What Vets Want You to Know About Puppy Proofing
When to Puppy Proof:
- Don’t bring home a puppy on a whim if you can help it! The more you prepare your home for a new arrival, the easier everyone’s adjustment will be.
- Even if you already have a dog or cat, you still need to puppy proof. Older dogs aren’t as vulnerable – or as curious! – as puppies tend to be.
- Puppy proofing is about protecting both your puppy and your stuff. Before your new dog even comes through the door, make some decisions about which items you want to keep safe.
Puppy Proofing Room-by-Room:
In the Kitchen: Your puppy is going to love the kitchen…it’s where the food lives! Pay special attention to the trash (secure it with a locking lid), cabinets that can be “nosed” open (put cleaning supplies or soaps in high cabinets), and the long electrical cords from appliances. In the Living Spaces: First, protect your flooring as best you can. If you have a carpet, consider laying down a puppy-proof cover for a few months or just keeping your puppy out of this room. Next, get all lamp and television cords out of reach. After some time, you might find your teething puppy chewing on furniture, couch legs, curtains, etc. Bitter puppy sprays work well to deter this behavior; you could also just keep chewable items out of reach. (And be sure to provide your pup with plenty of chewy toys for distraction!)
In the Bedroom: A lot of people choose to keep the bedroom “off limits” for puppies. Make a decision early on about where your puppy will sleep (we recommend crating) and stick to it. Even if you plan to keep your dog out of the bedroom, it’s still smart to move electrical cords, floor decor, and fancy rugs; you never know when you’ll accidentally leave the door open! Check kids’ rooms for items like toys and balls that are small enough to choke on and talk to your children about keeping these objects out of puppy’s reach. In the Bathroom: The bathroom is a great room for puppies because it’s usually easy to clean! Be vigilant about keeping any dangerous supplies and/or medications out of reach of your dog, even if you think she can’t open the cabinets or drawers. Puppies are always developing new skills! To a puppy, a bottle of shampoo can be just as dangerous to consume as human medications. In the Yard: Your puppy’s happy place! Do a thorough audit of the yard, shed, and garage to ensure you haven’t left any chemicals or substances out that your dog may ingest. Also put away any sharp tools and/or electrical cords. If you have a fence, check for even the smallest spots your puppy can squeeze through. Never leave your puppy unattended, even in the yard! If you have a lot of plants or a chewy pup, check the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants to ensure your dog won’t get sick if she nibbles in the garden. The best way to puppy proof is to put yourself in your puppy’s shoes; try and see your home through her curious, excitable eyes. Never assume your dog will “know better” or “learn from her mistake.” Until her brain is fully developed and she’s been trained to understand her limits, she’ll continue to push boundaries. It’s just what dogs do! When in doubt, put it away. There’s no inconvenience worth endangering your puppy’s life for!
