Puppy Proofing your home

Author: The Vet Shed   Date Posted:13 August 2018 

Bringing a puppy home is a lot like bringing a toddler home (except for the sharp teeth!) They will get into everything - it is natural behaviour to be curious and adventurous - so you’ll need to provide a safe environment for them to play.

Rubbish Bins

Make sure all your rubbish bins have secure lids so puppy can’t knock them over and get into them. This includes bins not only in the kitchen but also the bathroom and any other room.  

Water

Make sure any areas of water such as pools, ponds, full bath tubs or sinks are out of the reach of your puppy. These can be drowning hazards, so ensure you have secure pool fencing and covers on ponds. If in any doubt, do not leave your puppy unattended where there is a potential for drowning.

Toilets

Close the lid. Puppies often like to drink out of the toilet which is not only a revolting habit for them to get into, but the chemicals used to clean the toilet can be toxic. It’s also another water hazard where pups have been known to jump into and drown. So, close the lid!

Furniture

Pups will try to get up on the couch and any other furniture they can, but their coordination and sense of depth perception is not advanced enough and many accidents can happen from them falling or jumping off.

Recliners

Please be extra careful with reclining couches. There have been so many accidents and deaths of pups who are caught underneath the footrest when it is brought back down.    

Medications and Poisons

Just like you would if you had a toddler coming to stay, you need to remove all poisons and medications from anywhere your puppy can reach. Under the kitchen sink is a prime spot and also in the bathroom. It is amazing what puppies will find fun to play with or chew on. It is very important to also look in the garden shed as well; many pups consider things like snail bait and rat poison a tasty treat!

Poisonous plants

You may have poisonous plants around the house or the yard such as Cycads, Hydrangeas and Daffodils. You can see a full list here: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poisons/

Curtain Cords

Curtain cords can be a strangulation hazard. It is important that you ensure you either tie up the excess or cut the loop in the cord

Shoes and Clothes

Your shoes and clothes smell like you so it is natural for your puppy to gravitate towards them. If left lying around they will become the world’s best (and sometimes most expensive) chew toy. This can also prove quite dangerous for the pup. Swallowed clothing can cause intestinal blockages, so keep yours out of reach!

Electrical Cords

Chewing into these cords is dangerous and can cause burns in the mouth and electrical shock or even death. Tie up loose electrical cords, purchase spiral cable wrap, or PVC pipe to keep them safe from your puppy.

Fencing, Windows and Doors

Keep your fencing and gates in good repair to ensure your puppy cannot jump over, dig under or get stuck in between palings. Windows should be either kept closed or screened to prevent a puppy falling or injuring themselves.

Stairs

Puppies are still learning their motor skills and coordination, so they can be clumsy at times. To prevent serious injury from falls, you can install a baby gate at the top or bottom of the stairs to prevent access. Toy and small breed puppies have the potential to squeeze through railings and fall to the floor below causing serious injury or death. Consider buying some type of nylon mesh fabric or fencing material that you can affix along the bottom of the railing all along your staircase to screen off gaps. These materials are commonly available in rolls at hardware stores.

Last but not least...

Take a look at your environment from a puppy’s point of view and see what hazards are in and around your home.  Your common sense is the best tool and to create a safe place for a very curious and playful ball of energy to be let loose in!

 

4cyte provides the ultimate joint protection for your dog or horse! This product has revolutionised joint care products by including the ingredient - Epiitalis, which is a plant oil extract known for its joint and cartilage regenerative properties. Check out the hundreds of 5 star reviews 4cyte has by clicking on a product. 4cyte granules and liquid gel for dogs 4cyte has 2 options for dogs. The 4cyte granules or the 4cyte liquid epiitalis gel. 4cyte granules and 4cytel liquid both contain the plant oil extract epiitalis however the 4cyte granules also contain marine ingredients which are proven to assist with joint health. The ...

When it comes to grooming Absorbine has been around for generations providing the best possible skin and coat care possible. Whether your horse or pony sees the showring or not the results Absorbine gives will make you want to show them off to everyone! These products make it effortless to clean, condition, brighten and moisturise mails, tails and coats! ...

Acavallo strives to create products for the welfare and protection of your horses. With quality products, you know that you will only be getting the most superior items for your horses - which is what they deserve! As horse lovers ourselves, we use acavallo products on our horses and we do love them. If not trust us, trust some of the top riders in the world that are using Acavallo such as Charlotte Dujardin, Scott Brash, Valentina Truppa and many more! ...

The adaptil range aims to comfort and reassure dogs and puppies in times of stress and anxiety, making them feel safe, calm and relaxed. Adaptil replicates pheremones given off by the mother dog to their pups which is scientifically proven to make dogs and puppies less stressed. ...

Advance pet foods have been scientifically developed to meet all of the needs of Aussie dogs like yours! Combining top quality ingredients and world leading research Advance have created some of the top pet foods on the market. Take a look at their huge range, and see which one would suit your pet best! ...

Just because you can't see them, it doesn't mean that they aren't there. Advantage has been around for a long time providing Australian pets with the best care possible. Help your pets out today with Advantage! ...

Unfortunately, just one paralysis tick bite can be fatal for our furry friends. Advantix is here to help, treating fleas and ticks in one simple spot on application fort-nightly. It's fast acting formula means it kills fleas within 3 - 5 minutes! The best part is its water ressistant so you and your dog can still have fun in the sun and water while still being protected - what is not to love! ...

Advocate is an easy monthly spot on treatment for your pets! It is simply applied to your pets back and will absorb through the skin into the bloodstream protecting your pet just like that! Meaning Advocate provides convinient, continuous broad protection against numerous parasites depending on whether you are after the dog or the cat application. ...

Anitone is a completley natural trace mineral supplement for all animals! Anitone is the only feed supplement on the market that is fermented in a process that mimics natural digestive processes, and is therefore highly palatable and relished by most animals. Anitone contains not only essential minerals, but also amino acids, and Vitamins A, D and Vitamin E. ...

Aristopet provides a range of animals the broad spectrum care that they need on a daily basis. With products for birds, dogs, cats and small animals, Aristopet knows what they are doing, and they do it well. ...

Aussie Companion Parrot Supplies has been around for long enough to know what toys birds love! All of these toys are made with the intent to enrich your birds life in one way or another. They make creative, one of a kind bird toys that your bird will play with for hours on end. ...

All Aussie Dog Products are made safe, non toxic and durable! These products will stimulate the natural instincts of taste, sight, smell, touch and noise. Your pet will absolutely love these toys. ...

Bare Medical Supplies are quality manufacturers of medical and surgical supplies for pets. You can be rest assured that these products are manufactured to the highest quality standards. Bare medical supplies are perfect to have in your first aid kit as you never know when an emergency may arise. ...

Beau pets is an Australian brand that supplies a wide variety of collars and leads for your pets! They have been helping Australians look after their pets for over 50 years! So you know you will be getting the best. ...

Biogroom is specially formulated for pet lovers! With a huge range of shampoos and conditioners for a range of pets you are sure to find somthing you and your pet will love. Indulge them... ...

PAW by Blackmores is an innovative range of healthcare products for your pet! Each product has been inspired by nature and has been developed by world class vets. From vitamins to shampoos, Blackmores have developed a whole range of products your furry friend will love. ...

Bravecto is a revolutionary advancement in parasite protection for our pets. Bravecto provides long lasting protection in either spot on or chewable for dogs or spot on for cats! More than 80 million doses of Bravecto have been given to pets around the globe - a brand that you can trust. ...

Cavallo is a worldwide brand that stocks the worlds most trusted hoof boot. They provide comfortable, all terrain protection for our horses. They are easy to size, fit and care for! ...

The Charming pet toys are loved by all pets! Charming on the outside and tough on the inside, dogs of all sizes can enjoy the squeaking, crunching and tugging actions of these toys. They come in a huge range of colours and sizes - there is sure to be one your dog will cherish. ...

Special relationships with our pets deserve to be Cherished. Formulated to improve the lives of our pets, Cherish pet food nourishes the mind, body and spirit. Packed full of superfoods and Australian ingredients you will know that your pet is getting the absolute best. You will see a huge difference in their total wellbeing, and best of all they love the flavour! ...