Having a puppy in your home can be a very exciting and wonderful time.

And because you are a loving and caring pet owner, you would like to puppy proof your home. After all, the safety of your puppy should be first and foremost in the mind of every pet owner.

Pets, especially puppies, are like a small child. They love to play and explore their surroundings. Sometimes, they don’t know whether what they are doing is dangerous or not. Thus, there would be instances that our growing best friend would cause a mess in the house and may even hurt himself.

Thankfully, there are a few things you can do and remember to ensure your pup is not just happy, but healthy. Here are some tips to keep in mind when puppy-proofing your home.

1. Every Little Thing Counts

Don’t ignore small items in your home that your dog may swallow and choke himself with. A single bobby pin that you accidentally dropped on the floor or a coin that you left on your coffee table could end up in the mouth of your pooch.

Pins, coins, pieces of jewelry, yarns, small toys, and other small objects should be kept in a safe place where they can’t easily reach.

2. Food is Not Always Food

Don’t assume that if a food is good for you, it would also be good for your pup. There are human foods that are actually harmful to your four-legged friend.

Some of them include chocolate, foods with xylitol, sweets, raisins, some fruits and veggies, and other things. So be sure to be familiar with these poisonous foods to ensure your pup’s safety.

3. Get a Table For Your Plants

Dogs love to dig and your plants are good targets. If you don’t want your puppy to get into your flower or plant pots, it would be good to bring these plants in higher places or outside. You can put them on your table if they are small enough or you can place them into a riser.

4. Don’t Forget About the Electrical Cords

Puppies love to chew on things especially when their teeth are still developing. Electrical cords are a favorite. If you don’t use your electrical appliances, unplug them. Coil them into a concealer or hide them so your dog won’t get electrocuted.

5. Sniff! Sniff! Sniff!

Puppies are natural explorers. They love to go to new places and try new things. Thus, be sure to eliminate odors that might trigger the curiosity of your pup. Trash cans or garbage bins should be secured. Put it in a place where your puppy can’t reach it.

You might consider bringing the trash out as soon as the garbage bin is full. The smell of the garbage elicits their curiosity and this catches their attention to dig out what’s within. Having secured bins would help your dog from ingesting harmful substances.

Food should be properly stored. Don’t let it lie around as your pup would surely eat them.

6. Lock in your cleaning items

Cleaning materials are usually found under the sink. These materials are often filled with hazardous substances. Keep them locked inside the drawer, or much better, hide them on top of your cupboards.

7. Water is for Hydration

Pets look for water after they get tired of playing and running. Sinks and bathtubs are usually filled with water. Make sure you do not leave it overflowing or your pup might play around and mess the floors. Worst, they might drown.

8. The Window is for Unwinding, not a Play Place

Don’t let your dog play around the window. Puppies may get attracted to the view outside and being naturally clumsy, they may fall and hurt themselves. Get into the habit of closing windows when you’re not around, or put away objects that your pup may use to climb on.

9. Don’t Forget About your Furniture

Among the common problems of pet owners are pups destroying their furniture. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do.

For one, use no chew spray or diluted apple cider. Puppies don’t like this smell. This should keep your dog from chewing on your furniture.

If possible, stick to a leather couch. You can also use cheap furniture cover. Finally, training them should be your long-term solution.

10. Make Room

Give your pup a place he can call his own. A tired pet usually looks for a place to rest.

Prepare a cozy corner in your home that your pup can claim. Make sure that his sanctuary is on the ground and is away from things you don’t want him to touch or destroy. Put all those “dog-friendly” stuff in his territory to make sure he will spend time in his crib.

Be responsible

Bringing a new furry family member is like bringing additional joy in your home too. Of course, sometimes, having a dog may lead to chaotic moments for everyone.

To reduce your stress, prepare your home ahead of time. By puppy-proofing your house, you should enjoy better the moments you spend with your pup!

What did you do to puppy-proof your house? Tell us in the comments below!