New Puppy? Tips for Dog-Proofing Your Home

If you see something interesting on the floor, what do you do? Well, if you're a puppy, first you sniff it, then you pick it up in your mouth. Not a problem if it's edible, but what if it's a battery, or a piece of chocolate, or a small rubber ball? You might think your house is perfectly safe, but to a dog, it's full of fascinating (although potentially dangerous) attractions. This is especially true for a new puppy, since he'll be eager to explore (and taste!) everything in his new surroundings.


Dr. Robert Linnabary, D.V.M., an instructor at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in Knoxville, recommends using the same precautions for a dog that you would for children. "But remember that dogs are better at breaking open bottles and boxes."

Here are some suggestions for making (and keeping) your dog safe in his new home:

The Kitchen. Remember that dogs have very agile paws and determined muzzles, so keep your cleaning supplies locked away. A good idea is to install childproof locks on cabinets where you store your cleaning supplies, or move them to a high shelf. Also, keep the garbage can safely stored away, or buy one with a tight-fitting lid. Garbage (such as chicken bones) can be stored in the freezer until garbage day. And PLEASE REMEMBER, as much as we humans love chocolate, it contains a stimulant (theobromine) which can make dogs very, seriously ill. And you'll want to keep towels and dish cloths out of your puppy's reach, because if your dog chews on it and swallows a big enough piece, it could cause an intestinal obstruction.

The Bathroom. Dogs love to explore the bathroom, but they can discover alluring tastes they'll be unable to resist. Soaps and good-smelling bottles of lotions and shampoos should be kept out of your puppy's reach, as well as any children's tub toys. And sanitary napkins and tampons can be a bit problem, because of their high absorbancy, if they get inside your puppy's intestinal tract. And don't forget to move any cleaning powders and disinfectants up out of your puppy's reach. And remember to keep your toilet lid down to keep your dog from drinking the unsanitary water.

The Family Room. The family room in your home can be filled with dog-unfriendly objects as varied as each family. Any materials that you use for hobbies need to be kept up and out of your dog's reach. Paints, game pieces, children's toys, small pillows, any of these objects can be potentially dangerous to your dog. And check your electrical cords to be sure they're tucked out of sight.

The Bedrooms. Children's bedrooms are especially tempting (and especially dangerous) because of all the small, chewable toys lying around, like rubber balls or even small toys and balloons. Adult bedrooms can have stockings and neckties that can be easily swallowed. And don't forget your medications! Keep all medications out of reach (because the childproof caps won't stop your dog!). Also, don't keep loose change and jewelry within reach of your puppy or dog.

The Garage. Your garage can be one of the most hazardous places for your pet. Aside from items like paint thinner, insecticides, and fertilizers, the garage tends to be a place where screws and nails can be lying about. The best advice: make the garage off-limits to your dog. The potential for injury is too great.

Buy a book on dog care. Of course, the suggestions listed here are very brief. You may want to invest in a good book on dog care. It's always a good idea to have a reference guide handy in case you need a quick answer on caring for your dog. A Good Book. A good book on puppy care and training is a "must read" for the new pet owner. It's best to read through the book before your bring your puppy home. Some great ones include Cesar Milan's How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond, and A Member of the Family: The Ultimate Guide to Living with a Happy, Healthy Dog.  Brian Kilcommon has a wonderful book and DVD combo to help get you started with training your new puppy, My Smart Puppy: Fun, Effective, and Easy Puppy Training (Book & 60min DVD).