The idea of puppy-proofing a home before bringing a new little one home may seem a lot like baby proofing, but this is for good reason. Many things that are dangerous to babies are dangerous to many living things, including puppies. The steps to puppy-proofing could be completely foreign to those who have never baby proofed a home, but they are simple overall and take a combination of helpful tips and common sense as the process is completed.
Cleaning and Clearing
Puppies are curious and playful creatures that are wired to investigate and sample anything they come in contact with. For this reason, cleaning and clearing a home of harmful substances is important. Pick up and sweep any large pieces of materials puppy might try to eat and organize easily chewable items that you own away from its reach. This step is helpful because it removes the temptation for a harmful habit to begin (chewing) and keeps puppy from biting into anything that could hurt it. Use organic or non-toxic cleaners on surfaces that the pup will have contact with and rinse thoroughly if more toxic cleaners are used.
Special Dangers
In addition to a general cleanliness necessity, some more specific portions of the house require special attention to avoid serious injury or harm to a new puppy. These include household cleaners, electrical cords and pesticides. Household cleaners, unless specifically labeled otherwise, are generally highly toxic to both humans and animals and should be kept on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet to prevent the puppy licking up a spill or leak. Gather, tie and hide electrical cords and cover outlets. Puppies and kittens can feel the electricity running through them and are tempted to “catch” it by biting into it, potentially causing fatal electrical shocks. If you have your house sprayed with pesticides or spray a barrier yourself, make absolutely sure to keep the puppy away from it while it’s wet and hide as much of it as you can with furniture, curtains and other items.
Shopping for Supplies
One of the most common ways puppies get harmed in a home or in their housing area is from inappropriate or dangerous supplies. Common kitchen bowls used for food can be broken and cut a pup, human shampoo can irritate puppy’s skin, and so forth. Shop for supplies before you bring the puppy home to ensure they are puppy friendly and safe to use. If you wait, you could end up using an unsafe item until you can shop for a safe one.
Pet Place provides resources on how you can learn more about puppy collars and white german shepherd puppies.