Puppy-Proofing Your Home and More

Arkansas Bear Creek Goldens and Doodles

Adorable, sweet and irresistible, puppies steal our hearts!
 
But just like with an infant or young child, it is important to ensure their safety and overall well-being in our human homes and world.
 
So, let’s talk about puppy-proofing your home! 

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Young puppies are curious and always learning about the world around them particularly with their noses and mouths and it takes just a second for their noses to lead them into potential harm!
 
Puppy-proofing should be done both inside and outdoors. Look around you through your puppy’s eyes and especially at his level in your home and yard. Let’s take a look at puppy-proofing your home environment first.
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Remember: childproof does not mean pet-proof!
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Puppy-Proofing Your Home: A Checklist

Arkansas Bear Creek Goldens and Doodles

There are many potential hazards in the average home for our nosy pups! Use the tips below to keep your pup safe.

• Electrical cords. Unplug, place them higher and/or use cord concealers to neutralize these potential chewing dangers.
• Batteries. Store new - and old - batteries safely out-of-reach.
• Purses, Backpacks, Gym Bags. Always store in a closed closet or high on a hook to protect your pup and other pets from contents like sugar-free gum and mints, hand creams, makeup and more.
• Cleaning Supplies. Store all cleaning supplies in out-of-reach cabinets or cabinets secured with childproof latches. Also, when cleaning, keep your puppy away from inhaling chemical vapors.
• Bathrooms. Keep toilet lids closed. Also keep sweet-smelling mouthwash, toothpaste, make-up, soap, shampoos and conditioners, as well as razors and bathroom trash unreachable by curious puppy noses and mouths!
• Kitchen. Keep knives, scissors and kitchen tools out of your puppy’s reach. Restrict access to human foods, snacks and beverages that contain the popular sugar substitute, xylitol which can be deadly to puppies and adult dogs (including some peanut butters). (Over 700 products contain xylitol.) Also, keep all trash cans tightly secured.
• Blinds. Blind cords should always be secured high and out-of-reach of both children and puppies to eliminate getting wrapped around the neck.
• Houseplants. Many common houseplants are harmful to pets especially small, young puppies.
• Begonia
• Peace Lily or Mauna Loa Plant
• ZZ Plant
• Snake Plant
• Lilies
• Areca Palm
• Weeping Fig

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​Puppy-Proofing YardS/GarageS: A Checklist

Public Domain Pictures/Pixabay

Be sure to also secure any outdoor spaces for your puppy’s safety. Use the checklist below to effectively puppy-proof your yard and garage.  

• Trash Cans. Keep ALL trash out of reach and tightly secured.
• Plants.  Many common outdoor plants pose potential hazards to puppies (and other pets).
  • Oleander
  • Sago Palm
  • Areca Palm
  • Tulips
  • American Yew
  • Apple Trees
  • Apricot Trees
• Fertilizers, Mulch and Compost Piles. Never allow your puppy access to fertilizers (even organic ones like blood meal and bone meal), mulch or decomposing compost piles full of poisonous decay and molds (containing toxic compound called mycotoxins).
• Pools & Hot Tubs. Always prevent access to pools and hot tubs to prevent your puppy (and other pets) from accidental drownings or burns. 
• Garage. Never let your puppy in your garage. Trash cans, paint cans and thinners, fertilizers, pool and hot tub chemicals, pest control products, gas, diesel and oils, antifreeze and more all pose dangers to your adorable and sweet puppy!

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arkansas bear creek goldens and doodles

Arkansas Bear Creek Goldens & Doodles

​We are a small family breeder located in the heart of the Ozarks in Northern Arkansas. We strive to raise healthy, happy, well-socialized, quality Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Mini Labradoodle, and Aussiedoodle puppies.
 
Want more information about any of our puppies or upcoming litters?
 
Please email, text or call us at 870-404-0127 or 870-404-1189.​ 

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Additional reading:

American Kennel Club: Puppy Proofing Tips for Your Home and Yard
Preventive Vet: 10 Point Checklist for Puppy Proofing Your Home
Dogs Naturally: Is Your Yard Safe for Your Dog?
Pet Poison Helpline: Things in Your Yard that are Poisonous to Dogs & Cats!
 

IMAge Credits

Arkansas Bear Creek Goldens and Doodles
Arkansas Bear Creek Goldens and Doodles
Public Domain Pictures from Pixabay
Arkansas Bear Creek Goldens and Doodles