How to keep your new puppy safe by puppy-proofing your home
Congratulations on your new pup.
It is very important to make sure you have a safe environment for your puppy, so here are a few tips…
Step 1. See the world through your puppy's eyes
One of the strangest sounding but most effective things that you can do is to get down on the floor at puppy “eye Level”. Things that don’t stand out will suddenly become much more noticeable. Check to see if there are any choke-able items on the floor — needles, coins, paper clips, staples etc.
Step 2. Set up an off-limits area to use as their safe place
Set up an off-limits area for your puppy to use as their safe place. This can be a crate or, a penned-in area, an area that you know is safe for pups, and that other pets, children, or people do not go in. It is his safe space.
Step 3. Block off rooms and cover up anything you want to protect from chewing
Once pups start moving out of that safe space, things get a lot more challenging, and there are many more things to look out for.
Step 4. Remove potential hazards
Hide/remove electrical cords, or tape them down if needed. These are not only electrical shock issues but also pups can get tangled.
Make sure that the side table is cleared off. No Medications(including OTC) are unsecured, even gum or Cough drops can have dangerous consequences.
Put away knick-knacks and collectibles that can easily be broken or swallowed.
Remove tippy or lightweight furniture. Pups, and some grown dogs, are not “body-aware”, and it is not uncommon for a pup to not know where his butt is, especially when playing.
Tie up drapes or anything hanging down. Tassels, fringe, bind cords, strings, tablecloths, etc. Not only will they be damaged, but if they are eaten, they can cause serious blockages and intestinal problems.
Step 5. Remove household plants
A surprising number of common house plants can make your pets sick if eaten. It is best to move them, to where the pup cannot get to them. Not to mention, digging in the dirt is great fun!
Step 6. Put away all food.
Make sure no snacks are left where pup will see, smell or reach for them. Not only is people food a bad habit to start (see post on No People Food) many foods can make your dog very sick, and some can even kill them. In little puppy bodies, even a tiny amount can be critical.
I have had dogs open cupboards, and they are so fast sometimes you don’t even see them grab it.