Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but before your four-legged family member arrives, there is one important task to tackle—seeing your home from their perspective. A wire tucked behind the entertainment center, a pair of socks left on the floor or even a toilet left open may seem harmless to some people, but as puppies explore their world through their noses and mouths, everyday household items can quickly become potential hazards. "With a new furry addition in the home, puppy-proofing is an important preventative measure to keep your four-legged companion safe," Yana Sinkevich, founder of dog wellness company The Hearty Paw, told Newsweek.
Sinkevich shared the hidden dangers new puppy parents should check before their new companion begins exploring. Puppies are still learning how to navigate their growing bodies, which can make stairs particularly risky. Sinkevich recommends using baby gates to prevent puppies from accessing stairs.
Gates can also be used to keep puppies out of rooms where they may encounter additional hazards like bathrooms. But be on the lookout, as smaller dogs may slip through the railings. The goal is to limit access to areas where a puppy could get into trouble before they have learned which places and objects are off-limits.
An open toilet may not seem like a major concern, but to a curious puppy, it can be an enticing source of water. Pups might be exposed to cleaning products or anything accidentally left unflushed, Sinkevich said. Bathrooms can also contain medications, toiletries and cleaning supplies, making them a good candidate for a baby gate or when a puppy is unsupervised, closing the door.
Entertainment centers, desks and home offices can be especially tempting for puppies. "Block off access to entertainment centers or studies, where wires from electronics are easily accessible," Sinkevich said. She recommends securing wires behind furniture and using protective cable sleeves.
Electronics should also be unplugged when they are not being used. Keeping cords out of reach is particularly important because puppies may chew on them, potentially damaging the cord or injuring themselves. For many puppies, anything left on the floor can look like a chew toy, such as shoes, socks and clothing, all of which can pose a choking risk or cause a bowel obstruction.
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