Source: Ur Dogs
Getting a new puppy is one of the greatest joys in the world. From nervous wiggles on the car ride home, the excited squeals of running around their new yard for the first time, to the inevitable mess that comes from puppy explorations in their new home. And while some torn up paper and nibbled-on shoes can be cute, there are are a lot of dangers in a home that can hurt your new furry family member. Taking a few steps before you bring your puppy home can save yourself some trouble and potential money in vet bills.
"No symphony orchestra ever played music like a two-year-old girl laughing with a puppy.” -Bern Williams
Physical Hazards
Windows
Keep your windows closed or have secure screens for curious puppies. They can end up falling out the window, escaping while chasing the poor mailman, or having loose windows close on them. Having secure windows will keep your fluffball secure.
Baby Gates
While stairs are no big deal to us, climbing up and down can seem like mountains to puppies. And ultimately, they can get hurt if they fall down the stairs, especially concrete or wood stairs. In order to keep them safe, use baby gates on the top or bottom of them. Baby gates can also be useful to keep puppies out of certain areas of the home you don’t want them in.
Cord Safety
Cords around the home can look like a lot of puppy toys but are obviously much more dangerous. Not only that, but pulling on cords can cause heavy items to fall on your tiny adventurer and hurt them. Keep cords tucked away when not in use or use cord protectors to keep tiny wet noses away.
Tummy Hazards
Source: Ultra Obedienence Dog Training
Plants
There are a lot of household plants that can be really toxic and dangerous to pets. Knowing what they are can help you get rid of them or keep them out for reach for their sake.
Common Plants that are toxic to dogs include:
- Aloe Vera
- Azalea
- Baby’s Breath
- Begonia
- Carnations
- Ivy
- Lilies
- Tulips
- Poinsettias
- Daffodil
Cleaning Products
Source: Cesar's Way
Cleaning products in a home can be dangerous not only to children in your home but to your fur babies as well. Keeping cleaning products in cabinets with child proof locks will help nosy wet noses from getting into them and getting sick. Beyond that, avoiding an automatic toilet cleaner when you have a puppy is a good way to make sure that if they drink out of the toilet, they will be okay.
Human Stuff
There are a lot of things that are good for people that will not be good for your new 4-legged family member! Things like medications, bathroom trash, and beauty products can be harmful and should be kept out of their reach. Making sure you have a trash can with a lid, bathroom cabinets with child proof clips, and keeping medications out of reach will make sure they are safe and happy. Beyond that, keeping people food away from your puppy will help them develop a healthy digestive system in the long run.
Mess Hazards
Source: Circle K9
Puppies, like children, are a joy, but they can be messy. There are tips that you can follow that help you keep your home clean!
- Keep trash cans with secure lids on them in the kitchen and bathroom
- Store cat litter boxes away from puppies
- Keep socks and intimates put away
- Store shoes in the closet or on a shelf
There is arguably no joy greater in the world than the wiggle of a happy puppy tail or the cold wet nose waking you up first thing in the world. Becoming a puppy parent is amazing and getting your home ready to bring home your new furry friend will help your puppy grow up happy and healthy!
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