When you first bring home a new dog or cat, you need to pet proof your house just as thoroughly as you would do for a crawling baby or toddler.
To pet proof your home, you first need to climb down to your dog's (or cat's) world. In other words, get on "all fours" and paw your way around your house, looking for possible pet hazards.
Move or Block Plants
If you have plants that could be either knocked over or chewed by your new pet, move them to higher ground. A few poisonous plants for dogs consist of ivies such as Boston ivy and English as well as others including bird of paradise, azaleas, amaryllis, caladiums, holly berries, lilies, mistletoes, mums, verras, and poinsettias. For cats, tiger lilies are probably the worst. Search web sites such as "CyberCanine" for a complete listing of lethal plants.
Or, you can always just block plants off so your pet can't reach or get to them. Also, be aware of any hanging vines that can be pulled down.
Watch for Low Lying Items
Food and items lying low on tables and countertops: be careful not to leave crumbs, as well as candy wrappers and food on a counter or kitchen table. Be aware that just the smell of something as alluring as chicken can lead your dog's noise to that freshly baked roast chicken, intended for dinner, lying on the edge of the kitchen counter. If he gets hold of it, realize that chicken bones can be fatal if he chokes.
Toys: dogs and cats love to chew on your children's toys, so be careful to sweep your floors, making sure toys and parts of toys are out of reach, as your pet can easily choke on these small parts.
Protect from Electrical Outlets
Cover electrical outlets with the same plastic outlet plugs you'd buy for childproofing your home. Also, secure electrical cords to baseboards to avoid trips and falls, as well as make sure all cords are out of reach.
Childproof Latches
As most dogs and cats can nose their way into your under-the-sink kitchen cabinets, be sure to secure these with childproof locks. Besides getting into garbage cans and choking, there are also dangerous hazards from poisonous items such as insecticides and cleansers.
Child/Pet Safety Gates
If you pet is small enough not to jump over a child safety gate, then it's a good idea to set up gates around areas that are off limits to your pets. Safety gates are also great for potty training pets as you can keep them inside an area (such as a kitchen) that doesn't have carpeting while they're in training.
Bathroom Safeguards
Always keep toilet lids closed so your dog or cat won't confuse the toilet bowel for a water dish. Even more tragic, smaller pets, whose curiosity gets the best of them, can even fall in and drown. It's also wise to make sure you install childproof locks beneath bathroom sinks. Even better, be sure to close your bathroom doors, in addition to pet proofing all bathrooms.
Once your home is safe for your new pet, you'll be able to relax, knowing that you've done everything you could to make his new home as safe as possible. Not only will your pet be shielded from danger, but you can also relax and enjoy your new addition to the family.
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