Puppy Proofing your home

Author: The Vet Shed   Date Posted:13 August 2018 

Bringing a puppy home is a lot like bringing a toddler home (except for the sharp teeth!) They will get into everything - it is natural behaviour to be curious and adventurous - so you’ll need to provide a safe environment for them to play.

Rubbish Bins

Make sure all your rubbish bins have secure lids so puppy can’t knock them over and get into them. This includes bins not only in the kitchen but also the bathroom and any other room.  

Water

Make sure any areas of water such as pools, ponds, full bath tubs or sinks are out of the reach of your puppy. These can be drowning hazards, so ensure you have secure pool fencing and covers on ponds. If in any doubt, do not leave your puppy unattended where there is a potential for drowning.

Toilets

Close the lid. Puppies often like to drink out of the toilet which is not only a revolting habit for them to get into, but the chemicals used to clean the toilet can be toxic. It’s also another water hazard where pups have been known to jump into and drown. So, close the lid!

Furniture

Pups will try to get up on the couch and any other furniture they can, but their coordination and sense of depth perception is not advanced enough and many accidents can happen from them falling or jumping off.

Recliners

Please be extra careful with reclining couches. There have been so many accidents and deaths of pups who are caught underneath the footrest when it is brought back down.    

Medications and Poisons

Just like you would if you had a toddler coming to stay, you need to remove all poisons and medications from anywhere your puppy can reach. Under the kitchen sink is a prime spot and also in the bathroom. It is amazing what puppies will find fun to play with or chew on. It is very important to also look in the garden shed as well; many pups consider things like snail bait and rat poison a tasty treat!

Poisonous plants

You may have poisonous plants around the house or the yard such as Cycads, Hydrangeas and Daffodils. You can see a full list here: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poisons/

Curtain Cords

Curtain cords can be a strangulation hazard. It is important that you ensure you either tie up the excess or cut the loop in the cord

Shoes and Clothes

Your shoes and clothes smell like you so it is natural for your puppy to gravitate towards them. If left lying around they will become the world’s best (and sometimes most expensive) chew toy. This can also prove quite dangerous for the pup. Swallowed clothing can cause intestinal blockages, so keep yours out of reach!

Electrical Cords

Chewing into these cords is dangerous and can cause burns in the mouth and electrical shock or even death. Tie up loose electrical cords, purchase spiral cable wrap, or PVC pipe to keep them safe from your puppy.

Fencing, Windows and Doors

Keep your fencing and gates in good repair to ensure your puppy cannot jump over, dig under or get stuck in between palings. Windows should be either kept closed or screened to prevent a puppy falling or injuring themselves.

Stairs

Puppies are still learning their motor skills and coordination, so they can be clumsy at times. To prevent serious injury from falls, you can install a baby gate at the top or bottom of the stairs to prevent access. Toy and small breed puppies have the potential to squeeze through railings and fall to the floor below causing serious injury or death. Consider buying some type of nylon mesh fabric or fencing material that you can affix along the bottom of the railing all along your staircase to screen off gaps. These materials are commonly available in rolls at hardware stores.

Last but not least...

Take a look at your environment from a puppy’s point of view and see what hazards are in and around your home.  Your common sense is the best tool and to create a safe place for a very curious and playful ball of energy to be let loose in!

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