Puppy proofing, room by room

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The short version: puppy-proofing means removing anything a puppy can chew, swallow or get poisoned by, at their height. The big four are electrical cords, small items on the floor, toxic foods and medicines, and chemicals like antifreeze and rat bait. Start with one safe room, then the rest of the house, then the yard.

Everywhere

• Get on the floor and lookSee what a puppy sees. Low cords, loose items, gaps behind furniture.
• Lift or cover electrical cordsCord covers or run them behind furniture. Chewed cords can burn and shock.
• Shoes, socks, kids' toys off the floorSmall items get swallowed and can block the gut.
• Close doors, or gate off roomsStart with one safe room and grow from there.
• Secure trash cansLid that locks, or inside a cabinet.
• Check your houseplantsSome are toxic to dogs. Check each one on the ASPCA plant list, or move it up and out of reach.
• Blind and curtain cords tied upLoops can tangle a puppy.

Kitchen

• Child locks on low cabinetsEspecially the one with cleaners.
• Nothing on the counter edgePuppies grow fast and learn to reach.
• Know the toxic foodsChocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, xylitol (a sugar substitute in some gum and peanut butter), alcohol, macadamia nuts, and cooked bones.
• Food bin with a tight lidTheirs and yours.

Bathroom

• Toilet lid downAlso keeps cleaning tablets out of reach.
• Medicines put awayHuman pills are one of the most common poisonings in dogs.
• Razors, floss, hair ties up highFloss and string can tangle the gut.

Living room and bedrooms

• Remote controls and batteries upChewed button batteries are an emergency.
• Phone chargers and earbuds off low tablesEasy to grab, easy to chew.
• Throw blankets and pillows up for nowUntil the chewing stage passes.
• Laundry in a closed basketSocks are a classic swallow.

Garage and laundry

• Antifreeze sealed and up highIt tastes sweet and it is deadly. Wipe any spill at once.
• Rat bait, slug bait and insect poisons goneOr locked away. Use pet-safe options.
• Detergent pods up highTools, screws and nails off the floor.

Yard

• Walk the fence lineGaps, holes, loose boards. Puppies fit through small spaces.
• Gate latches close by themselvesOr add a spring.
• Pool or pond fenced off, or a ramp outNot every dog can climb out.
• Check garden plants and mulchCocoa mulch and some plants are toxic.
• Lawn and garden chemicals locked awayWait the label time before letting the dog on treated grass.
• Shade and water outsidePuppies overheat faster than adults.

Walks and the car

• Test the pavement with your handIf you cannot hold your hand on it for 7 seconds, it is too hot for paws. Walk early or late.
• Wipe paws after salted or treated streetsIce melt can dry and crack pads, and dogs lick it off.
• Crate or harness clip in the carNever leave a dog in a parked car.

If you think your dog ate something toxic, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).

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