Before bringing your dog home, you'll need to ‘dogproof’ your house. Here's a simple checklist to make sure your home is safe before letting your dog run free. You’ll also want to read our pages on Home Safety and Poisonous Plants to supplement this information.
- Make sure all poisonous household items are securely stored out of reach
Put household cleaners, laundry detergents, bleach, disinfectants, insecticides, cleaning fluid, fertilizers, mothballs, antifreeze, insect poisons, rat poisons and other items in cabinets or on high shelves. Read about Home Safety.
- Check your plants
Many plants in and around your house can be harmful to your dog. Did you know that the pits of apricots and peaches, as well as spinach and tomato vines, can make your dog sick and, in large dosages, can even be fatal? Read about Poisonous Plants. For a more complete list of dangerous plants, consult your veterinarian.
- Look at your house from your dog's point of view
Get down on all fours and look around. Move or remove dangling electric cords, loose nails, plastic bags or other tempting objects that will be in reach.
- Pick up buttons, string, sewing needles, pins and other sharp objects, and anything small enough to swallow
If your dog swallows any of these objects, they may cause damage to the mouth and internal organs. String and other entangling objects, such as curtain pulls, six-pack holders and the like may cause abrasions or strangulation.
- Keep your toilet lid down
Dogs are often tempted to play in or drink toilet bowl water. This habit can be very hard to break. It’s unsanitary and toilet cleanser may be harmful if swallowed.
- Unplug, remove or cover any electrical cords in your dog’s confinement area
Chewing on these cords can cause severe mouth burns, electrocution and fires.
- Close off balconies, upper porches and high decks
Puppies in particular are so little that they can slip through openings and fall.
- Buy a book on dog care
Place a handy reference guide on a shelf in your bedroom, den or kitchen. You never know when you'll need a quick answer.
In the last few days before arrival, give your house a good cleaning and remove breakable items from areas where your dog will be. Also, spend some time preparing yourself or your family. Small children need to know how to act around puppies and dogs.
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