If you own a pet, you are well aware of the important place these lovely little creatures hold in our hearts. Pets are more like children and members of their families. If you’re not a pet owner yet but plan to become one soon, don’t worry. Here are steps to help you secure your home from the downside of pet ownership.
How to dog-proof your home
Before you bring your pet home, it’s important to make sure you’re ready for the responsibility. Owning a pet comes with several responsibilities, including regular visits to the vet and routine grooming and pet training. Compared to cats, dogs need more intensive training, especially when they are young. Dog maintenance is another factor that will lead you to consider dog-proofing your home. Both puppies and dogs are curious by nature and tend to explore, getting into everything and through the smallest openings. Many things that you thought were harmless can pose a threat to a small dog kept in the house.
Secure your home from dogs as you would from a baby
Having a new pet in the house is akin to a toddler starting to crawl. Especially during the growth phase, both children and animals tend to explore their surroundings. This means that as a pet owner, you need to ensure that no serious accidents occur. This includes open electrical sockets. You will need to secure the electrical sockets in your home to prevent serious hazards. You should also keep your electrical wires safe from dogs in your home. It’s a good idea to keep them out of reach of your furry friend, making sure they run through the wall and don’t lie around for your dog to get tangled in. Alternatively, you can get electrical wire covers for dogs to protect them from being bitten. You must consider visiting your local pet shop to get some dog-proofing products for your home.
Dog in the house:
- childproof locks: this would help you dog-proof your fridge, in addition to sealing easily accessible cupboards and drawers.
- Hide the waste bin!
Invest in a pull-out trash bin. Your primary goal is to have a bin that your dog or puppy can’t open. If you own a larger breed, such as a German Shepherd, they will likely try to tip the trashcan over. Other dogs also like to browse the leftovers when they feel hungry in your absence.
If you opt for a pull-out trashcan, you will need to make room under your kitchen countertops. This can be a hassle, but well worth it if your little mutt is a hoarder. - Keep the door closed
Imagine coming home to a ruined bed, a scratched couch, poo and a nasty dried-up lake of pee… That’s why it’s important to limit your dog’s access to all areas of the house, especially when you’re not around so you can clean up after your dog straight away. - When you have a pet in the house, you need to be smart and proactive. While some people like to lock the toilet door, others like to train their dogs to use the toilet. This is entirely a matter of personal preference and dog training.
Train your puppy in a crate
Any kind of training is best done when you have a young puppy, as they learn more easily. To ensure you don’t come home to a chewed-up dog bed, ragged cushions and scratched sofas, make sure you crate train your puppy. It is important to provide limited access for your dog, so you must crate train your dog.
Do a thorough job
Finally, make sure every room in your home is dog-proofed. In bedrooms, make sure you don’t allow easy access to jewellery or makeup products. If you have a basement or garage, make sure all chemicals and solvents are out of reach of your dog. The same goes for tools.
If you live in a house with a garden, make sure you don’t have any plants that are dangerous to your dog.
In conclusion, you can enjoy a dog-safe home if you take care of the basics. Learning how to keep your pup safe at home always pays off. You will get a pet-friendly home, which is a must when you have a pet.
Apart from this, you also need to make sure that small everyday items such as rubber bands, paper clips, coins, buttons, batteries and other similar items are out of reach. Plastic wrap can also suffocate your dog, so keep it away. Don’t forget to keep mothballs away from your dog, as they pose other toxic risks. Dogs and cats are allergic to chocolates, so you can remove them.
