14 Tips on How to Puppy Proof Your House

September 3, 2012 — Monica Ruiz

Puppies are cute, energetic, naturally curious and are born explorers. This is why they are such a bundle of joy to have around. However, their “exploring” may result in situations which are harmful, therefore, you will have to take some steps to puppy-proof your home before bringing home your new puppy, this will ensure that he or she remains safe. Puppy-proofing your home is quite similar to baby-proofing your home and just as important, so here are some tips from us at Purebredbreeders.com to help you get ready for your canine friend’s arrival.

Household Hazards

• Find out which plants in your home are potentially poisonous for pets and keep them away from your pet or simply replace those plants with nontoxic ones. Poisonous indoor plants may include Calla lily, philodendron, azalea, and dieffenbachia.
• Do not leave you or your pet’s medication in their reach. Puppies are quite adept at pulling things off surfaces such as end tables and they can easily chew through plastic containers.
• Keep the lid of your toilet closed as it may become a hazard for drowning. If swallowed, toilet cleansers can also be harmful to your puppy, so keep them out of reach.
• We at Purebredbreeders.com also recommend that you place your cleaning supplies in the higher cupboards or secure them in lower ones as these may be harmful to the eyes and lungs of your puppy if he or she is exposed to them.
• Carefully place your furniture to avoid accidents. The tail of your curious puppy can be harmed by a rocking chair, for example.
• Puppies often chew on electrical cords and this can result in mouth burns or electrocution. Therefore Purebredbreeders.com suggests that you tie loose electric cords and keep them out of reach. The same also goes for your blinds and drapery cords which can cause strangulation.
• Fire and open flames can be dangerous for an unattended puppy, so wood stoves and fireplaces should be monitored when in use and turned off otherwise.
• Clothing such as underwear, nylons, and socks should be kept out of reach, as well as, small objects such as jewelry, coins, needles and pins. Remember that if swallowed they may cause intestinal problems.

Outside Hazards

• When outdoors, you can prevent your puppy from straying if you build a kennel or provide fencing that is secure.
• Common outdoor plants such as foxglove and morning glory can be poisonous for your puppy so find away to prevent contact.
• Ensure that things such as lawn fertilizers, insecticides and gasoline are not within reach.
• Barbeques and firing rings may also cause burns and should be kept out of your puppy’s reach.
• Purebredbreeders.com implore you to keep hot tubs, ponds, and pools fenced off or covered as they are drowning hazards.

Owning a puppy comes with a lot of responsibilities, but the rewards outweigh the mundane tasks. Unfortunately, accidents can still happen no matter how careful you are so Purebredbreeders.com urges you to have the contact numbers of your veterinarian and a Pet Poison Helpline on speed-dial.  We do hope that these tips will help you to enjoy the company of your new friend in a safe and friendly environment.