A Simple Guide to Dog-Proofing Your Home

When you live with dogs, especially a young puppy, you quickly find out how easily your house becomes one giant chew toy and how much, ahem, mess is left behind in each room for you to take care of.

A nosy dog will quickly uncover trash and socks under your couch, and chew out all those wonderful cords plugged in everywhere! A treasure trove for our dogs, that also happens to be very dangerous. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of things (but not limited to) you should be on the lookout for when homing your new best friend.

Room-by-Room Instructions for Dog-Proofing Your Home

The kitchen, bathroom, and laundry rooms are the most dangerous rooms in your home, but any room can present a risk for your little pup, so it is critical to Invest in robust baby gates and glass dog doors to help divide rooms or prevent your pooch from entering areas you don’t want them to.

The Kitchen

Kitchens are cluttered with hazardous products for pups, such as food, medications, and cleaning products. They give your dogs the most opportunities to find and consume stuff they shouldn’t. However, once dog-proofed, kitchens may make excellent doggie hangouts.

Consider the following precautions:

• Keep medications in lockable containers or on high, secure shelves.
• Keep all food off the counters and in containers with tightly fitting lids.
• Consider placing child-resistant latches on low-level cabinets.
• Garbage should be stored in pet-safe trash cans that lock with a pedal mechanism.
• Install baby gates and pet gates to keep children and pets out of the kitchen.

Once you’ve taken the safety measures, strongly consider installing a dog door for glass panel door to allow them more flexibility around the house. A pet door lets your pet come and go as they choose, which means your family meals or Netflix marathons won’t be disrupted by your dog braying at the back door to be let out. A pet door can benefit both you and your pets as a result of their newfound independence.

The Living Room

Electrical cords, fireplaces, open windows, and reclining chairs are the most typical issues in living rooms. This is most likely the room your dog will spend the most time in with you, so making it safe for them is critical with the following steps:

• When not in use, unplug and store cords.
• A baby gate or fireplace screen can be used to restrict access to the fireplace.
• When you are not at home, close the windows and cover them with drapes.
• When not in use, make certain that reclining chairs are never left open.
• Be sure that any plants you have are safe for dogs and keep them out of their reach.
• Place breakable things in storage and remove decor from coffee and end tables.

The Bathroom

A dog’s favourite spot to look for fascinating pieces to eat and amusing “things” to try is the bathroom. Keeping cabinets locked, and even better, keeping the restroom door closed, is the best approach to practise excellent management. And here are some other tips:

• Close the toilet lid and consider installing a seat lock.
• Trash cans should be kept in a cupboard or in pet-safe containers.
• When not in use, remove kids’ bath toys, loofahs, and sponges.
• Never leave curling irons on counters, and always unplug and store blow dryers.
• Store toilet paper rolls in containers or cover them with a roll protector or cover.

The Bedroom

Bedrooms are frequently used to confine a dog to a secure area. Before allowing your furry best friend to relax in your bedroom, make sure you successfully potty-train your dogs and remove any items that could become a choking hazard. Also, don’t leave anything out that you don’t want to become a chew toy. The following steps could help you as well:

• Drawers and closets should be closed.
• Check under the bed for any loose socks or undergarments and put them away.
• Make certain that hangers, belts, and purses are securely stored and out of reach.
• Keep jewellery, hair bands, and other small accessories in high-up shelf bins.
• Never use mothballs! They are poisonous to pets.

The Yard

Dogs should not be left unattended outside, but if you decide to allow your Fido to use a dog door for glass panel door at the backyard for potty breaks, you must make sure the area is safe and secure. Bored dogs can easily escape through holes, loose posts, and unlatched gates. Also, don’t ever leave them unsupervised near pools or play equipment. More to the point, remember to:

• Ensure that all plants in the yard are pet-safe.
• Take away all lawn and gardening equipment.
• Make sure the fence is in good shape and at the proper height.
• Prevent falls by restricting access to balconies and high steps.

Regular outdoor access can do wonders for your pet’s health so the addition of a pet door is recommended so long as the area is safe for them. Dogs stand to benefit greatly from the ability to go outside anytime they want. Aside from the mental health benefits, a pet door allows your dog to go outside when they need to use the “restroom,” without your assistance. More flexibility for them equals more flexibility for you!