By Harriet Meyers
Updated: May 24, 2023 · ~3 min read
Congrats on welcoming a new four-legged tornado of cuteness into your life! Puppies are curious, energetic, and determined to explore every nook and cranny—often with their mouths. Your home will be where your dog spends most of their time, so making it safe is essential. Puppy-proofing protects your pup from hazards and protects your stuff from an enthusiastic chewer.
Indoor Puppy-Proofing Checklist
- Tame the cords: Unplug what you can, route cables out of reach, or use cord covers. Chewing live wires can cause mouth burns or electrical shock.
- Skip table scraps: Many human foods are dangerous for dogs—especially sugar-free gum with xylitol, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, and alcohol.
- Lock down cleaners: Store detergents and chemicals up high or behind child-proof latches. Keep pups out of rooms while you’re using strong products to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Secure medications: Don’t leave pills or supplements on counters, bedside tables, or in easy-to-open organizers.
- Close toilet lids: Prevent drinking toilet water (ick) and the risk of falling in.
- Shut doors and windows, secure blind cords: Prevent escapes and keep pull-cords tied up so they can’t loop around a neck.
- Put away small swallowables: Coins, paper clips, rubber bands, jewelry, batteries, and kids’ toys can become choking or obstruction hazards.
- Stash sharp objects and tools: Knives, scissors, razors, needles, and DIY tools belong well out of reach.
- Dog-proof the trash: Use lidded or latched cans—spoiled food, bones, and packaging can be toxic or cause GI upsets.
- Move toxic houseplants: Place unsafe plants where your puppy can’t reach or swap them for pet-safe alternatives.
Outdoor Puppy-Proofing Checklist
- Install a secure fence (if possible): Make sure it’s tall enough, with no gaps underneath or loose boards to wiggle through.
- Remove poisonous plants: Many common ornamentals are toxic—pull them or block access so they don’t become a snack.
- Protect pools and water features: Fence or cover pools and teach basic pool-safety skills with a trainer; puppies can tire quickly in water.
- Create a potty zone: Pick a consistent bathroom area to speed housetraining and keep the yard cleaner.
- Maintain the lawn: Keep grass trimmed and brush under control; ticks and other pests thrive in tall, shady areas.
- Mind yard treatments: Keep dogs off recently fertilized or pesticide-treated areas. Avoid insecticides when you can—many are harmful to pets.
- Plan for heat: On warm days, limit outdoor time and always provide shade and fresh water.
- Scoop promptly: Clean up waste so curious pups don’t try to re-sample it.
- Supervise outside time: Young puppies shouldn’t be left alone outdoors; monitor for predators, overheating, escape attempts, and general mischief.
