Dog Proofing Your Home
Dog Proofing Your Home
by Kay Mills

Have you ever considered dog proofing your home? Yes, it’s a good idea to look around your home and make sure that certain items are out of Fido’s curious reach! You know when you first bring a puppy home that, well, she can and will get into most anything. Puppies explore the world around them often by chewing. Plus, small dogs may be able to find tiny openings you never realized were there! So, yes, we definitely need these tips to dog proof our homes for our furbabies. Puppies are prone to chew on anything they can reach. Adult dogs do it because of separation anxiety, boredom and lack of exercise.
Dog Proofing Your Home-Things To Be Mindful of
Yet, there are many items an adult dog can ingest that prove harmful as well! Pet parents must be careful to keep any toxic plants out of your dog’s typical “area.” Plants aren’t the only items that can harm your curious pup – pesticides, cleaning products, certain foods – each can be detrimental to your dog’s health if ingested.
One rule of common sense should apply when dog proofing your house – keep all small items your dog could chew and/or swallow up and away from his territory.
With that in mind, one possible alternative to this is to crate your very curious dog when you are away from home. Just make sure to find a crate that they can’t easily sneak out of.
Places To Dog Proof
Common areas
First, dog-proof the most common areas Fido will frequent. Many pet parents place dog food and water in the kitchen. And why not? The flooring is usually tiled and is easy to clean should there be a spill. However, the kitchen can house some items that could make Fido very, very sick. Chocolate is one item that is very toxic to dogs. Other foods that should be stored away from Fido’s curious nose include:
- avocados
- nuts
- garlic
- coffee
- grapes
- raisins
- onions
Watch for small items such as twist ties, bottle caps/lids, even wrappers from food should always be picked up so that your dog won’t be tempted to give them a taste test.
Some pet parents will put a pet gate or a crate in the kitchen so that they can keep Fido safe as they cook.
Dog Proofing Your Home- Bathroom and Laundry
- The bathroom and the laundry room often pose great hazards for canines.
- Most of our cleaning supplies are stored here, as well as beauty and bathing products.
- Bleach, medicines, and vitamins are all often stored in the bathroom.
- You might be surprised to find out that dogs often chew on towels and socks.
- In some cases, dogs have been documented swallowing pieces of these items! Keep in mind you should always have the toilet lid down to prevent Fido from drinking toilet water. Some cleansers include chemicals that can harm dogs.
- In your laundry room, always keep the doors of the washer and dryer closed so pups won’t be tempted to crawl in.
Living room/rec room
The living room and other gathering areas of the house may not seem to offer dangers. On closer examination you see that is not the case. If you have a fireplace, it is important to keep a screen in front of it in order to prevent your dog from lying too close and being hit by flying sparks.
One major danger that most pet parents don’t consider is a fire-starting stick. These manufactured sticks taste sweet to dogs, and is laden with chemicals.
Dog Proofing Your Home- Electrical outlets, power strips and cords
Another point of contention for pet parents involves the cords and wires to electric appliances. It is inevitable that Fido will get curious and decide to chew on an exposed wire. That’s why it’s a good idea to always keep cords and wires hidden.
More Things to consider
- Your bedroom may also need some dog-proofing. Items such as jewelry, hair pins or hair bands, and the like may be in reach.
- Batteries, buttons, and rubber bands are also often swallowed by a curious dog.
- If you use mothballs, most definitely store these in a place your dog can’t reach! Mothballs are especially toxic to dogs.
Conclusion
Observe Fido’s curiosity that leads him into danger. Just an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure! Dog-proof your home to prevent accidents and encounters with toxic items.