Bringing a furry four-legged friend into your family can bring a lot of joy and love into your life. However, preparing your home before you do this is important no matter how old or well-trained the pet you’re adopting is. The veterinarians at Parkview Animal Hospital in Lincoln, NE, recommend taking some simple steps to dog-proof the home, making it safer for your new pet and protecting your property as well.

A Guide to Dog-Proofing a Home

Eliminate Safety Hazards

Before you bring home your new pup, veterinarians recommend assessing your home the same way you would if you were bringing home a new baby. Start by looking for all possible safety hazards. 

Search for choking hazards, such as rubber bands, paperclips, keys, and anything else a dog would be tempted to pick up. Next, tape down cords, tuck them behind furniture, or hide them up high so they won’t be tempted to chew on them. Chewing through cords can electrocute them and even start a fire in the house.

Put all household chemicals out of reach, such as in high cupboards or in a cabinet with a lock on it. This includes everything from cleaning chemicals to shampoo and sunscreen. Some dogs may also go digging through the trash in search of another meal. Besides causing a smelly mess, the dog may swallow small household items, rotten food, or bones that can puncture their intestines. 

Protect Your Valuables

Puppies like to chew while they’re teething, and, according to veterinarians, even a well-trained dog may chew on items they’re not supposed to in a new environment. Be prepared to keep all your valuables locked away. Forgetting to place your shoes in the closet, for example, may invite your new pup to chew through them.

Secure all unstable, breakable objects such as lamps on end tables. Your new dog may bump into furniture—and may even jump up to put their front paws on it—so you don’t want anything breakable to become a casualty.

While you can look after your animal’s health at home by dog-proofing the house, your veterinarian at Parkview Animal Hospital can handle the rest. Their compassionate and highly trained staff provides everything from spaying and neutering to regular pet health exams. Go in for a convenient walk-in appointment and contact them at (402) 423-6939 with any questions.