As a dog owner, you know that your furry friend is an integral part of your family. But as much as you love them, it's important to remember that dogs are curious creatures who love to explore and get into everything they can.
That's why it's so important to learn how to dog proof your home: To keep your pooch safe and healthy.
Imagine coming home to find that your dog has gotten into the trash and ingested something toxic, or chewed up a wire and suffered an electric shock. These scenarios may seem far-fetched, but they can and do happen. Fortunately, they can be prevented with a little bit of planning!
It doesn’t matter whether you have a new puppy, a toy breed, or a large dog like a golden retriever. It’s important for every pawrent to have a dog proof home.
Below, we’ll go over 11 practical steps you can take today to create a safe space for your pup!
How to Dog Proof Your Home in No Time!
Dog-proofing your home doesn't have to be a time-consuming or daunting task. By following a few simple steps, you can create a safe and welcoming environment for your furry friend.
Step #1: Keep Hazardous Chemicals and Medications Out of Reach.
As a small dog owner, it's important to be aware of the potential dangers that hazardous chemicals and medications can pose to your furry friend. Dogs are curious creatures who love to explore and may accidentally ingest or come into contact with these items if they are not kept out of reach.
To keep hazardous chemicals and medications out of reach, follow these tips:
- Store cleaning supplies, pesticides, and other hazardous chemicals in a secure, high location that your dog can't access. This could be a locked cabinet or a high shelf.
- Keep medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, in a secure location as well. This could be a locked cabinet or a locked medicine cabinet.
- Properly dispose of any unused or expired medications to prevent your dog from accidentally ingesting them.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested a hazardous chemical or medication, seek medical attention immediately.
By keeping medications and cleaning supplies stored, you can help keep your dog safe and healthy and prevent potentially serious and life-threatening situations.
Step #2: Keep Electrical Cords and Outlets Covered.
Electrical cords and outlets can pose a serious hazard to dogs who are curious and prone to chewing. Not only can they suffer an electric shock if they chew on a cord, but they could also damage appliances or start a fire.
To keep your dog safe and prevent any mishaps, it's important to keep electrical cords and outlets covered. Here are a few ways you can do this:
- Use cord covers or organizers to keep cords off the floor and out of reach of your dog.
- Use outlet covers to prevent your dog from inserting their paws or nose into an outlet.
- Keep appliances, such as televisions and computers, out of reach or use cord organizers to keep cords tidy and away from your dog.
This is especially important when it comes to puppy proofing a house. Older dogs that are house trained can generally be trusted to stay away from potentially dangerous items, but puppies are still learning about the world around them and may not yet understand what is and isn't safe.
Step #3: Keep the Toilet Lid Closed.
When it comes to dog-proofing your home, it's important to think about the little things as well as the big ones. One seemingly small but important detail is keeping the toilet lid closed.
You might not think twice about leaving the toilet lid open, but for dogs, it can be a tempting and potentially dangerous attraction. Dogs are known for their love of water and may try to drink from the toilet, which can lead to illness from bacteria or other contaminants. They may also accidentally fall into the toilet or get stuck trying to drink from it.
To avoid any mishaps, make sure to keep the toilet lid closed at all times. It's a simple step that can go a long way in keeping your furry friend safe and healthy. And remember, keeping the toilet lid closed isn't just good for your dog – it's good hygiene practice for everyone in your household!
Step #4: Get the Best Shock Collar for Small Dogs.
Training collars can be a useful tool for helping to train and modify the behavior of small dogs. When used correctly, training collars can provide a gentle and effective way to communicate with your dog and help them learn new behaviors.
If you're in the market for a training collar for your small dog, it's important to choose one that is specifically designed for their size and needs. Wiggle Kingdom offers a trusted selection of training collars for small dogs, including options with features like adjustable intensity, reflective vinyl strap for safety, and water resistant materials.
When using a training collar, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use it in conjunction with positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding your dog with treats or praise for good behavior. It's also a good idea to consult a certified dog trainer or behaviorist for guidance on how to use the collar effectively and address specific behavior issues.
By choosing the best shock collar for extra small dogs and using it responsibly, you can help your furry friend learn and grow in a positive and supportive way.
If you don’t need a collar with shock, we also offer a vibration only shock collar!
Step #5: Research the Plants You Have Indoors, As Some Are Toxic for Dogs.
While plants can add a touch of greenery and beauty to your home, it's important to be aware that some plants can be toxic to dogs. If ingested, these plants can cause a range of symptoms, from mild digestive upset to more serious issues like tremors or organ failure.
To dog proof your home, it's important to research the plants you have indoors and make sure that they are not toxic to dogs. Here are a few examples of common indoor plants that can be toxic to dogs:
- Dieffenbachia: Also known as dumb cane, this popular houseplant can cause oral irritation, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting if ingested by dogs.
- Philodendron: This common houseplant can cause irritation to the mouth, tongue, and lips, as well as difficulty swallowing, if ingested by dogs.
- Sago palm: All parts of the sago palm, including the seeds and leaves, are toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure if ingested.
If you're not sure whether a plant you have is toxic to dogs, you can consult a veterinarian or a resource like the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center.
Step #6: Keep All Food, Including Chocolate, Out of Reach.
Dogs are known for their love of food, and it can be tempting to share a snack with your furry friend. But as much as you love your dog, it's important to remember that not all human food is safe for them to eat. This is especially true when it comes to chocolate, which can be toxic to dogs and cause a range of symptoms, from vomiting and diarrhea to tremors and even death.
To keep your dog safe and healthy, it's important to keep all food, including chocolate, out of reach. This means keeping food off counters and tables, securing trash cans, and properly storing any food items that could be tempting to your dog.
It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with which foods are toxic to dogs and avoid giving them to your furry friend. In addition to chocolate, other common toxic foods include grapes, raisins, and xylitol (a sugar substitute found in some sugar-free products).
By keeping all food out of reach and avoiding giving your dog toxic foods, you can help keep them safe and healthy. And remember, it's always best to stick to dog-specific treats and food when it comes to rewarding your furry friend!
Step #7: Keep Small Objects, Such As Toys and Shoes, Out of Reach.
Dogs are curious creatures that explore with their mouths, which is why it's important to keep small objects, such as toys and shoes, out of reach. Not only can small objects be a choking hazard for dogs, but they can also be a danger to small children who may accidentally swallow them.
If you have small children in your household, it's especially important to keep small objects out of reach. Children may be more prone to leaving their toys out instead of cleaning up, which can create a hazard for your dog if they try to chew on or swallow the toys.
To keep small objects out of reach, consider using child-proof locks on cabinets and drawers that contain small items, and keep toys and other small objects picked up and stored in a secure location.
Encourage your children to clean up their toys when they are finished playing to help prevent any accidents or injuries.
Everyone can help dog proof your home!
Step #8: Keep the Fireplace and Other Open Flames (Like Candles) Secure.
While the fireplace can be a cozy and welcoming feature in your home, it's important to remember that it can also pose a hazard to your dog. Dogs are curious creatures who may try to investigate the flames or get too close to the fireplace, which could result in burns or other injuries.
To keep your dog safe around the fireplace, it's important to keep it secured at all times. This means keeping the fireplace screen closed and ensuring that your dog stays a safe distance away from the flames.
It's also a good idea to keep any other open flames, such as candles or stovetops, secured and out of reach of your dog.
Never leave a candle unattended, especially if you have pets or small kids!
Step #9: Use a Crate or Designated Area for Your Dog When You’re Not Home.
When you're not at home, it's important to have a safe and secure place for your dog to stay. A crate or designated area can provide a sense of security and comfort for your furry friend and help prevent any accidents or injuries while you're away.
Crates come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different dogs and needs. They can be made of plastic, wire, or a combination of both and can be used for transportation, as a temporary confinement area, or as a permanent living space.
If you prefer not to use a crate, you can also create a designated area in your home for your dog to stay in when you're not there. This could be a room or a section of a room that is equipped with a comfortable bed, toys, and any other necessary items.
By using a crate or designated area for your dog when you're not home, you can help keep them safe, secure, and happy. Just be sure to provide plenty of exercise and attention when you are home to keep your dog stimulated and healthy!
Step #10: Keep the Laundry Room Door Closed.
The laundry room is often a bustling and busy place, with plenty of opportunities for your dog to get into mischief. To keep your furry friend safe and prevent any accidents or injuries, it's important to keep the laundry room door closed.
The laundry room can contain a range of potential hazards for dogs, including cleaning chemicals, sharp objects (such as pins and needles), and small items that can be swallowed or choked on. By keeping the door closed, you can prevent your dog from accessing these hazards and keep them safe.
It's also a good idea to keep any hazardous items, such as cleaning chemicals, out of reach or stored in a secure location. This can help prevent any accidental ingestion or contact with potentially dangerous substances.
Step #11: Be Mindful of Entrances, Especially the Garage, So Your Pup Doesn’t Sneak Out.
Dogs are known for their love of adventure, which is why it's important to be mindful of entrances, especially the garage, to prevent your furry friend from sneaking out. An open door can be an irresistible invitation for a curious dog to explore, which can lead to accidents or injuries.
To prevent your dog from sneaking out, it's important to keep all doors, including the garage, closed and locked when not in use. You can also use a dog crate, dog gates, or a designated area to keep your dog contained when you're not able to supervise them.
It's also a good idea to make sure that your dog is properly identifiable, such as by wearing a collar with an identification tag or being microchipped. This can help ensure that they can be safely returned to you if they do happen to get out.
A training collar can also help you teach your dog to come to you when called.
Final Thoughts
Dog-proofing your home is an important step in ensuring the safety and well-being of your furry friend.
By following these steps and being mindful of potential hazards, you can create a safe and welcoming environment for your dog and enjoy peace of mind knowing that they are protected.
Don't forget to regularly check and update your dog-proofing efforts as your dog grows and their needs change.
With a little bit of planning and effort, you can help keep your dog safe and happy for years to come!