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How to Dog Proof your Home After Moving

When you live with the dogs, especially a new puppy, you quickly learn how fast your house becomes one big chew toy and how much, ahem, the mess is left in each room. A curious dog won't take long to find trash and socks under the couch, and oh doggie, all those strange cords plugged in everywhere! Our dogs regard it as a treasure trove, even though it is quite dangerous.

Every room in your house provides an additional opportunity for dog-proofing. There are some unexpected hazards throughout the house, from the kitchen and laundry room to the bedroom and living room. But don't be concerned! It doesn't take long to change your decor and furniture so that your dog has plenty of comfortable space.

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Things to check to Dog-Proof Your Home

Dogs investigate the world with their nose and mouth, transforming them into fluffy danger vacuums on four legs. When you consider a dog's point of view, you are more likely to notice things that could become an unintentional danger to your canine best friend.

What is in your dog's field of vision?

It is always recommended to look at your dog's vantage point when evaluating a room in your home for safety; how tall is your dog, and where is their line of sight? Assessing your home from your dog's height can help you identify dangerous objects that may catch their attention. You may be amazed to discover that your brand new watch, which you placed on your bedside table, is at an ideal height for your golden retriever to snag. Small items that are easily accessible should be removed and placed in secure locations, such as drawers or closets that your dog cannot open.

Does your dog like to jump on things?

Your bed, rocking chair, and end table If you have a dog who is an agile climber and can easily jump up on things, consider removing any furniture that may pose a hazard. Chairs that move when jumped on can cause other items in your home to be damaged as well as injure your dog. End tables with breakable family heirlooms or glass picture frames can quickly become a hazard for a dog who follows his nose and puts his paws up on furniture.

Where Does Your Dog Prefer to Sleep?

When dog-proofing your home, the placement of those items is critical. Is your dog partial to a comfy spot on the couch? Is he more likely to curl up on a blanket? Blankets, dog beds, and rugs should never be kept near electrical cords or outlets, fans, fireplaces, or heaters because they can become dangerous very quickly.

How to keep your pets calm during a relocation

Moving is a lot of chores, especially if you're going a long distance or have a lot of pets to consider. However, by putting your pet's happiness first, you can make moving day a little less stressful for everyone. Furthermore, it allows your pet to share in the excitement of the first night in a new place.

Consider hiring a pet sitter

Get a dog sitter or take your dog to a familiar daycare center on Moving Day to make your and your pet's lives easier. While this may not work for long-distance or cross-country moves with pets, it is an excellent option for stressed-out animals who may begin to exhibit anxious and destructive behavior when they see their home being packed up.

Get a lot of exercise.

If hiring a pet sitter isn't an option, make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise to keep them calm throughout the day. An early morning run or a visit to the dog park should do the trick and help them relax.

Allow them to come along on your journey

Separation anxiety is a major issue for most animals because they don't understand the concept of moving and may become concerned that you will abandon them. Allowing them to travel with you rather than shipping or storing them with the luggage on a plane will significantly improve their behavior and provide comfort during what could be a traumatic time.

Make their first night in their new home memorable

It's critical to get into a routine and start making positive memories as soon as possible. The first night in your home can either make or break your pet's ability to adjust to its new surroundings.

How to Make Your Home Dog-Proof

The kitchen, bathroom, and laundry rooms are the most dangerous rooms in your home, but any room can pose a risk, so spending time in each room is critical. Invest in sturdy baby gates to get sections off rooms or prevent your dog from accessing areas you don't want him to enter. Once you've made these areas of your home secure, your dog will have plenty of places to rest and relax.

Making Your Kitchen Dog-Proof

Food, medications, and cleaning supplies are common items found in kitchens unsuitable for dogs. They provide your dog with the most opportunities to discover and consume things they shouldn't. However, once dog-proofed, kitchens can make excellent doggie hangouts.

  • Keep medications in lockable cabinets or on high, secure shelves.
  • Keep all food off the counters and in tightly sealed containers.
  • Install child-proof latches on low cabinets if possible;
  • Keep garbage in pet-safe trash cans that lock using a pedal mechanism; 
  • Install baby and pet gates to prevent access to the kitchen.

Making the Living Room Dog-Proof

Electrical cords, fireplaces, open windows, and reclining chairs are the most common concerns in living rooms. This is most likely the room your dog will spend the most time in with you, so it is critical to make it safe for them.

  • When not in use, unplug and store the cords. 
  • When you're not at home, use a baby gate or a fireplace screen to block access to the fireplace. 
  • Keep the windows closed and cover them with curtains when not at home.  
  • Ensure the reclining chairs are never left open when not being used. 
  • Make sure that any plants you have are safe for dogs and keep them out of their reach.
  • Any breakable items and decor from coffee and end tables should be moved away from the pets.

Dog-Proofing the Bathroom

The bathroom is a dog's favorite place to look for interesting morsels to eat and fun "toys" to try out. Keeping cabinets closed, and even better, keeping the bathroom door closed, is the best way to practice good management.

  • Close the toilet lid and install a seat lock.
  • Store trash cans in a cabinet or use pet-friendly containers.
  • Remove bath toys, loofahs, and sponges when not in use;
  • Never leave curling irons on counters; unplug and store blow dryers; and 
  • Store toilet paper rolls in containers or use a roll protector or cover.

Making the Bedroom Dog-Proof

Bedrooms are frequently used to keep a dog in a secure area. Before allowing your dog to relax in your bedroom, make sure to remove any items that could become a choking hazard, and don't leave anything out that you don't want to become a chew toy.

  • Close drawers and closets 
  • Check under the bed for loose socks and undergarments and store them.
  • Keep hangers, belts, and purses safely stored and out of sight & reach; 
  • Keep jewelry, hair bands, and other small accessories in containers high on shelves; and 
  • Do not use mothballs! They are poisonous to pets.

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Making the Laundry Room Dog-Proof

Laundry rooms can be dangerous places for curious dogs. Some dangers are obvious, while others are more subtle. When in doubt, bar all access to the laundry room.

  • Keep the cleaners in secure closets or high on shelves; 
  • Keep clothing, towels, and undergarments away from the floor; 
  • Keep the doors of dryer and washer closed at all times; and 
  • Keep dryer sheets in a closed container high on a shelf.

Making the Yard Dog-Proof

Dogs should not be left outside unattended, but if you decide to allow your dog to use a doggie door to go outside for potty breaks, you must make sure the area is safe and secure. Bored dogs can easily escape through holes, loose posts, and unlatched gates, and dogs should never be left alone near pools or play equipment.

  • Ensure that all plants in the yard are pet-safe. 
  • Remove all lawn equipment, including gardening tools. 
  • Double-check that the fence is in good repair and at the appropriate height. 
  • Block the access to balconies and high steps to prevent falls.

Other Puppy Proofing Tips

In addition to puppy-proofing your home and yard, here are a few other tips to keep your pet safe in its new environment:

Examine their chewing habits

According to veterinarians, the most common health emergency for puppies is swallowing a foreign object. Because puppies enjoy chewing on plastic, make sure that everyone in the family is aware of what they are putting in their mouths. Even parts of safe toys can pose a choking and swallowing hazard, so discard chew toys when they become too small or parts break off.

Examine your puppy's destructive tendencies

If your puppy chews on objects, barks at strangers passing by your window, or digs in your yard, try redirecting its energy to a suitable chew toy, exercising it daily, and using positive reinforcement to change its habits.

Have pet-safe cleaning solutions on hand

Potty accidents are unavoidable, especially when house-training your puppy, so it's a good idea to invest in some pet-safe cleaning products.

Insurance can help you protect your dog

Consider purchasing pet insurance to protect your puppy in the event of a medical emergency. When your dog gets into an accident, pet insurance coverage can help you avoid paying for pricey vet fees out of pocket.

Be patient & gentle with your new puppy

A puppy can be a big adjustment for first-time dog owners. Concentrate on removing the most dangerous hazards and learn to laugh at the minor inconveniences of having a new pet.

Also See: Pet Policies for a Rental | Moving with a Dog

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Conclusion

Our dogs are excellent at adapting when we assist them in doing so safely, and they are fast to locate comfortable locations in any environment. Making your home dog safe is important for any dog you bring inside, and it will keep your dog happy and safe when you are not there.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How can I puppy-proof my rental home if I'm renting?

Renters will be able to control the fewer variables about their environment, such as flooring or fencing, but they will still be able to puppy-proof an apartment or rental home. Keeping your puppy in a room with easy-to-clean floors is a good idea. Also Read our article on Renting with Pets: Complete Guide

How do I get my puppy to quit chewing on my furniture?

Dogs always use their mouths to explore the world, resulting in chewing on your belongings. In case you suspect your puppy is chewing on things out of boredom, exercise him daily to reduce chewing and other anxiety-related behaviors like digging, licking, and barking.

What can I do if my puppy eats something it should not consume?

If you feel that your dog has consumed a foreign object or a poisonous substance, take it to the veterinarian right away. If it's late at night or your regular veterinarian is unavailable, contact a 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic and explain the situation.

Also See: Best Cross Country Movers