Want to know the best ways to puppy proof your house? These are the 5 best ways to ensure your puppy will be happy and safe!
Puppies are a lot like babies! And puppy proofing is very similar to baby-proofing! In this post, we will give you tips and tricks to puppy proof your house so you do not have to worry about your puppy getting into something that could harm them. As a dog owner myself I know how scary it can be to find your dog chewing something harmful.
You are going to learn the most harmful products that you need to have away from your puppy including, house plants, chemicals, cleaning products and more.
After learning how to puppy proof your house you will be able to feel so much more confident that your dog is safe.
This post is all about how to puppy proof your house.
Best Ways To Puppy Proof Your House
1. House Plants
Many common household plants can be toxic to your puppy, so it is very important to look over a complete list and be sure none of these are in your home. Here are some of the most common toxic household plants:
- Philodendron
- Aloe Vera
- Ivy
- Peace Lily
- Jade
- Dracaena
- Dieffenbachia
- Sago Palm
- Tulips
- Begonia
- Holly
- Bird of Paradise
- English Ivy
- Caladium
- Hyacinth
2. Household Items
Puppies are great at finding things you did not even know you had! As a responsible puppy owner, you must take some time to assess your home, making sure that all obvious and less-obvious choking hazards, such as small toys, coins, buttons, etc are removed from your puppy’s reach. Don’t forget to check underneath your bed, the couch, or any other piece of furniture, and do not underestimate the importance of checking the garage as well, as harmful chemicals, sharp tools, and toxic substances could be lurking there. Make sure to properly store all your cleaning supplies and any medication securely in a high place, far away from your curious and adventurous puppy. It’s important to remember that even common household items, like laundry sheets and batteries, can also pose a risk to your puppy’s health, so be sure to keep them out of reach too.
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3. Cords & Wires
If you have been around puppies for any length of time, you may have discovered, they love to chew on cords and wires! I have no idea why they are always so obsessed with pulling at them! Cords and wires can be extremely dangerous to puppies and could potentially cause electrocution or burns in their mouths. Making sure cords and wires are properly contained is an important part of puppy proofing your house. Some helpful ways to make sure your puppy can not get to the cords would be:
- Arrange furniture so the cords are blocked
- Tie the cords up
- Purchase spiral cable wrap
- Spray the cords with a spray like Bitter Apple to deter them
- Use cable clips
4. Cleaning Products
When puppy proofing your home, checking the cleaning products that you regularly use is so important. You might be surprised to learn that some of the most commonly used cleaners, disinfectants, and room sprays can pose a huge threat to your puppy’s health. Some of the most common toxic products include:
- Bleach
- Amonia
- Lysol
- Pine Sol
- Phthalates (most fragrances)
- Toilet bowl cleaners
- Laundry detergent / dryer sheets
This is just a few of the most common items. Be sure to check the products you use and see if they are potentially harmful. Household cleaners are such an important item to be careful with because, in most cases, it is something we use every day. A little toxic exposure every day will add up fast and can quickly take years off your dog’s life. Fortunately, there’s now a wide variety of non-toxic alternatives available. With a little effort, you can easily switch to cleaner options and your dog will thank you for it!
5.Toxic Food
Puppies love people’s food! They generally start begging for it from a young age. They will smell you cooking and come running into the kitchen to see if they can get some crumbs that might fall from the counter or garbage can. Some people’s food can be healthy for dogs and is fine for them to have. On the other hand, quite a few things can be toxic if they were to ingest. Making sure your puppy cannot get into your cupboards or garbage cans is an important part of puppy-proofing your house. Some foods that are toxic and/or harmful to dogs include
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Onions
- Avocado
- Garlic
- Cooked bones
- Corn on the cob
