Yippee! You’ve done it.
You followed through with your dreams to buy a pup. Now the fun and work begins for you. Your new puppy is a new member of your family and you must care for him just as you would for your human counterparts. Part of that care involves preparing your home for his presence by removing any hazardous materials, liquids, and items. Room by room they exist, unbeknownst to you! Below is our guide of how to prep your home, since you’ve decided to buy a pup and happily welcome him!
Bathrooms
Firstly, we recommend that you use child-proof cabinet locks where possible and install toilet clamps for the larger and more curious dog! There are tons of dangerous items such as medication, razors, cotton balls and swabs and even soap. When you buy a pup, some things don’t necessarily seem harmful, but they are. Shampoos and tissue can be digested and cause unnecessary discomfort to your dog. It’s best to keep those items high atop or simply away so that they’re inaccessible. It’s actually best to keep your door closed as much as possible!
Kitchens
Just as we’ve recommended installing kid-proof cabinet locks, you should definitely do the same in the kitchen. There is normally triple the space of a bathroom so that’s triple the number of things your pup can get into! Make sure that your trashcans are sturdy and can’t be pried open. Sometimes it’s helpful to place something heavy on top of it to keep them from nosing about those trashy smells they love so much.
Living Rooms and Dens
This family room is a place where your dog will feel just as comfortable as you, so you want to make it safe for him. Move magazines and remote controls in places where he can’t reach. Put away loose items, including decorative throw pillows. Teething puppies will enjoy them, so move them! Cover electrical power cords and strips and also install outlet covers.
Home Office
When you buy a pup you have to even consider your home office as a place that may need to be off limits. This, of course, depends on what you have in there and how accessible they are. For instance, if you have a large dog, he may easily be able to hop on your office chair and thus your desk! He could just sloppily knock over some things or he could decide to chew on your pens or take in some paperclips. Either way, there are plenty of “no no’s” in your office. Much like in other parts of your home, protect the electrical outlets and power cords. Move your copy paper and working documents.
Bedrooms
Probably more than any other rooms in your home, this is where your dog will most tempted, because of the sheer stuff that you’ve got. There are shoes, clothes (both clean and dirty), jewelry, knick-knacks, toys, hampers, hair accessories, random coins, etc. All of these are welcoming temptations for your doggie. Before you buy a pup, consider keeping your room tidier so that none of the aforementioned are accidentally or purposefully ingested causing your pup harm.
Other Rooms, The Garage, and The Yard
These items might be a bit easier to detect as hazardous, when you buy a pup. Things like fertilizers, rodent poison, oils, paint, and various cleaners are obvious. Secure all containers and boxes of these items. Pay close attention to antifreeze, for it has a particularly sweet taste and just a small bit ingested can be fatal!
In and around your yard, some plants are harmful. Beautiful daffodils and birds-of-paradise, can be poisonous to your pup. The physical reactions include the development of a rash to vomiting to diarrhea.
In other open areas of your home (i.e. stair landings, foyers, and hallways) you may have potted plants. Dogs like them too! Move them to higher shelves or other rooms as a precaution.
All of these tips are for the benefit and preservation of your pup’s good health and well-being. You should keep the local animal poison number handy and readily accessible.
Contact us should you have questions or concerns about how to puppy-proof your home and keep them safe at all times.
