It’s hard when you have wanted to get a dog for a long time, but the circumstances just didn’t seem right. Once you’ve got a space of your own to live in and your schedule works out, the only thing left to do is to connect with your future furry friend.
There are a few steps to take before venturing out to grab him or her. You’re going to want to consider ways to dog-proof your home before adopting so that your space is safe and comfortable for the new member of your family.
Things To Keep Out Of Reach
Dogs, especially young ones, can be a lot like babies. As such, it’s necessary to implement precautionary measures to avoid accidents and injury. Take some time before bringing your new pup home to do some “baby-proofing” around your house.
Chemicals
Just like humans who don’t know any better, dogs can get into cleaning supplies that could cause them harm. Be sure to put cabinet locks on if necessary or store chemicals and cleaning agents up high where your dog cannot obtain them.
Medications
Medications are just as dangerous as cleaning chemicals. If a dog were to get ahold of a bottle of medicine, it could be hazardous—even something over the counter. They are smaller in weight than humans and have different reactions than we do, so ingesting a bottle of meds above the suggested dose could be deadly for anyone.
Trash
A trash bin can be an enticing place for a canine. Bathroom garbages are filled with so many foreign yet accessible materials. Kitchen garbages smell like table scraps and could draw a not yet trained pup to it very quickly. Garbage cans are dangerous, as they may contain food that you don’t want your dog eating, plastics, materials that they could choke on, and bones of animals that would not be good to swallow. Therefore, it’s best to keep a lid on a trash bin or place it out of reach.
Barricades
Anyone in a new space wants to explore and check things out. It’s essential that while you’re training your adoptee, you are ensuring that the areas in which he can wander are safe and secure. You don’t want to lead your pup to danger or let him have access to important things of yours that could be damaged. By installing baby gates, keeping doors closed, and giving designated areas to be in, you’re protecting your dog and the items you value.
Household Updates
If you are in the middle of some home updates and you’re thinking about getting a dog, consider a few things while renovating. Avoid electrical cords wherever possible, as some dogs may try to chew on them, which of course risks shock. Additionally, lean toward furniture that shows less fur, like patterns or similar colors to a dog’s fur.
Solid surface flooring, such as hardwood, laminate, or vinyl, allows you to sweep up hair and clean up accidents more easily than with carpet. Vinyl is water and scratch resistant, can look like real wood, and keep your home intact and looking better, longer.
The day you finally get to bring your new fur baby home will be a very happy time. Thinking of ways to dog-proof your home before adopting will help you to be better prepared when the day comes. After all, you want your home to be safe and comfortable for both of you.
