Maybe you have experienced a mischievous puppy before, or perhaps you’ve had another type of pet like a cat or a rabbit that turned out to be more than a handful during their early years. Well, if getting a puppy is on your checklist this year, you need to prepare your home well before they arrive whether it’s a new experience for your household or not.

Yes, you may be getting excited about all the fun you’ll be having whilst watching a young pup grow up with other members of your family, but you also need to give a moment of thought to some of the more serious aspects of having a dog. As there can be lots to remember and you’ll need a lengthy checklist, below are a few helpful tips that will help to ensure your home is well-prepped and that your puppy’s health and well-being are well looked after from day one. 

Possible Hazards in Your Home

Your home should be a place of relaxation and comfort, but when bringing a pet into the house, you’ll need to think about certain things that are particularly problematic for your pup that you may or may not have realised. What’s safe and perfectly fine for humans may not be so welcoming for dogs, so knowing what the many common household hazards for them are is important. Some more obvious than others, here’s a few to think about:

Kitchen Nasties:

• Store cleaning chemicals far away from your pup’s reach, ideally in high cabinets or behind childproof latches if they have to be in lower cupboards. Be sure to be in a good routine of not leaving any of these items out unless using them, and when they are used, be sure your pup is in a different room.
• Keep any human foods away from your puppy so that the temptation to sniff them out and eat them is minimised. Whilst some foods aren’t toxic to dogs, many others are, especially chocolate and grapes, onions and currants. Also, other things like chicken bones can be very hazardous if eaten as they can break easily and be very sharp when ingested. 
• Secure rubbish and food waste bins in your kitchen too, as whilst you may think the lid is closed and they can’t see what’s inside, they will most certainly be able to smell them and could knock them over. It’s best to put food waste in a designated bin and have this locked away where possible.

Living Room/Bedroom Safety:

• Be sure to tidy away any loose electrical cords to prevent your pup from chewing them – you don’t want them to have any nasty shocks! If you have a loose plug and cable such as for a laptop or tablet lying around not being used, unplug it and store it away. It will prevent you from having to replace expensive items too.
• Remove any small objects that could be swallowed by your pup, such as coins, batteries, and toys. Anything that is within reach in a room your pup has access to is potentially a choking or health hazard, so it’s best to be tidy and store things away when not in use. When you are using them, keep an eye on your dog.
• Check houseplants you may have or are planning to buy. Many can be toxic for dogs and will cause nasty side effects if eaten. Plants like lilies, poinsettias, daffodils and foxgloves are just some that should be avoided. If you want to have plants, look for those that are safe for your dog just in case they get curious. 
• Be sure that doors to rooms you don’t want your puppy to have access to are closed, as well as any windows or doors – you don’t want a random escape from your puppy to happen when your back is turned, so be sure everything is locked. Also, think about any items that can easily be knocked over by your pup or easily climbed. You don’t want them to fall awkwardly and hurt themselves or knock over anything that may break easily, as well as heavy items that may injure them too.

Bathroom Precautions:

• Just like the kitchen, you may have cleaning items and chemicals stored in the bathroom as well as shampoo and body wash etc. These will all be hazardous to your puppy, so make sure they are stored out of sight and locked where possible.
• Keep toilet lids closed too as a curious dog may want to get closer and mistake this for drinking water. It can also present a drowning risk for pups if they fall in and get stuck.
• If you keep medications in the bathroom, also ensure these are securely kept away. There is no real reason to allow your puppy access to the bathroom unless you are with them to give them a bath, so it’s best to keep the door shut.

Why Having Pet Insurance is a Good Idea Just in Case

Whilst you can proof your home and wrap your dog up in cotton wool as much as possible, accidents can still happen. Rather than feel guilty that they have eaten something they shouldn’t or hurt themselves playing on the stairs, it’s best to speak to your vet as soon as possible. If they do become ill or injured, you’ll want to be prepared for the costs involved in treating them, which is why pet insurance is crucial no matter what age your dog is.

Choosing a fully comprehensive pet insurance policy for your puppy will provide peace of mind that whatever the costs of unforeseen accidents or illnesses, your energetic and curious pup will be able to get the help they need. Many pet insurance providers can cover things like emergency vet visits, surgeries, and even dental accidents, along with add-ons that can help you create a perfect policy for your budget. If you can start with coverage from an early age, you’ll be prepared for any mishaps along the way.

Creating a Puppy-Safe Space

Not only is the indoor space of your home full of potential problems, but your garden too needs checking over. Creating a designated puppy-safe space needs to be both inside the house and outdoors so that when they do go outside and explore, they won’t encounter any surprises. You want your puppy to be able to play and rest without your constant supervision, so think about the following for your home and garden:

• Choose the Right Location – Choose somewhere that is quiet and peaceful for them that’s also easy to clean and free from hazards. Somewhere with tiled or wooden floors, such as in an open-plan living room or spare room, can be ideal – just be sure there is enough space for them and not lots of distractions if they want to rest.
• Use Puppy Gates or Pens – These help to enclose the area your puppy is in and also restrict access to staircases and other rooms. They also allow your puppy to see you if say you are cooking dinner and they are in the other room.
• Comfortable Bedding – Make the space comfy for them so that they want to be there, so include comfortable bedding that’s also easy to clean. Avoid materials that can be easily torn apart or ingested too, just in case. Having plenty of safe to chew toys is a good idea to keep them distracted.
• Secure the garden – As they will be going outside to go to the toilet, be sure to check for any plants that are poisonous and ensure any gates are secure and fences have no gaps for them to escape. You may want to restrict access to the whole garden by using a playpen or similar so that they can enjoy the garden safely.

If you are unsure about anything specific such as what food and plants are poisonous to dogs, do speak to your vet. If in doubt, avoid giving them any human food unless specifically approved by your vet. That way you can avoid any accidental treat-giving – just be sure you can resist those puppy-dog eyes!

As you can see, puppy-proofing your home needs a fair bit of planning, but is worth the effort so that your new pup can explore and play safely. Spend time scanning your home for any potential issues, lock anything away that you would rather they didn’t chew or that is toxic for them, and give your pup a dedicated spot where they can relax and sleep to help with settling in. The early stages of puppy ownership are some of the most enjoyable and memorable, so make it a positive experience that will help build a long-lasting companionship.