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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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In addition to puppy-proofing your home and yard, here are a few other tips to keep your pet safe in its new environment:
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.
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.
Potty accidents are unavoidable, especially when house-training your puppy, so it's a good idea to invest in some pet-safe cleaning products.
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.
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
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.
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
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