March 11, 2025
Written By: VetriScience
If you just got a new puppy, or you're planning to bring one home, puppy-proofing is an important step that you can take to keep your new bundle of joy safe.
Much like human babies, puppies are very curious, and they will get into everything they can. Puppy proofing your home will not only give you peace of mind but will also help keep them safe.
So, how do you puppy-proof your home?
Here are 5 easy DIY puppy proofing tips you can do right now:
1. Roll up, hide, or cover cords
It’s important to puppy-proof cords, as they can be very dangerous to puppies. They can chew through electrical or charging cords and they can easily get caught up in window shade cords.
Wondering how to puppy-proof cords? We recommend rolling up electrical or charging cords and securing or hiding them. You can either cover them, place them inside a reel, or secure them with a Velcro wrap.
For shade cords, we recommend adding hooks to the sides of your windows to wind up the cords when your shades are up.
2. Close toilets and secure trash cans
Make sure to close toilet lids, or even keep bathroom doors closed entirely, especially as your puppy gets bigger. They may be thirsty one day and drink the water!
Not only will that lead to major avoidance of puppy kisses, it could make them sick.
Trash cans can be trickier to puppy-proof, but there are many dog-proof trash cans on the market today that lock or are generally more difficult to get into.
Smaller trash cans or trash cans with open tops are typically an issue for homes with curious puppies.
3. Secure objects to stop puppies chewing
This can be difficult, especially because puppies like to chew everything!
We recommend putting away top offenders like shoes, children's toys, paper towels, toilet paper, and trash. A storage chest is great for shoes and toys, and your puppy won’t be able to open the top.
Bonus tip: Make sure your puppy has plenty of access to vet-approved chew items, like Kong rubber toys, bully sticks, or nylon chew bones.
Chewing is an important daily activity for puppies, so providing appropriate toys and treats is essential. Keeping an eye on your puppy can help you to redirect them before they get into trouble!
Speaking of...
4. Put up baby gates and keep windows and doors closed
Since puppies are so curious, leaving doors and windows open can be a recipe for disaster. Puppies may get into rooms they shouldn't be in, or may even be able to escape the home entirely.
Make sure all doors and windows are closed when you're not with them and use baby gates or to block off areas of your home that may not be safe.
Exercise pens are a great option for puppies any time you can't keep an eye on them. "Ex pens" make it easy to create a safe, comfortable area that your puppy can explore and relax in—with their favorite toys and clean, fresh water.
Check out this video on Youtube from How to Train a Dream Dog all about setting up a puppy-proofed pen with everything they'll need!
5. Secure all medications and cleaning supplies
March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month and now, more than ever, it'is important to talk about poison prevention for our pets.
All medications and toxic chemicals should be locked or closed away in a secure cabinet, out of reach of pets. Don’t forget to check the garage or other areas!
If your dog ever gets into medications, chemicals, or foods they shouldn't have, call your vet or poison control right away. The ASPCA Poison Control hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (888) 426-4435.
Puppy-proofing is the first step
There are so many things to learn when you bring a puppy home. It can feel overwhelming, but starting early will set you up for success in the long run!
Try some of these tips to help ensure the safety and happiness of your new family member. If you have questions, it is a great idea to talk with your vet or get your puppy enrolled in training classes with a certified dog trainer.
To help support your puppy's health throughout their life, check out our full range of supplements for dogs, including calming aids, probiotics to support gut health, and fast support for diarrhea or loose stools.
Topics: puppies, pet health, General Animal Health
