How to Puppy Proof Your Home

Posted by Clare Bristow

beagle-puppy-chewing-a-shoe Puppies are naturally very inquisitive and, combined with a huge amount of energy, can get themselves into trouble and/or cause a great deal of destruction in a very short space of time.

To keep your puppy safe, and help you retain your sanity in the first few weeks after you bring him home, it pays to spend some time 'puppy proofing' your home prior to his arrival.

It doesn't take too long to do and the best way to do it is by looking at your house through the eyes of a puppy. Try getting low down on the floor and looking around you, pretend you are in the house for the first time - you'll notice lots of interesting things to investigate, and many could cause serious injury, or prove fatal, if your puppy gets hold of them and starts chewing.

Here is a list of some of the common indoor hazards your puppy could encounter on a daily basis and many of them apply to a dog of any age:

Check to see if you have any houseplants that are known to be toxic to dogs; if you do, either replace them or put them somewhere where your puppy either can't reach them or pull them down from the place you've put them.
Some of the more common poisonous plants are azalea, lilies, ivy and begonias;
Electrical cords can prove fatal if they are chewed - run any visible cables under the carpet, tidy up and conceal surplus wire behind furniture where possible and consider using plastic cable covers or plastic tubing to cover any exposed cables;
Small objects left lying around can cause all sorts of problems such as choking, poisoning and intestinal blockages - children's Lego, sewing kits, yarn, pencils, pens, items of clothing are all items you need to be aware of and tidy away;
Many medications, cleaning products, human food and tobacco products can be toxic to dogs. Keep medicines and cleaning products shut away in cupboards or on high shelves. Ensure food and tobacco products (cigarettes, tobacco, nicotine patches and gum) are also well out of reach. Do not underestimate your puppy's ability to jump up and take things off low tables and shelves;
All types of fires can be dangerous, so fence your puppy off from them with a baby gate or fire guard;
Trash cans are another potential hazard and I suggest you either put them in a cupboard or buy a strong fitting lid for them. I had to brick on top of my trash can to stop Zoe rummaging around in there! and
Keep toilet lids down and don't leave bathtubs and sinks full of water - all are potential drowning hazards for your dog.

More generally, when inside with your puppy:

Do not leave leave your puppy in a room un-supervized; if your attention is needed elsewhere, it's a good idea to put him in a small playpen with a few safe toys to play with;
When he's in a room with you, keep windows and doors shut, or closed off with a screen or gate, so he can't wander off and get himself into trouble in another room of the house or outside;
Close off stairwells, porches and raised decks with a screen or gates.

I still keep most of the items listed above out of the way of Fritz and Zoe because it's become a habit - the house looks a great deal tidier too!