Tips for Puppy-Proofing your Home Ready for your New Arrival
Do you want to try and keep your home as puppy-proof as possible? If so, then you are certainly not alone. So many people want to make sure that their home is safe for when the puppy comes, but at the end of the day, this can be difficult to do if you don’t know what to look for. If you want to help yourself out here, then simply take a look below.
Keep Trash Secure
Trash is very enticing to a new puppy. It is interesting because it smells good, if they can get to food that tastes good, then this will entice them even more. You may even find that the sound of the bag is enough to keep them occupied as well. For this reason, you need to try and keep any trash covered up and you also need to keep it secure as well. If you leave your puppy to their own devices, then they may end up eating something toxic to them, and this is the last thing you need. Xylitol gum is very bad for young puppies, and if they do find their way into the trash then they may end up eating something that causes internal obstruction. This could include tissue or even bone. As if that wasn’t enough, you have the risk of suffocation from the bag, and this is also a major hazard. If you want to do something about this, then you need to try and make sure that you have a secure lid on the trash and that your family all know the importance of keeping it closed.
Cover Cords
If you want to protect your puppy from things like shock, burns to the mouth or even full electrocution, then you need to try and use deterrent sprays or cord covers. A pup should be supervised if they are not in their own crate or a pen, and they should also have a lot of chew toys as well. This will give your puppy a much better outlet to focus on. You have to remember that puppies need to chew as they tend to suffer a lot from teething pain. Chewing also helps them to relieve stress or pent-up energy, so try and be mindful of this if you can. If you see your dog chewing something that they should not be, then redirect them to what they should be doing.
Stow your Bags
It’s likely that your backpack, your purse or even your diaper bag contains a lot of threats to your new puppy. Xylitol poisoning is becoming more of an issue as time goes on, as it is creeping into more products. Unintentional poisoning is actually one of the biggest and most common emergencies for a pet, so make sure that you stow any of your bags on a hook that is both high and out of reach where possible. Do not let your family or your visitors off here either. They need to be following the same rules for your puppy, as they will have a different scent on their bags and this can be just as, if not more interesting to your pooch. When searching for puppies for sale, you have to take into account the breed too, as some dogs will be naturally more nose-focused than others. Labradors and golden retrievers are naturally curious dogs and will often pick up anything they can find. If you can combat this by keeping your home safe, you’ll find that they end up being some of the best dogs you could hope to have in your life.
Watch out for Medication
Medication is also a very common issue for dog owners. You would be surprised at how many dogs become poisoned every single year through people leaving medication out where they shouldn’t. After all, it is a very easy mistake to make. You need to try and make sure that you do not put your medication on your countertop or even on the nightstand. Put them inside a secure cabinet instead, or in a drawer. It is also very wise for you to be storing any pet medications away from yours. If you have to throw medication away, then put it down the sink or put it in the bin outside with the lid on securely.
Watch out for Poisonous Plants
A houseplant may seem somewhat innocent, but it can actually cause you a serious issue. It can cause mild irritation and even digestive failure in some instances. Some of the most toxic plants out there to dogs include the Sago palm plant and American Yew. You also have the Autumn Crocus and the Castor Bean plant.
Set Limits
Your puppy is bound to want to explore as much as they can, and they will want to test their limits as much as possible. Do what you can to set up some baby gates or even some pens. You also need to find ways to stop your puppy from getting either into or out of places where you don’t want them to be. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to keep them safe while also keeping them far from mischief.
Keep your Dog Grounded
It’s vital to know that puppies are super clumsy, and they are also known for having very fragile bones. If you have them on the couch or if you have your child pick them up, then you may be putting them at risk if they do try and jump. It’s a good idea for you to try and keep your new puppy away from any tall furniture and for you to ask young children to be careful when holding them until your puppy is much more coordinated and less fragile. If you can do this, then you can be sure to avoid any disasters and you can also help to keep your puppy much safer as well, so keep that in mind when the time comes for you to welcome your new addition home.
