Are you bringing home a new puppy? Whether you live in an apartment or a house, here are some easy and affordable tips for how to puppy-proof a house.
Are you about to bring a cuddly new puppy home? Congratulations on the new addition to your family! While you'll have years of great memories ahead, the puppy stage can be challenging for anyone... especially when it comes to keeping your new furbaby safe. Whether you live in a city apartment or a suburban house, make sure you puppy-proof your home before your new pet arrives.
To puppies, everything is a chew toy - whether it's a TV remote, antique furniture, a cherished pair of earrings, or your favorite pair of shoes. Aside from damaging your belongings, these items can also be dangerous or toxic - jewelry could be a choking hazard, while the paint on your dinner table could be toxic. Keep these items out of reach, at least until the puppy teething stage is over.
Your new pup is bound to end up at the vet more than a few times when they're still a baby. But there are plenty of things you can do to cut down on these scary accidents... and expensive vet visits. Inside, puppy-proof all (human) medications and cleaning supplies - store them in an out-of-reach or locked cabinet. You should also unplug electrical cords when they're not in use as puppies love to chew on these, and they can cause burns or electrical shock. Outside, keep your dog away from the yard or garden if you recently treated it with chemicals - like fertilizers or insecticides.
If you have an outdoor space, make it as puppy-proof as possible. Fence it in with a fence that's too high for your pup to jump over, and patch up any holes he or she could crawl through. If you have a pool, fence in the area around your pool so you don't have to worry about your puppy falling in. (Though we have a feeling they'll appreciate the swimming lessons later on!)
Consider creating a space in your home that's just for your pup - whether it's an exercise pen, a kennel, or an enclosed part of your kitchen. Block off part of your kitchen with a baby gate to create a contained, puppy-proofed space you can leave your dog unsupervised. Plus, most kitchens have tile, hardwood, or vinyl flooring, so it will be easy to clean up any messes - especially handy if you live in an apartment and don't want to lose your security deposit.
Save has great tips to help you save and make the most of puppy time with your family. Check your weekly mailer for deals and coupons on dog food, pet supplies, and everything else you need to enjoy time with your furbaby this summer.
