PetsCareLab

Before welcoming your new puppy home, it’s crucial to create a safe environment that guards against typical puppy mischief.

Taking these precautions will help keep your curious companion out of harm’s way.

Begin puppy-proofing by carefully inspecting every corner of your living space and yard. Imagine what a puppy might chew, climb, squeeze through, or topple.

Get down low to see your home from your puppy’s eye level—this perspective often reveals hidden hazards you may otherwise overlook.

Anything you’d keep away from a toddler should also be out of reach of your puppy.

Use this detailed checklist to secure your home inside and out.

Puppy-Proofing Inside Your Home

Let’s start with the essential safety steps inside your house.

Lock Up the Trash Cans

Trash cans and diaper pails should be tucked away in closets or fitted with locking lids or childproof locks. With tempting scraps inside, trash cans are a magnet for adventurous puppies.

Certain foods such as grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and chocolate are toxic to dogs and often slip into the garbage unnoticed. Even high-fat leftovers can trigger serious issues like pancreatitis.

Also beware of debris like aluminum foil, plastic wrappers, cans with sharp edges, and plastic containers—all tempting but dangerous chew targets that can cause choking or intestinal blockages.

Store all food securely in cupboards rather than leaving it on kitchen counters where puppies can reach it.

Cover Electrical Wires and Outlets

Protect your puppy from electrical hazards by installing outlet covers. Puppies love to explore with their mouths and might lick or chew exposed outlets, risking electrocution.

Secure loose wires and strands of holiday lights by covering them or encasing cords in chew-resistant tubing like split fish tank tubing.

Puppies are enthusiastic chewers, so take early action to safeguard cords against chewing damage.

Secure Heavy Furniture

Anchor lamps, bookshelves, and decorative items that could be pulled down or toppled. Anti-tip kits let you fasten heavy furniture to walls, preventing accidents and protecting your curious pup.

Tie Up Window Treatments

Window curtains and blinds might seem harmless, but low-hanging drapes can become chew toys or pull-down traps for puppies.

Make sure curtains are securely tied back and cords fastened out of reach to prevent chewing hazards or accidental strangulation.

Evaluate Your Indoor Plants

While greenery brightens your home, some houseplants can be poisonous to dogs.

Research the safety of your plants and keep all greenery well out of your puppy’s reach to prevent chewing or digging in the soil, which could cause upset stomachs or more serious poisoning.

Store Medications Safely

Keep all prescription meds, over-the-counter drugs, and personal care products well out of your puppy’s curious reach.

Even childproof lids won’t always stop determined pups from accessing harmful substances.

Puppy-Proof the Bathroom

Bathroom trash cans should have locking lids or be stored to prevent access.

Toilets can be tempting water sources but pose health risks—always keep lids closed to stop puppies from drinking from the bowl.

Keep Cleaning Supplies in Cabinets

Many household cleaners contain harmful chemicals, including drain openers which are especially toxic.

Lock up all cleaning products—even those marketed as natural—to ensure no accidental ingestion can occur.

Block Off Cat Food Bowls and Litter Boxes

Prevent your puppy from sampling cat food or playing in litter boxes, which can carry parasites or cause blockages if swallowed.

Place cat supplies where your dog cannot reach them.

Move Small or Sharp Objects

Keep small items like craft supplies, coins, shoes, or toys stored in closed closets or on high shelves.

Puppies explore with their mouths, so anything that shouldn’t be bitten, swallowed, or knocked over must be safely out of their reach.

Set Up Dog Gates

Dog gates help confine your puppy to safe areas, simplifying the puppy-proofing process.

Limiting access to a single room reduces potential hazards and aids in housebreaking.

Gates also block off stairways, protecting clumsy puppies from dangerous falls.

Secure Windows and Doors

Open windows pose fall risks, and screens alone often won’t stop eager puppies from plunging through.

Make sure windows are safe and screens secure.

Front doors can be a gateway to hazardous outdoor areas—install childproof latches or locks to stop your puppy from escaping.

Puppy-Proofing Your Yard

Next, focus on making your outdoor spaces safe for your playful pup.

Check the Fence

Inspect fencing carefully for any weak points or gaps a tiny puppy could slip through.

They’re sneaky and surprisingly agile when it comes to escaping!

Put a Fence Around the Pool

Even if your puppy is a swimmer, pool safety is vital.

A few inches of water level change can determine whether they can safely get out.

Since young pups may not know how to find steps, always supervise pool time and consider installing a pool fence.

Secure Garage and Yard Supplies

Lock up antifreeze and promptly clean spills—it’s lethal to pets.

Store all fuels, household chemicals, and garden supplies securely.

Keep tools, nails, and screws out of reach, placing small items on high shelves.

Check for Toxic Flowers and Plants

Extend your plant safety check to your yard.

Puppies often sample plants to decide what they “like,” but many outdoor plants are toxic or cause stomach upset.

Keep Your Puppy Safe From Fertilizer and Pesticides

Fertilizers, rodenticides, herbicides, and bug sprays can be fatal if ingested.

Avoid their use when possible, and always store these products safely away from puppies and children.

Puppies love to chew containers, so never leave such hazardous substances accessible.

Set Up a Shady Rest Area

Puppies tire quickly and don’t know when to pause.

Provide a cozy sunny spot with a raised outdoor bed and a water bowl filled with cool, fresh water to encourage rest and hydration.

Supervise Your Puppy Outdoors

Treat your puppy like a toddler when outside.

Never let them roam alone, and leash them if your yard isn’t fully secure.

Cut the Grass Frequently

Short grass helps you spot insects and other hazards more easily.

It also discourages stinging bugs like yellowjackets and reduces flea and tick populations, keeping your puppy safer and more comfortable.