Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s most joyful milestones—but along with the cuddles, zoomies, and Instagram-worthy moments, come a few serious safety concerns. Puppies are naturally curious and love to chew, dig, and explore. That’s why preparing your home ahead of time is essential to keep your new furry friend safe and protect your belongings.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to puppy-proofing your home, room by room.
🏠 General Tips for the Whole House
1. Get down to puppy level
Literally. Crawl around your home to see things from your puppy’s point of view. You’ll be surprised by what you notice—dangling cords, small objects, or inviting nooks to squeeze into.
2. Hide electrical cords
Puppies love to chew, and electrical cords can be dangerous. Use cord concealers, tape cords down, or place them behind furniture.
3. Secure trash cans
Food scraps, wrappers, and other dangerous items are tempting for a curious pup. Invest in trash cans with locking lids or store them in cabinets.
4. Store hazardous items out of reach
Medications, cleaning supplies, small objects, and anything toxic (like chocolate or grapes) should be kept high up or locked away.
🛋️ Living Room
- Cover or block off electrical outlets and wires
- Keep decorations and plants out of reach
Note: Many common houseplants, like pothos and philodendrons, are toxic to dogs. - Secure furniture that could tip
Puppies may try to jump or tug on items like floor lamps or small tables.
🍽️ Kitchen
- Use child-proof latches on cabinets
Especially ones containing food, cleaning supplies, or breakables. - Keep counters clear
Puppies are known to counter-surf or leap surprisingly high when tempted by smells. - Watch out for dropped food
Train family members to pick up fallen items immediately, especially toxic ones like onions or chocolate.
🛏️ Bedroom
- Pick up clothes, shoes, and laundry
These are prime chew targets—and socks can be a choking hazard. - Secure cords from blinds or curtains
These pose strangulation risks and are often within reach.
🛁 Bathroom
- Close toilet lids
Drinking from the bowl isn’t just gross—it can be dangerous if you’ve used cleaning chemicals. - Store personal care products safely
Things like razors, lotions, and medications should be kept in cabinets or drawers.
🌳 Backyard & Outdoor Areas
- Check your fence
Make sure it’s secure with no gaps or holes where a puppy can escape. - Remove toxic plants
Puppies will chew anything, so check that your landscaping is dog-safe. - Store tools and chemicals
Fertilizers, insecticides, and gardening tools should be locked away.
🧸 Bonus: Create a Puppy Zone
Designate a safe, enclosed area with toys, a bed, and water. This can be a playpen or a gated-off room. It gives your puppy a safe space and keeps them out of trouble when you’re not watching.
Final Thoughts
Puppy-proofing your home may take a bit of time, but it’s worth every effort to ensure your new companion stays safe and happy. As your puppy grows, you can gradually give them more freedom—but start with a secure, well-thought-out space to set them up for success.
Welcome to puppy parenthood—you’ve got this!