You've desired a puppy all your life. You've imagined the day your new dog comes home and begins to discover their surroundings. But it's crucial to keep in mind that not all home objects are suitable for puppies and older dogs.
Cats aren't the only curious creatures on the block; pups are inquisitive too. Your dog could attempt to eat something unfamiliar or play with objects they shouldn't if they've never encountered them before.
Certain items, such as a glass ornament or something with a spike, could necessitate an urgent and unexpected trip to the veterinarian. So what are some everyday objects that dogs shouldn't be around?
Let's walk through your house and investigate a few items you should get rid of to keep your dog safe.
Some Household Items to Beware of
Take care of the things you have at home. While some of them are hazardous if eaten, others are poisonous to dogs and can result in severe injury.
It's crucial to provide a puppy with a secure and comfortable environment. For the sake of your puppy's safety, here is a brief list of certain home items you should get rid of or keep out of reach:
Plants that are toxic: Some typical houseplants, including lilies, can be harmful to dogs if consumed. Get rid of or hide these plants.
Cleaning supplies: Cleaning supplies like bleach and ammonia can be dangerous to your puppy if swallowed or if it gets on their fur or skin. Place them in a locked closet or cabinet.
Small or sharp objects: Puppies can choke on tiny objects like coins or cut themselves on sharp instruments such as scissors. Keep them out of sight or in a container that is closed.
Medication: Even over-the-counter human pharmaceuticals pose a risk to dogs. All prescription and over-the-counter drugs should be kept out of the way and locked up.
Electrical cords: Puppies enjoy chewing, and if they do, they might seriously hurt themselves. Keep cords hidden or protect them with cord covers.
Plastic bags: Plastic bags can cause pups to suffocate. Keep them safely tucked away and out of sight.
Your new puppy will have a healthy and happy start in their new home if you get rid of these things and make it a secure environment.
Removing Potential Hazards Will Keep Your Puppy Safer When They're Exploring
A puppy can get into trouble fast when left unsupervised, so make sure you're watching their every move at all times. Even if you think they won't go near something dangerous (like electrical cords), there are still other dangers in your house that might catch their eye.
They may chew on items they shouldn't eat or chew on because they're teething. They might get tangled up in wires that lead to wall outlets or electrical cords--this could cause electrocution or burns if they're exposed to water later on!
Even though these household items aren't necessarily harmful themselves, they have the potential for harm if ingested by puppies who don't know better than to swallow things whole without chewing first (or even swallowing at all).
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Remove all small objects from within your dog's reach, including items on bookshelves, coffee tables, etc. Pay special attention to sharp objects -- knives, scissors, razors, and other implements -- and items that may pose a choking hazard, such as paper clips, rubber bands, coins, and jewelry. Kneel at your dog's height to make sure you haven't overlooked any small items.
It might add a few minutes to your schedule but get in the habit of packing your stuff away right after use. Make it a habit to completely close all closet, bedroom, and bathroom doors to avoid accidents with your puppy.
Clean Up Clutter
A cluttered home looks unkempt and is known to make people stressed out. The same goes for your new puppy. Make sure everything in your home has a place, even the dog's toys, to keep it organized.
Your pet's toys may be conveniently stored in a decorative basket or storage container. Your home will look beautiful, and you'll be ready for any unexpected (or possibly expected) visitors.
Dogs Can Have a Powerful Sense of Smell
When you first bring your puppy home, one of the things you'll notice is how much they like sniffing. Dogs can detect a wide variety of items with their noses thanks to their superior sense of smell compared to humans. Dogs, for instance, can sense substances in the air that humans cannot and can alert us to the presence of danger.
When it comes to eating, they also have a remarkable sense of smell; their noses are so good that they can detect spoiled or altered food.
If you've ever wondered why dogs appear to be so drawn to poop (and occasionally even eat it), it's because of their highly developed noses, which enable them to recognize the precise kind of animal that left behind its droppings based on its pheromones (the chemicals secreted by living organisms).
This aids them in avoiding any predators that would devour them!
Puppies Haven't Been Exposed to Many Things They Might Find in Your Home
Be aware that puppies are curious and will investigate everything. They may chew on things that could be toxic, eat things that could be dangerous and swallow things that could block their intestines.
If you have soft toys or other stuffed animals around the house, puppy-proof them by removing buttons or other small parts that can be swallowed or chewed off by your pup.
If a toy has been damaged by chewing or has stuffing coming out of it, discard it immediately as this is an indication that there may be something harmful inside the toy.
Items You Can Keep
Many of these items still need to be kept around the house somewhere, so you can store them in closets, drawers, and other places your dog can't get to. Plus, you can monitor your dog to make sure he or she isn't exposed to any of these products.
If your pet consumes any of the above cleaners, prescription pills or chemical hazards, call a poison control center and take them to an emergency veterinary facility as soon as possible. Always keep the packaging of your potentially hazardous items so that toxic ingredients can be identified.
Plan for Your Puppies Needs
Before you bring your new puppy home, call a meeting with your friends and/or family to establish and divide the duties of raising your new dog. Set limits and regulations now, such as prohibiting the dog from sleeping on the sofa or bed, etc.
To create consistent habits your puppy will learn, make sure everyone is on board. Have you given your puppy a daily schedule? Your life (and the life of your dog) will be much simpler if you have a plan that everyone adheres to.
When bringing your puppy home, there are a few crucial items to acquire in addition to dog-proofing your residence! In order to be prepared for your new furry friend the moment he or she arrives through the door, add a few more items to your shopping list.
To help get rid of odors, apply a topical spray and buy puppy pads for those unavoidable mishaps. Get decent, age-appropriate pet snacks as well as dishes for meals and liquids. Invest in a cheap, simple-to-install baby gate if your home has stairs or other locations that you don't want your dog to have access to while inside.
Consider your puppy's age, breed, and first-aid requirements. Are they still teething? Are they potty trained? Do they require extensive care? Learn about their breed as much as possible. By doing this, you can obtain the dog products you need to satisfy their demands and keep them healthy.
Ready to start utilizing this information to prep for your new pup? We might have information outlined in our FAQ section that's helpful. Not what you’re looking for there? Reach out and ask us anything. Most importantly, if you’re ready for a dog that you want to bring home to your family, fill out an application and we'll be in touch.
May the prep work be with you…
Jenna and the JLDD Team