Be your puppy’s hero by making your home safe and welcoming for her arrival

You’re bringing a new puppy home – so exciting! You can’t wait until this bundle of joy joins your family and you want to make everything perfect for her arrival. Having a puppy is just like having a curious toddler; they want to explore every nook, cranny and interesting item you having lying around… with their mouth. We’ve put together a top 10 list of ways to puppy proof your home. (Photo credit: Eduardo Marquetti/Flickr)

Get down to a puppy’s level. You may feel silly on your hands and knees, but this gives you a puppy’s eye view as to everything she has access to. What’s on the floor that can be eaten? Can she jump up on the coffee table? Are there electric cords that are easily accessible? If you can get to in on all fours, so can she. Pick it up, move it out of the way or get rid of it – that way, you know that your fur baby won’t be at risk of getting into something she shouldn’t. (Photo credit: bullcitydogs/Flickr)

Do you have any poisonous plants? These can be inside or outside of your home. Just a few include aloe vera, Chrysanthemums , Rhodedendrons, Baby’s Breath, Begonia, Carnations and Daffodil can make your dog ill if ingested. Around the holidays, plants such as Amaryllis and Poinsettias will not put your pet in a festive mood. Keep them at a level where your puppy can’t get to them or don’t plant them in your garden. (Photo credit: Sebastián Dario/Flickr)

Plug up your plugs. What’s that interesting thing on your wall? As a puppy, I’m going to have to go in for a closer inspection! Not so fast! You’re going to have to protect your puppy against the danger of electric shock. Make sure there are no frayed electrical cords that can shock your puppy and unplug all small appliances when you’re not using them. (Photo credit: bullcitydogs/Flickr)

Keep poisons out of reach. Just like you would with a child, keep poisons and cleans kept away in a safe and high cabinet. Laundry detergent and chemical cleaners should be secured in a cabinet with a latch so curious puppies can’t sneak a taste. (Photo credit: xxtgxxstock)

Hot spots aren’t just irritations on your dog’s skin. These are places around your home such as a stove, fireplace or space heater – anything that gives off a lot of heat. Never leave your puppy unattended in rooms with these heat sources, and screen off fireplaces and wood stoves. (Photo credit: Daniel Stockman/Flickr)

Does your home have water hazards? Full sinks, bathtubs or toilets with open lids can be a drowning hazard. And if your puppy drinks from the toilet, automatic toilet bowl cleaners can make your puppy sick. Outside, pools should be surrounded by a fence or secured by a gate, so you puppy can’t jump in unattended. (Photo credit: ManicMechE)

Creating a small puppy-safe area will help your new addition feel comfortable in her surroundings and keep her away from potential dangers. Close doors to rooms that are off limits, put up baby gates at stairwells and shut windows and doors that your puppy could squeeze out of to get outside. (Photo credit: lillyuparinis)

Keep your trashcans out of the way. Whatever you have in there smells so good to your puppy. Even if it’s bigger than them, your puppy will do what it takes to knock it over and get into the garbage. Not only will you have a huge mess on your hands, but your dog will eat something that will make her sick. Keep garbage in the garage or in a cabinet that has a child proof latch on it. (Photo credit : jeannie64)

Is your fence puppy proofed? Go around your fenced-in yard to see if there are any weak spots in it. Can she squeeze out the gate or dig her way underneath it? You’d be surprised how little room a puppy needs to make her escape. (Photo credit: Daniel Stockman/Flickr)

Outdoor supplies need to be locked up as well, even if they are in the garage. Antifreeze can be fatal, so clean up spills (use a clay based litter or hose the area down thoroughly) and lock up bottles. Garden fertilizers are dangerous to dogs too, so put them somewhere your puppy won’t be able to get at them. And when you’re leaving the garage, ensure that the door closes behind you so your puppy doesn’t follow you out. (Photo credit: Jim Larson/Flickr)

If you have other tips to share on how to puppy proof your home, we’d love to hear them. Share your tips and experiences in the comment section below.