Who doesn't love a new puppy? Everything about it warms the heart, from the cute little paws to the doting eyes. That said, just like newborns, puppies are excitable and curious creatures, so you need to ensure you protect them and safeguard the environment around them.
This article will discuss some essential and actionable tips you can utilize to puppy-proof your home, thereby creating a safe environment your tiny furry friend can thrive.
Create a Safe Space
After getting a new puppy, the first thing you need to do is find and create a safe space to ensure his or her well-being. Here are some tips on how to do just that.
Containment
It is in your pup's best interest to restrict movement and access to certain areas around your house.
You can purchase playpens or baby gates to create boundaries. Some of the best places to install the equipment are to block off dangerous areas, such as the kitchen or stairwell.
Not only will these installations help to reduce the odds of accidents, they will also allow you to slowly introduce your furry friend to various areas around the house.
Secure Area for Quiet Time
When your pup tires out, he or she is going to need a comfy space to return to and rest, so you need to make room for that.
In this area, you can set up a cozy bed or crate. Additionally, include a soft blanket, water, and some toys. This area can serve as a safe haven when they need alone time and you can put them there when you need to leave the house for a while.
Get Rid of Hazards
Puppies do not know the difference between what is safe for chewing and what is not. Therefore, they chew on anything they can get their paws on. Hence, be sure to keep potential dangers away from your pup at all times.
Find suitable places to store items, like chemicals, household cleaners, medications, and small objects. Also, try as much as possible to keep your puppy away from electrical wires and ensure that all trash cans are properly covered.
If you have any loose cables lying around, bundle them up or arrange them neatly to prevent your puppy from getting tangled or nibbling on them.
Promoting Safety in Your Puppy’s Environment
After setting up a secure space, you need to make sure that all areas of your home are puppy-friendly. Here are some ways to make your home puppy-friendly.
Protect Delicate Items
As mentioned earlier, puppies are filled with abundant energy. So, while exhausting its energy, your puppy may knock over delicate items.
Therefore, you should secure these items in cabinets or shelves. Sort through these items and get rid of the ones you do not need. If possible, hang some of these items on the wall.
Ultimately, the goal is to keep all breakable items out of your puppy's reach. These measures will prevent possible accidents and unnecessary damage.
Declutter Your Home
Your home should be as clutter-free as possible because this reduces the risk of your puppy swallowing or choking on small items. It also prevents your pup from tripping over obstacles and getting hurt.
Put away bags, shoes, and other valuable items in your closets and drawers to make sure your pup does not damage them and get hurt by them.
Install Child-proof Locks
Puppies tend to find a way around things, so even if you safely hide away certain items in a cabinet, they may still be able to get into the cabinet. Consider putting child-proof locks on lower cabinets.
If you are not a fan of the large, obvious child-proof locks, you can opt for magnetic locks that are basically invisible (they are installed inside the cabinet).
Handle Plants and Animals
Certain plants are harmful to dogs, so you need to research and confirm what is safe to have at home. If you have any of these potentially harmful plants, remove them and find dog-friendly replacements. Also, take caution when placing potted plants and bouquets so that your pup does not accidentally eat them.
If you have other animals in your home, it is usually best to keep them apart. For example, if you have a tetra fish at home, try and keep your puppy away from their tank as this could lead to it hurting the fish or contracting an illness.
Furthermore, cover your tank after feeding your tetras to ensure your dog doesn’t put its paws inside.
Avoid Digestive Hazards and Choking
Due to their curiosity, puppies tend to pick things up with their mouth. During this process, they could end up choking. Here are some ways to prevent your pet from choking.
Feed Your Pup Properly
A balanced diet is essential to your pet's growth and health. Therefore, you need to ensure that your puppy receives proper nutrition be it raw food, homemade, or otherwise.
Being mindful about how you feed your dog is important. When feeding your dog, strictly follow the instructions given on the food packaging. If you are unsure of how to feed your pup, consult a veterinarian for more guidance.
In addition, make sure your furry friend has enough water. Lastly, stick to a feeding schedule, as dogs thrive on routine.
Invest in Safe Toys
When purchasing, look out for strong, age-appropriate toys. These toys should be big enough that your puppy would not choke on them and they should not come with small parts. This is because smaller items are more likely to choke your dog.
Inspect these toys from time to time, ensuring that they are still solid. If you notice any signs of damage, replace the toy as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Welcoming a puppy into your home brings about a lot of excitement and unforgettable moments. That said, being a pet parent means taking more responsibility, such as making your home puppy-friendly.
By using the tips in this article, you can create a safe space to nurture your new furry friend.
Keep in mind that training a dog requires patience, understanding, and consistency, so do not get frustrated when he or she does not immediately grasp what to avoid and what not to.
As long as you are intentional about the positive training process and keeping your pup safe, you will get the right results in the end.
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