable should be moved. A room that is inaccessible to the puppy is best, but an enclosed case is also an option. Just make sure they can’t be easily knocked over or off of a higher surface.
Chemicals
Pesticides, antifreeze, weed killer, paint, and other toxic substances should be stored in the garage, shed, or basement, as long as your puppy doesn’t go into these areas. Laundry detergent and cleaning supplies should be placed up high, or preferably behind closed doors.
Toilets
Close that lid! If you’ve just cleaned the bowl, it can harbor chemicals such as bleach. If you haven’t cleaned it in awhile, the toilet harbors bacteria. Not to mention, A puppy can fall in and get hurt or even drown.
Office Supplies
Puppies eat everything. Paper clips, binder clips, push pins, rubber bands, or staples can easily be missed when dropped and then gobbled up. Be extra careful with these
It’s probably a good idea to create some zones for your puppy. Use gates to limit where your puppy can go and what he can get into. Be sure the gate is strong enough and tall enough to survive your puppy’s jumping and chewing. Also, give your puppy a crate area that is only for him. This should be away from the hustle and bustle of the house, where your puppy can go to relax, take a nap, or just have some “me time”. Getting him to enjoy his crate is helpful when it comes to putting him up when you need to take a shower, make a phone call, or leave the room to take care of children.
Getting a puppy can be overwhelming and come with a lot of surprises. Puppy proofing goes a long way in saving headaches for the tiny little paws and teeth to get into. Take some precautions to create a less stressful experience so you can enjoy the love and delight of a sweet new puppy in your home.