Learn the best ways to puppy proof your house.

Getting a new puppy is an exciting milestone—but it’s just as important to make sure your home is safe and ready for their arrival.

As your puppy learns to navigate their new environment, keeping them safe should be a top priority. Puppies love to explore with their noses and mouths which makes everyday items potential hazards to them. Follow this guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet to learn the basics to start pet proofing your home.

Why is Puppy Proofing Important?

Puppies can be very curious. Making sure your home is puppy-proof is essential to prevent injury, poisoning, or choking. Doing this also helps protect your belongings from being chewed or swallowed.

Puppy proofing your apartment or house helps you avoid costly vet bills from accidents, chewing, or ingestion of harmful items. Limiting their access to destructive items will help teach them good behavior as they get older.

Preparing your house for a puppy will help you set a foundation for the long-term commitment that pet ownership is. It will help give you peace of mind knowing that your puppy is safe.

What You’ll Need

• Outlet Caps
• Pet Gate
• Garbage Can
• Cabinet Latch
• Play Pen

Top 10 Puppy-Proofing Tips Every New Pet Parent Needs.

Here are 10 steps to get started puppy proofing your home:

1. Cover Outlets and Hide Cords

Cords and cables are like chew toys for curious puppies, so keep them out of reach or secured. They can be extremely dangerous for puppies and pose a risk of electrocution or choking. You can use electrical cord organizers or covers to conceal cords and loose wires. Putting on childproof plug covers and using protective boxes can help keep your outlets and cords dog safe.

2. Ensure All Medications are Out of Reach

Puppies can easily chew through bottles or sniff out stray pills. Even small amounts of common medications can be lethal for puppies, so it is important to ensure your puppy is safe from all medications in your home. Store all medications in high cabinets or drawers secured with child-proof latches.

3. Block off Restricted Areas

Puppies are very curious and love to explore, so if there are any areas you want to keep off-limits you need to block them off. You can do this by closing doors, putting up puppy gates, or having a playpen. A playpen or crate also provides a safe space when you can’t supervise them.

4. Remove Small Objects from Puppy Level

Anything within puppy reach is fair game, so make sure any small objects such as hair ties, coins, and remotes are removed from the puppy level. These objects could be choking hazards or easily chewed and damaged. Sweep floors and clear low surfaces regularly, declutter items on the floor or low shelves, and avoid leaving objects where the puppy can reach.

5. Put Food High Up

There are many foods that are toxic to dogs—such as grapes, chocolate, onions, and xylitol. Your puppy will not yet be able to distinguish between what is safe to eat and what may be harmful. It is important to store food up high or in sealed containers and never leave food on the counter or table. You should be especially mindful of the foods that are poisonous or lethal to dogs.

6. Secure Your Garbage Can

Garbage cans are easy for puppies to knock over or get into and puppies are likely to rummage and eat unsafe items. You can use garbage cans with tight-fitting or locking lids, place garbage cans in secure locations, or regularly take out the garbage to prevent the temptation. Items such as meat bones, spoiled food, and wrappers are commonly eaten items found in garbage that can be extremely dangerous.

7. Remove Toxic Plants

There is a large list of plants that are toxic to dogs so make sure you check your house and yard and remove any if necessary. Check your home and yard for plants like aloe, ferns, and mums, which are toxic to dogs. Replace them with pet-safe options like spider plants or African violets. Check out ASPCA’s website for a complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs to begin pet proofing your yard.

8. Put Away Clothes and Shoes

Puppies love to shred and eat things and any clothing or shoes that are left low or on the floor are likely to get chewed or swallowed. Ensure you tuck all clothes and shoes away or in a closet or bin out of reach.

9. Use Pet-Safe Cleaning Supplies

Many common cleaning products leave behind a residue that is toxic for pets. Making sure you are cleaning your home with supplies that are pet-safe is crucial for your puppy’s wellbeing and safety. Review ingredient labels and switch to pet-safe alternatives if needed. Also, store all cleaning supplies out of your puppy’s reach—even natural ones.

10. Lock Cabinets

Use childproof latches on cabinets that are at puppy level. Puppies can be very smart and may be able to get into your cabinets. Childproof latches will help prevent access to cleaners, food, and other hazards. These will be especially helpful in kitchens and bathrooms.

Now knowing how to puppy proof your home, you can confidently welcome your newest family member into a safe and prepared home!

For more how-to guides like this one, check out our other Pet articles.