Puppy Proofing Your House and Yard

Puppy proofing your home

Puppies are full of energy and always seem to be able to get into every and anything. So it’s important to keep your house puppy-proof in order to keep them safe. Get your house ready for your new member of the family

Remember – Puppies love to chew!  Always provide a safe chewing toy for your puppy so that it will help him to learn to play with safe, healthy toys. Chewing toys will also keep their teeth clean, keep their curious minds occupied, and provide chewing exercise which will tire them out.

Indoors      

Electrical cords – Keep cords out of reach if possible, or purchase cord wraps or protectors.  A good idea is to coat them with Bitter Apple Spray. Grannicks Bitter Apple Original Dog Spray is reviewed to be very effective and is available on Petsmart.com  or Chewy.com.  It is very important to keep your puppy away from all electrical cords for obvious reasons.

Medications, poisons, and household cleaners – Keep all medications and household cleaners in a safe area, away from your puppy.  Avoid using automatic toilet bowl cleaners if you can’t keep your big puppy from drinking out of the toilet.  It’s best to avoid that bad habit from forming, if possible!

Indoor plants  –  Some of the common indoor plants toxic to dogs are philodendron, dieffenbachia, aloe, and snake plant.

Windows, doors, and stairs – Keep windows and doors securely closed and ensure that window screens are secure.   Use a pet gate to block off any stairs that may pose a hazard to a young puppy.

Small items and breakables – Keep valuable items that can easily be broken by a playful puppy out of their reach. Jewelry, small items, and coins can be easily swallowed by curious puppies, so keep them out of reach, as well.  Also, keep socks, nylons, underwear, and other clothing put away.  Any of these can be chewed and swallowed by a curious pup.

Fire and heat sources – Screen off fireplaces and wood stoves, and never leave your puppy unattended in a room with any type of open flame or space heater.

Outdoors

Dangerous areas – Walk around your yard and look for areas or items that could be hazardous to your puppy.  Sharp objects, broken glass, exposed nails, and small items that he may chew or eat should be removed.

Plants and shrubs – Some plants are toxic to dogs, and common ones include morning glory, foxglove, lily of the valley, boxwood shrubs, bulb plants like daffodil and tulips, peony, mums, and vinca.  Remove these plants or do not plant them where your puppy can reach them.

Poisons or toxins – Be sure that all gasoline, oil, paints, lawn fertilizers, insecticides, and auto supplies (antifreeze) are in secure containers and placed out of reach.  Any of these could be deadly if ingested by a puppy.

Garbage and compost piles – Ensure that garbage is kept in a securely closed container, and keep compost n a secure bin and out of the puppy’s reach.

Gardens – Fence off your garden if you are using fertilizers and insecticides, or if you are growing plants that are toxic to the puppy.  Some toxic plants are corn plant, onion, parsley, rhubarb, sweet potato, apples, peaches, plums, and cherries.

Mulches and ornamental rocks – Cocoa bean mulch is toxic to dogs!!  The same substances found in chocolate,  which are theobromine and caffeine, are found in cocoa bean mulch. Dogs that swallow too much can have vomiting, diarrhea, fast heart rate, and seizures.  Puppies may chew and swallow ornamental stone which can cause intestinal blockage.

Open water – Pools, ponds, and hot tubs should be fenced off or securely covered.

Prevent escapes – Provide secure fencing or a sturdy kennel to prevent your puppy from escaping.  Ensure that he cannot jump over it or dig under it.

Outdoor fire sources – Never leave a puppy unattended outdoors if you are using a fire ring, barbeque grill, or other fire source.

By using common sense and remembering these tips, you will be sure to enjoy your puppy, and you will ensure that he has a safe and happy life with you and your family.

Keeping your puppy safe at home