It’s no secret that puppies are playful, intelligent, and love to explore. They enjoy investigating objects by touching, chewing and tasting them. Many new pet owners do their research and have an understanding on how to care for their new puppy, but many forget the importance of having a safe home. Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time, but it is vital to be aware of the not so obvious dangers in and around the home.
After the fun part of choosing a cute new collar, a nice comfortable bed and a personalised pet tag, it is important to take the time to ensure your home is ‘puppy-proof’. Your home is where your dog will be spending the majority of its time, so you should make sure it is a safe environment. Puppy-proofing your home will help keep your puppy safe and prevent him getting his paws on anything dangerous This article will help set you up for success by ensuring your home is a safe place for your new furry friend
Dangerous items
It is important that your puppy is protected from household items, particularly those that are dangerous if swallowed. Sometimes, ‘dangerous’ items can be less obvious than you think. To make it easier, we have put together a list of household items to be careful of.
- Toxic house or garden plants
- Chemicals, medications and cleaning products
- Rubbish that may contain sharp objects and poisons
- Water - full sinks, baths or toilets can be a drowning hazard
- Office supplies - paper clips, erasers, staples, rubber bands
- Electrical cords - can often be chewed during playing
- Fireplaces - puppies should never be left near fire unattended
- Fishing equipment - fishing lines and hooks
- Small objects - coins, jewellery, ornaments and other small household items
Our top tips to keep your puppy safe
- Provide long-lasting puppy toys to keep them occupied and rotate them regularly to prevent boredom
- Cover rubbish bins to avoid your puppy finding anything dangerous
- Keep countertops clean and clear to avoid the temptation
- Store chemicals and cleaning products in a safe and locked away place
- Always keep your toilet lid down to prevent drowning
- Unplug electrical cords and move them out of site
- Secure dangling blind and curtain cords out of reach
- Fence the backyard to prevent your puppy from escaping and around your pool if you have one
- Ensure any small household items that could be choking hazards are put away e.g. coins, jewellery
- Ensure you have no toxic plants in your house or yard
- Keep all sharp objects out of reach e.g. knives, scissors
When you first bring your puppy home, they will be curious and eager to explore their new surroundings. Be sure to supervise them in their new environment, and make sure they know where to go to eat and drink. We recommend reviewing this checklist before bringing your puppy home to ensure the environment is as safe as possible. It is important to remember that puppies are completely dependent on you for everything, so their safety must be your number one priority!
