When you bring a new dog into your home, you have to look at it as similar to raising a toddler. Both toddlers and dogs are very curious and if left to their own devices, they can quickly find themselves in dangerous situations. Thus, when you have a toddler, you toddler-proof your home. Well, the same concept applies to puppies and dogs.
Dog proofing your home is an important task that can not only protect your pet from suffering an injury, but it can also save you a lot of money by helping you avoid an expensive visit to the emergency pet hospital. Ready to learn how to dog proof your home? Here’s a room-by-room breakdown of what you need to do.
Dog Proofing Your Home’s Living Room
From electrical cords and fireplaces to windows and reclining chairs, the living room is filled with potential dangers to a dog. And because this is one of the rooms where your dog will spend much of her time, you need to make sure it is as safe as possible. Some of the things you can do to dog proof your living room include:
- Unplug extension cords and put them away when not in use
- Place a fireplace screen or a baby gate to block off access to the fireplace
- Keep windows closed and cover them with curtains when not at home
- Close any reclining chairs when they’re not in use
- Keep all plants out of reach and never purchase plants that are or could be toxic to dogs
- Put away breakable items when not in use
- Remove decor, books, and any other items from coffee and end tables before leaving the house
- Never leave small toys unattended or secure them in a box with lockable lid when not in use
Dog Proofing the Kitchen
Being where the home’s food is kept and prepared, the kitchen is universally one of a dog’s favorite places to be. But kitchens are also filled with a variety of things that can harm your dog, like medications, cleaning supplies, and more. Luckily, once you dog proof your kitchen, you can spend time with your pet in the room without worrying about her getting into something she shouldn’t. Here are some things you’ll want to do:
- Never leave food unattended on counters
- Store all food in containers with tightly closed lids
- Store all medications in lockable cabinets or in cabinets that are too high for your dog to access
- Install child proof latches on the lower cabinets
- Use a trash container that can only be opened via a pedal mechanism
- Use baby or pet gates to prevent unwanted access to the kitchen when you’re away from home
How to Dog Proof Your Home’s Bathrooms
A lot of dogs love combing bathrooms for things to play with, but this is behavior you really don’t want to deal with. The best way to dog proof your bathroom is to simply keep the door closed both when it’s in use and when it isn’t. But if you want to keep your bathroom door open when it’s not in use, then here are some tips to make the room safer for your dog.
- Close the toilet lid after every use
- Use a pet-safe container instead of an open-top trash can, or keep the trash can in a closet
- Keep bath toys, wash rags, loofahs, and sponges high out of reach when not in use
- Unplug any devices, like blow dryers, hair straighteners, electric shavers, etc. and put them away as soon as they are cooled off
- Keep extra rolls of toilet paper stored in a sealable container or in a closet
- Keep medications, creams, shampoos, and other bathroom necessities well out of your dog’s reach
How to Dog Proof Your Home’s Laundry Room
The laundry room has hazards to pets that are obvious and others that aren’t. For this reason, the best way to protect your dog is to prevent her from having access to the laundry room entirely. But if that isn’t possible, then here are some tips to help make the room safer:
- Store detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and other cleaners in a lockable closet or high on shelves
- Keep all laundry off the floor
- Close the doors to the dryer and washer when not in use
- Place dryer lint in a pet-safe container
Dog Proofing Your Bedroom
The bedroom is commonly where most people put their dogs whenever they have new people visit their homes. So, before you confine your dog in your bedroom, you need to make sure it is a safe space for her. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Keep drawers and closets closed at all times
- Remove all items from your night tables
- Look under the bed and other bedroom furniture for loose socks and undergarments and put them away
- Make sure there are no hangers, belts, or purses left out or where your dog can reach them
- Store jewelry, hair bands, and any small accessories in lockable containers or up high on shelves
How to Dog Proof the Yard
Dogs spend a lot of time in the yard, so ensuring that the area is safe is essential. For starters, you should never leave your dog outside unsupervised. A creative or bored dog can easily find escape routes. Here are a few more things you should pay closer attention to in your outdoor space.
- Only plant plants that are safe for pets
- Put lawn equipment, fuel cans, and gardening tools away when not in use
- Regularly check your fence to make sure it is in good shape
- Block access to balconies and high steps to prevent accidental falls
- Block all access to swimming pools, both in-ground and above ground models
- Block access to barbeque grills when in use and until they cool off
Welcoming a dog into your family will bring happiness and fun into your home, but it’s your responsibility to make sure that her new home is safe and secure. Making your home dog-safe will help ensure your dog is happy and protected, even when you’re away from home.