Welcome to the wonderful world of puppyhood, where every corner is a new adventure waiting to be explored! As a new puppy parent, your top priority is to create a safe and secure home environment for your furry friend to grow and thrive in. After all, your pup's safety and wellbeing are paramount to ensuring they develop into a happy and healthy adult dog.

To help you provide the best possible home for your pup, we've compiled a list of tips from a puppy's perspective. From identifying potential hazards to creating a cozy space for your new companion, read on to discover how to create a puppy-safe home that will have your furry friend wagging their tail with joy.

How to puppy-proof your house

The first place to start when providing a safe home for puppy is inside the house, where your puppy will likely spend the majority of their time. Here are some key safety measures to keep in mind:

1. Toxic houseplants

Some common houseplants, like lilies, azaleas, and philodendrons, can be toxic to puppies if ingested. It's important to research which plants are safe and which are harmful to your puppy and remove any hazardous plants from your home.

2. Dangerous substances

Household cleaning products, medications, and other dangerous substances can be deadly if ingested by your puppy. Keep these items out of reach or in a secure location like a locked cabinet.

3. Dangerous areas

Puppies are curious by nature and can get into all sorts of trouble. Hazards like open toilets, sharp objects, and unsecured trash cans can pose a danger to your puppy. Also stairs can be a challenge for puppies who haven't yet learned how to navigate them safely. If you have stairs in your home, consider using baby gates to block off access until your puppy is comfortable using them. Open windows can also be a risk to your puppy, especially if they are located on higher floors. Puppies can easily fall out of open windows and suffer serious injuries or even death. To prevent this, make sure that all windows are securely screened and cannot be easily opened by your puppy.

4. Electrical cables and sockets

Electrical cables and sockets can pose a risk of electrocution if chewed on by puppies. Cover any exposed electrical outlets, use cord protectors, and keep electrical cables out of reach.

5. Loose items

Small objects like buttons, beads, and coins can be choking hazards and should be kept out of reach. Be sure to keep floors clear of small objects and avoid leaving items on tables and countertops that can easily fall to the ground.

To make sure your furry friend is OK while you're away, use the Barkio app to see, hear and communicate with your dog even when you're not home.

How to puppy-proof your garden

Once your puppy is ready to explore the world outside of the house, there are additional safety considerations to keep in mind when providing a safe home for your puppy:

1. Fencing and gates

Make sure your garden is fully enclosed with sturdy fencing and secure gates to keep your puppy from wandering off or encountering potential hazards outside of your property. Check the fencing for gaps or holes and repair them if necessary.

2. Toxic garden plants

Some common garden plants like lilies, daffodils, and tulips can be toxic to puppies if ingested. Research which plants are safe and which are harmful to your puppy and remove any toxic plants from your garden.

3. Tools and small objects

Tools and small objects left in the garden can be a hazard to your puppy if they are ingested or stepped on. Keep garden tools and small objects out of reach or in a secure location.

4. Dangerous substances

Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other dangerous substances can be harmful or even deadly if ingested by your puppy. Store these items in a secure location out of reach of your puppy.

5. Water features

Water features like ponds and fountains can be dangerous for puppies that don't know how to swim. If you have a water feature, make sure it's secured with fencing or cover it with a net to prevent your puppy from falling in.

Conclusion

Creating a safe home environment for your puppy is essential for their health and well-being. By taking the time to understand things from your puppy's point of view and making the necessary adjustments, you can ensure that your furry friend stays safe and happy both inside and outside of the house.

Whether outside or inside your puppy will need a safe space of their own where they can retreat when they feel overwhelmed or anxious. A crate or a designated area with a comfortable bed and some toys can provide your puppy with a sense of security and help them feel more at ease in their new home.