Whether you are a new dog owner or are looking for ways to protect your furry friend, becoming aware of potential dangers to your pet’s comfort and health is essential. Opening your home to a dog is a wonderful decision, but creating an environment where your pet is safe requires mindful preparation. Here are some helpful tips that ensure the safety of your furry friends!

Establish Barriers

A dependable way of keeping your curious creatures out of harm is by creating an established space where they can safely roam and play, blocking off other areas that may have potential dangers. This could include the following: 

• Closed Doors. Closed doors are the easiest way to block off unsafe rooms. This may be handy for keeping your furry friend from wandering into a bathroom or a storage area, for example.
• Gates. Gates are a more flexible option for sectioning off spaces without closing off a room entirely. If you would like to create a space for your dog to play – or close off a doorless area to your pet – gates may be helpful in establishing boundaries. 
• The “Safe-Zone.” By using a combination of gates and barriers, many dog-friendly households implement a “safe-zone” for their young pets, keeping them in a smaller area while playing. 

Clean Your Counters

Day to day, we all tend to mindlessly leave items unattended. When you have a pet, however, it is important to keep your counters and tabletops clean. Here are some key items to securely put away in preparation for your dog: 

• Foods. Many foods can be detrimental to your dog’s health, such as chocolate, onions, grapes, and the artificial sweetener Xylitol. Ultimately, it is a good rule of thumb to put all foods away in a closed and secure space when not in use. 
• Medicines. Whether it be prescription or over-the-counter medication, all medicines should be kept secure and off counters for your dog’s health and safety.
• Cleaning Products. Cleaning products are a danger to your pet’s health if consumed. Make a habit of keeping all sprays, soaps, detergents, and solutions in secure storage.  
• Candles. We all love a fresh scent in the house. However, it is important that you keep your candle on a higher surface and remain in the room while a candle is lit. It is good practice to always supervise the burning of candles, regardless of your furry friend. 
• Trash. Our curious friends love to explore open containers. Be sure to keep all trash cans firmly shut to avoid your pet from rummaging through. This is for their safety as well as your sanity. 

Remove Toxic Items

Along with cleaning products and medicines, there are other everyday household items that may need to be removed.  

• Plants. Although it may not seem like it, some plants and flowers may be toxic to your dog if consumed. To ensure the safety of your pet, place all plants on high spaces, away from your dog’s reach. 
• Electrical Cords. If chewed on, left out appliance cords and chargers could cause electric shock and burns. Make it a habit to place all cords away when not in use. If a cord must remain out, keep it secure and away from your pet’s vicinity.

Supervise Your Friend

A common theme for dog-proofing your home is ensuring that you keep your furry friend supervised. Supervision not only prevents hazardous situations from occurring but is essential when house training your pup. Beyond the safety benefits of supervision, your dog will appreciate time with you!

Play Time

One of the most valuable aspects of having a furry companion is the friendship you build with them. It is essential to provide your dog with enrichment activities throughout the day, such as toys, walks where they can sniff outside, and dedicated playtime. By devoting time and energy to your dog, you are decreasing their boredom and likelihood of mischievous behavior. To top it off, you get to have some fun yourself!

Begin Training Early

Training provides your new friend security and routine which are important when adapting to the new environment of your home. Basic skills and commands learned through training can help keep them safe, establishing trust between you and your dog. Proper training early on can also help your dog understand boundaries without a physical barrier, potentially ending the need for you to implement gates throughout your house. 

Although this list gives you comprehensive tips to dog-proofing your home, it is important to remember that every home is different. If you think something may pose a threat to your pet’s health and comfort, put it away in a secure space. As long as you keep in mind your dog’s comfort and safety, you will excel at creating a home for your furry friend.