Puppies are a lot like babies. They need constant care, attention, and supervision. It’s also a good idea to puppy proof your house before bringing the little darling home. This applies to other pets as well. Pets can be very curious.
There are some simple tips you can use to keep your puppy safe:
1) Use outlet covers for low wall outlets, just as you would for a baby. Puppies can get shocked too.
2) Secure extension cords. They can cause tripping hazards and they can also cause items to fall on the puppy if the cord is pulled too hard.
3) Put away cleaning products and other chemicals, especially things like anti-freeze, in secure locations.
4) You may actually need cabinet locks if you lower cabinets just close flush instead of latching closed securely. Many dogs are smart enough to paw open cabinets.
5) Do not leave puppy food where your new pet can help himself. Many puppies do not know better than to overeat and it isn’t healthy. Make sure your puppy cannot access garbage cans either, or he might eat trash.
6) Get in the habit now of closing the toilet lid so your puppy won’t be tempted to drink out of the toilet when he or she is big enough to reach.
7) Make sure food and especially water bowls are the appropriate size. A puppy can fall into an over-sized water bowl and it doesn’t take much water for a small animal to drown.
8) Close off small any areas where puppies might hide or become stuck, such as spaces between appliances and cabinets or underneath large furniture pieces.
9) Close off large areas that could be dangerous for a puppy such as stairwells, garages, or utility rooms. Baby gates work great.
10) Set up a separate area for your puppy and never leave him or her unsupervised with larger pets.
*Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is keeping a close eye on your puppy until he adjusts to his new surroundings and is trained.
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