How To Puppy Proof Your Home

Step One - Remove Items That Can Be Chewed Or Swallowed

Puppies are teething, just like human babies, that is why they like to chew. Puppies will chew, and sometimes swallow, anything that is left within puppy reach.

• Look around your home for items that are available for the puppy to chew. Many trainers recommend getting on the floor so you are at puppy level when doing this.
• Popular items that get chewed include; socks and underwear, television or stereo remote control, table legs, shoes, bags/purses, and electrical cords. Many items on this list can be picked up and kept in a safer location.
• This is a good time to teach children (big and small) to pick up after themselves.
• Puppies can sometimes get to items that are kept on coffee or end tables, so don't falsely believe that tables are safe.
• Table legs are more difficult to protect because you can't simply move them. Bitter Apple sprays are available for use on furniture. This spray makes items taste bad to dogs and cats. It is recommended to first spray on a hidden area.

Step Two - Keep The Garbage Out Of Reach

The garbage can be a very dangerous place for dogs and puppies.

• Dogs and puppies that eat a lot of table food can develop a case of pancreatitis, which is painful and in severe cases deadly.
• The garbage can also contain items that if swallowed can become an intestinal foreign body. It is recommended to either take the kitchen garbage to outside containers daily or keep in a safer place, like under the kitchen sink.
• The bathroom garbage can also contain stinky items that puppies enjoy. Women who throw their feminine napkins in the trash should keep the trash either on the counter or under the sink during that time of the month. Many dogs and puppies have swallowed feminine napkins or tampons, which again cause intestinal obstructions.
• It is a good idea to use child safety locks on cabinets to protect the puppy from garbage and cleaning supplies.

Step Three - Dangerous Houseplants

Some houseplants are dangerous to cats and dogs. Plants that are dangerous should be removed from the home or placed out of reach. (Most cats can reach houseplants no matter where you place them).

Step Four - Windows, Decks, And Stairs

Puppies have been known to fall out of open windows and off of decks and balconies. Puppies are clumsy and may need help with stairs. Using baby gates is an easy way to protect puppies from these dangerous areas of the home.

Step Five - The Yard

The yard is a fun place to play with your new puppy but care needs to be taken around pools and ponds. Not all puppies are natural swimmers and some cannot find their way out once they fall in. Garden supplies and chemicals can also be very harmful – these items should be kept out of puppy reach. Having a fenced yard is the number one way to protect dogs and puppies from outside dangers like pools/ponds, other dogs, and cars.

References: Puppy Proofing Your Home, Katharine Hillestad, DVM, Pet Education.com

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