Dog-Proofing Your Home

Dog-Proofing Your Home
Whether you’ve just adopted an adult dog or a puppy, dog-proofing your home is extremely important to keep your dog, and your personal belongings, safe. We advise anyone bringing a new dog into their home to make sure it is dog-proof first, not JUST adopters of young puppies. Dogs are curious and can get into all sorts of mischief, so taking steps to prevent accidents and protect your belongings is essential. Use this guide to help you get started on dog-proofing your home.

Secure Hazardous Items

• Remove or secure toxic plants, chemicals, medications, and cleaning products out of reach.
• Keep small objects, such as coins, rubber bands, and small toys, off the floor to prevent choking
  hazards

Electrical Cords and Outlets

• Use cord protectors or cover cords to prevent your dog from chewing on them.
• Cover electrical outlets with outlet covers to avoid shocks or burns.

Trash Cans

• Use trash cans with secure lids, or keep them in a cabinet with childproof llocks to prevent your dog
  from getting into garbage.

Household Items

• Keep fragile or valuable items, such as vases, figurines, and breakables, in safe, secure locations to
  prevent damage.
• Put shoes, clothing, and small objects out of your dog’s reach to prevent them from chewing or
  eating them.

Furniture and Belongings

• Protect your furniture from chewing by using pet-friendly sprays or covers.
• Use baby gates to block access to certain rooms or areas if needed.
• Keep Food Secure
• Store human and pet food in a place that your dog cannot access.
• Be extra cautious with foods that are toxic to dogs, like chocolate, grapes, and onions.

Cords and Strings

• Keep window blind cords, yarn, and other strings out of reach to avoid strangulation hazards.

Toilet Bowls

• Keep toilet lids down to prevent your dog from drinking or falling into the bowl.

Houseplants

• Remove toxic plants or place them out of reach. Some common toxic plants include poinsettias,
  philodendrons, and lilies.

Shut Doors

• Close doors to rooms or areas you want to keep your dog out of, like the home office or laundry
  room.

Stairs and Balconies (Younger Puppy Focused)

• Install baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent falls.

• Make sure balcony railings are close enough together that your dog can’t slip through. Supervise
  your puppy as they begin to use stairs.

Garage and Yard

• Secure garage or outdoor areas that might contain chemicals, tools, or hazards.
• Ensure your yard is securely fenced to prevent your dog from wandering off (they should still remain
  supervised when they are in your yard).
• Supervision is Key!
• Never leave your young puppy or newly adopted dog unsupervised when they’re not confined to a
  dog-proofed area. Regularly evaluate your home for new hazards and adjust your dog-proofing efforts
  accordingly.