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There’s nothing like the joy a new puppy brings! But bringing home a new dog is more than just cuddling and playing. As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure your home is equipped to handle a curious puppy.
From the inside to the yard, here are some best practices for keeping your new puppy safe and out of harm’s way.
Around the throne
Your dog will probably spend most of the time at home, so it’s a good idea to spend a lot of time protecting puppies in the house before they come home. See things from an inquisitive dog’s point of view and make sure to hold on to any potentially dangerous objects.
Start by eliminating anything that could be harmful if ingested. This includes medicines, household cleaners and body care products. Some human foods, houseplants and essential oils can also toxic to dogs. Find out what products are safe around animals, and discard or discard anything that doesn’t fit.
Next, secure any electrical cords, small objects, or things that could be destroyed if they are chewed by a teething puppy. You certainly don’t want your property destroyed, and you don’t want your puppy to choke on something unsafe either!
You may also want to consider moving or covering up some of your belongings. Consider how your furniture is organized and notice any gaps that small puppies can get into. Make sure all the shelves are sturdy so they can’t be easily knocked over. And cover any chairs or couches that you don’t want your puppy to scratch, gnaw, or soil.
One final recommendation to combat puppies in the home is to prepare a sturdy trash can with a lid. Trash cans are filled with delightful smells that would make any dog want to get their head inside, and taking the lid off the litter box is just asking your puppy to peek and devour.
Check the exit
Your puppy loves you and they love their house. But that doesn’t mean they won’t rush away if given the chance! Dogs are curious and social creatures. All it takes is a stray squirrel to get their attention and get them running. It is your responsibility to make sure all entry points in your home and yard are secure so they don’t have a chance to run.
First, check all the windows and exterior doors in your home. Make sure they close and latch properly, and consider locking them when possible.
If you have a closed yard, inspect the fence closely for gaps or weaknesses. If you plan to let your dog roam the yard unattended, the fence should be high enough that the puppy cannot jump over. All ports must be in good working order and securely locked.
Protect the yard
Speaking of your yard, there are potential hazards outside of your home that also need to be kept in mind! Make sure there are no toxic plants that could harm your dog if ingested. Also, trim your grass and avoid brooms or weeds piled up. Ticks are always a threat, but they are more common in tall lawns.
Use caution when treating your yard with pesticides, insecticides or fertilizers, as some of these products can be very unsafe to use around animals. It is best to consult a professional company when handling yards and keep your dog away from treated areas.
If there is a swimming pool in your yard, take extra care when securing it. Ideally, there should be gates around the pool to prevent dogs from entering the water. If not, make sure to always accompany your dog when in the yard to avoid any accidents.
Finally, be wary of the temperature when leaving your dog outdoors. If dogs spend a lot of time outdoors, they should always have a shady place to rest and drink plenty of water. Of course, it’s best to supervise your dog if they’re outside a lot, especially when they’re young.
While traveling
One of the best parts of being a dog owner is being able to get them there! From hiking to running around the dog park, a puppy can be your best adventure partner. But there are many dangers away from home as well as hidden within it. The first step to keeping your dog safe in public is to always tie them on a leash. Even if your dog is behaving well and you believe they won’t run away, you can never be too sure. Besides, keeping your dog on a leash is the law in most public spaces.
Keep your dog’s tag up-to-date and make sure he or she wears a wristband and tag when away from home. That way, if your dog is unfortunate enough to run away, whoever finds them will be able to get them home safely. Microchiping your pet can also help with this!
Finally, travel safely with your dog! Just like humans need to wear seat belts every time they get in the car, so should your puppy be held properly. If you regularly walk your dog by car or are planning a long road trip, consider investing in a Safety restrictions for dogs. This harness will keep your dog safe in the event of a sudden stop, sharp turn, or possible accident.
Around the water
A lot of dogs absolutely love water — some breeds more than others. But even if your puppy is an avid swimmer, this skill is no match for treacherous waters and strong currents. Take extra care when bringing your dog near a lake, river, or ocean. Of course, your dog must be on a leash at all times, but this is especially true when you’re near water.
If you choose to take your dog swimming, be sure to use a dog-specific life jacket. It will keep your dog afloat and make it easier for you to rescue them if they get tired easily.
Don’t forget about the vet
No matter how many steps you take to keep your dog safe at home, nothing is better for your dog’s health than regular checkups at the vet. A licensed veterinarian will make sure your dog follows the recommended vaccination schedule to stay protected against common canine diseases.
Your vet will also start your dog on parasite prevention. Fleas and ticks are a common threat to dogs of all ages, but start treatment early — along with knowing how to spot them. heartworm symptoms in dogs — can help your puppy avoid serious health problems.
David Cruz is a freelance writer who travels the country with Samoyed, beautiful Bosco, and his travel nurse wife.
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