Chances are, when you told friends and family that you were about to welcome a dog into your life and home, someone will have told you a horror story about a renegade pooch who ran amok and destroyed the house…wet all over the floor, shredded precious items to bits and ate all the shoes in the house…
It’s true that dogs – especially puppies – can be a handful, but it’s up to us to make sure that they don’t get into too much trouble! So, before you panic and have the carpet cleaning company on standby or the skirting boards company on speed dial, take a look at these tops tips on how to dog proof your home and get yourself ready for your new furry arrival!
The kitchen and bathroom
Kitchens and bathrooms tend to house dangerous items such as cleaning supplies, medications, and other chemicals. To keep pets safe in the kitchen and the bathroom, consider the following:
- Place items such as cleaning supplies, medication, and washing powders/gels on high shelves.
- Keep all food out of reach of your pet as some items can be dangerous for consumption and even if the food does not pose a threat, the packaging could be a problem.
- Keep your bins securely covered so that pets cannot get into the rubbish.
- Consider installing childproof latches on cabinets, as some pets are not only curious but quite clever!
- Make sure your pet hasn’t jumped into the tumble dryer – or the washing machine – for a nap before turning it on!
- Keep the toilet lid down to prevent pets from potentially drinking harmful chemicals or cleaners.
The living room
While the kitchen and bathroom might pose some of the most serious threats to pets, the family room also contains items that could be dangerous. To make sure pets are safe in the living room, consider the following:
- Move house plants out of reach or better yet, make sure that any plants placed in your home or yard are safe for your pet and do not pose the threat of poisoning!
- Check and make sure that any air or heating vents have proper covers.
- Keep dangling wires from televisions, lamps and other items out of reach.
- Put away any breakable items that your new pet can knock over and break.
- Put away any kids games or toys that contain small pieces which can be a choking hazard to your curious pooch!
The bedroom
Not a lot has to be done in most bedrooms in order to dog proof them, however there are a few steps that can be taken to make your bedroom safer for your pet.
- Keep any lotions, medicine, or cosmetics that might be on a bedside table, out of reach.
- Place any electrical wires in an area where your puppy can’t access and chew on them.
- Keep shoes and laundry out of reach of pets as strings and buttons can pose a choking hazard and potentially even more serious issues if ingested.