Puppies are curious and energetic little things and it is amazing how adept they are at getting themselves into trouble. Before you bring home your new companion be sure to walk through your home and look for potential hazards to you pet. Puppy proofing your home can save you headaches, money, and possibly your pets life. Below is a checklist to help you be aware of what to look for. There may be other things in your home that will need to be modified as well so following your new puppy around will be a great indicator of what other changes need to be made to ensure many happy years together!
1. Keep all medications, vitamins and supplements in a safe, hard-to-reach place.
2. Check for toxic plants. The most common indoor plants that are found indoors are philodendron, calla lilly, and azalea.
3. Any standing water can be a drowning hazard. (Open toilets, bathtubs, and sinks)
4. Cleaning supplies need to be in high cupboards or secured with child proof latches on lower cupboards.
5. Open trash bins, especially in bathrooms, need to be made inaccessible to pups.
6. Electrical cords can be a strangling and/or a electrocution hazard. Keep them tied up and out of sight.
7. Recliners, sofa beds and rocking chairs can hurt a puppys tail or leg so be watchful around moving furniture.
8. Any small objects (pins, string, coins, dental floss, buttons, jewelry, toys, etc) need to be kept out of puppys reach. Some metals are toxic and pins can be detrimental to a puppys digestive system.
9. Swallowed clothing can lead to a dangerous intestinal blockage. Keep small articles of clothing put away and hampers inaccessible.
10. Screen off fireplaces and wood burning stoves. Don't leave a puppy unattended around open flames.
11. Never leave your puppy alone near hot water radiators and space heaters.
12. Cut off or tie up excess cords from drapery and blinds to avoid strangulation.
13. Keep cat litter boxes beyond puppy boundaries (behind a baby gate in a separate room). Puppies may eat cat feces if given the opportunity. Not only is this a disgusting habit but it can make puppy sick as well.
14. Doors and windows need to be in good repair securely closed. You don't want puppy wandering away or falling - both are equally dangerous! Be aware of a puppy following you through doors. You don't want he/she to get caught in a closing door.
15. Until puppies are coordinated enough to navigate them independently, stairs and stairwells can be dangerous. Keep them blocked and supervise your puppy while he/she is learning to go up and down unaided.
16. Tobacco products and anything that contains nicotine can be toxic or life-threatening to your dog.
17. There are many human foods that can pose a major health threat to your puppy. Only feed your puppy high-quality dog food and treats. Onions and garlic can lead to anemia. Grapes can can cause kidney failure. Coffee, tea, and chocolate can be dangerous to your dogs nervous system and cause caffeine induced tachycardia. All of these if severe can lead to death.
18. Once again, human food can be a hazard to your pets health. Chicken bones, plastic food wrap, string scraps from roasts, etc. can all be harmful. Don't leave food out on a table or counter unattended. High-fat foods and dramatic diet changes can cause vomiting, diarrhea and other complications. Only feed your puppy high-quality dog food and treats. (Check out my favorite dog food brand here that offers premium all-natural nutrition and is customized for your new puppy. Fill out a pet profile to see what your puppy needs.)
Good luck!
Amber
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