Puppy Proofing Checklist

So you just bought a puppy, now what?!

You bring them home to enter into your family in the best safest transition possible of course!

Puppies love to discover the world around them just like a toddler would, however they don't have hands, so they use their mouths instead to learn about objects, textures, and tastes.

Bring your new puppy home to a clean, and safe environment so you can enjoy this special time to its fullest. When your puppy is curious about something, it might start sniffing and then lick or chew it.

Here is a comprehensive list to help you puppy proof your home.

Remove Hazards

Identify and remove potential hazards that could be harmful to your puppy.

Wires and Electrical Cords: Puppies are known for chewing on things, and electrical cords can be particularly dangerous. Keep cords out of your puppy's reach or use cord protectors to deter chewing and the risk of electrical shock.

Toxic Plants: Many common household plants, such as lilies, azaleas, and certain types of ivy, can be toxic to dogs if ingested. Remove or relocate these plants to keep your puppy safe.

Small Choking Hazards: Pick up and secure small items like coins, jewelry, rubber bands, and small toys. Vacuum flooring. Smaller objections could be accidentally swallowed by your puppy, causing choking hazards or intestinal blockages.

Chemicals and Cleaning Supplies: Store all household chemicals, including cleaners, detergents, pesticides, and fertilizers, in high cabinets or locked areas to prevent your puppy from accessing them. Drain Cleaners can be deadly if swallowed, and many other household cleaners are toxic. Even cleaners labeled as having natural ingredients, doesn't mean they are safe for pets.

Sharp Objects: Remove any sharp objects like scissors, needles, or sharp tools from surfaces within your puppy's reach.

Low Furniture: Puppies may bump into or get stuck under low furniture, such as coffee tables. Assess your furniture layout and make adjustments if needed.

Dangling Blind Cords: Cut or tie up any dangling blind cords that could pose a strangulation hazard.

Food Items: Avoid having any type of food items on low tables, shelves or countertops, as puppies can quickly snatch them.

Windows and screens: Ensure that low windows are either kept closed or have sturdy screens to prevent your puppy from falling out or escaping. Secure any cords that raise blinds, so they won’t get caught around the puppy’s neck.

Doors: Keep closed at all times, so the puppy can’t escape.

Unstable Furniture: If you have a recliner, consider moving it to a room where your puppy will not have access to, since they could climb under/inside the chair risking injury. Secure heavy furniture, such as bookshelves, cabinets or TV stands to the wall to prevent them from toppling over if your puppy tries to climb on them. Anchor or stabilize any furniture that your puppy may try to climb on, such as bookshelves or cabinets.

Cover or Conceal Small Spaces: Seal off gaps behind appliances or furniture where your puppy could get stuck.

Drawers and Cabinets: If you have lower cabinets, especially in the kitchen or bathroom, consider using childproof locks to keep your puppy from accessing potentially harmful substances, or move items to a higher/other location.

Garbage Cans: Puppies are attracted to the smells coming from the garbage can, and can easily get themselves in trouble by swallowing items in the trash. Use a covered trash can to prevent your puppy from digging through the garbage and potentially ingesting harmful materials. (In the kitchen, bathroom, and any other rooms you have a trash container). The cans that close automatically and securely are best.

Houseplants: Check the safety of all houseplants and ensure they are non-toxic to dogs. Consider elevating plants or using hanging baskets to keep them out of reach.

Appliances: Keep appliances like the oven, dishwasher, and washing machine closed when not in use to prevent your puppy from exploring inside.

Block Off Restricted Areas: Use baby gates or other barriers to block access to areas that are off-limits to your puppy, such as stairs, balconies, or rooms with delicate or dangerous items.

Keep Medications and vitamins or supplements secure: Store all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, in cabinets or drawers that your puppy cannot reach. Do not keep pill bottles on counters, or bedside stands. Also, be mindful when taking your pills, to not have the puppy in the same room at this time, or prepare pills over a sink, in case a pill falls on the floor. It takes only a few seconds for a puppy to snatch something off the floor and eat it.

Cat Supplies: Make sure your puppy cannot get to your cat’s belongings (cats bowl, cat food and cat litter box). Most dogs find cat poop irresistible (yuck, I know). This could potentially cause parasite transmission or intestinal obstructions from eating the cat litter.

Keep Toilet Lid Closed: Keep the toilet lid closed so that the puppy will not be able to fall in or drink the water, or use childproof locks if needed.

Dog Rooms In The House

Do some planning in advance to determine which rooms the puppy is allow to go into. Introducing one room at a time may be best.

Yard Puppy Proofing

Fencing: Puppies are the safest when secured in a fenced area. If you do not have a fence consider installing one, even if it is a temporary fence to start with. If your yard is already fenced, look for any weak spots or small openings.

Pools: Make sure there is a fence around any pools, as this is a hazard for your puppy potentially falling in.

Lawn: Keep the lawn mowed to a lower level. This will help with avoiding areas that ticks like to hide in such as (taller grass and weeds) where they could latch on to your puppy. A lower lawn will also allow you to be able to be able to see and remove the poop easier. Avoid using any chemicals on the lawn, (insecticides, pesticides, or fertilizers) as the chemicals can be harmful to your puppy/dog.

Plants: Remove any known plants that are toxic to dogs.

Garage and cars: As in the home, put any chemicals up out of reach, as many chemicals stored in the garage may be fatal if an animal ingested. Always check under cars to make sure there are no sleeping animals, before turning on the vehicle.

Pet Doors: If you already have a pet door, consider locking it until your puppy is fully trained and can use it safely.

Supervision during playtime both inside and outside is a must.

Offer safe and appropriate chew toys to satisfy your puppy's natural urge to chew and prevent them from gnawing on furniture or other inappropriate items.