Suggestions

Blog Post

Tips

How to Create a Safe and Comfortable Environment for Your Dog at Home 

How to Create a Safe and Comfortable Environment for Your Dog at Home

Over 48 million US households count at least one dog among their members. If you’re thinking of getting your own canine companion, you’ll need to know how to dog-proof your home to prepare for their arrival. 

And we’re not just talking about buying a doggy bed and a leash either. We’re talking about making changes to stop your pup getting into cupboards full of chemicals, eating trash, and turning every loose cable into a chew toy. From the kitchen to the living room to the garage, there are surprising hazards in every room that could pose a serious threat to your dog’s life. 

Luckily, we’re here to help! Keep reading to learn all the best ways to dog-proof your home! 

Dog-Proofing Your Kitchen, Bathroom, and Laundry Room

An important part of making both two-legged and four-legged friends feel welcome in your home revolves around keeping them safe from harm. But it’s often easier for us to anticipate what household items could be hazardous to a fellow human.

This is why getting down to your dog’s line of sight can help you see what might attract your dog. To keep your dog safe from some of the common canine hazards you’ll notice in these rooms, you should:

  • Place cleaning products, makeup, medications, etc on high shelves
  • Keep all food out of reach. Many human foods are unsafe for dogs to consume
  • Make sure trash cans are securely closed
  • Keep your toilet lid closed at all times

If you have to keep food or other products in low cupboards, you may want to dog-proof your furniture with childproof latches – especially if your dog is particularly smart or persistent! 

Dog-Proofing Your Living Room

To make sure that your dog is safe when spending time in your family room, be sure to:

  • Remove any houseplants that are toxic to dogs
  • Keep dangling wires from TVs, lamps, and other items out of reach
  • Remove breakable items such as vases and knick-knacks
  • Put away children’s toys and games with small parts

In time, you may be able to relax about some of these points but it’s better to be extra cautious while your dog is still settling in. 

Dog-Proofing Your Bedrooms

To make your bedrooms safe for your dog, you should:

  • Keep dangling wires out of reach
  • Keep all clothing and accessories locked away. Buttons, jewelry, and strings are all major choking hazards for dogs
  • Make sure your dog isn’t in a closet or cupboard before closing them

Depending on how curious your dog is or how much they love chewing on your belongings, you may want to dog-proof your furniture in this room too, both for your sanity and your dog’s safety. 

Dog-Proofing Your Garage and Backyard

To keep your outdoor spaces and garage safe for your dog, remember to:

  • Dog-proof your garden by removing any poisonous plants
  • Place any chemicals such as antifreeze up on high shelves in your garage
  • Keep tools and other sharp objects out of reach 

You should also check your fence for holes that your dog might be able to squeeze through and patch them up. 

How to Dog-Proof Your Home

As this quick guide shows, there are many ways that dogs can come to harm in a typical family home. 

But, now you know how to dog-proof your home, it’ll be a lot easier for you to stop anything bad from happening to your new canine companion. 

Want more handy tips and top stories? Be sure to check out our other blog posts for all the latest on everything from pest control to medical marijuana! 

Related posts