When you think about dangerous environments for your dog, you might think of busy streets or hiking trails full of snakes and ticks. But many dogs are injured every day right in their own homes. Just like children, dogs have a way of finding vulnerabilities in a room where you didn’t notice them before. They’re curious and persistent, and those charming traits can also lead to disaster. It’s important to make sure each room in your home is truly safe for your dog, if they’ll be able to access it. And it’s also important to make sure your belongings are safe from any damage your dog might cause!

Maybe you’re planning to bring home a new dog and want to make sure your environment is safe. Or maybe you’ve been a dog owner for a long time, but you’d like to make sure your home safety measures are up to date. Dan’s Pet Care is here to answer your questions about making your home safe for your pet! Keep reading to learn more about dog-proofing your home.

Take another look at ground-level

It’s important to remember that your dog is a lot lower to the ground than you are. Take a close look at your room from the ground up. Do you see anything in corners, or around the perimeter, that could be dangerous if chewed on or pulled? What about furniture or other items that would be easy to topple over from the ground level? Common ground-level threats include:

• ant bait, rat poison, and other household pest control measures

• Food that’s been dropped on the ground and isn’t safe for your dog to ingest

• electrical cords that could cause appliances to fall over if they’re pulled on

• household plants that could be harmful if your dog ingests them

If you find any electrical cords that pose a hazard, tape them securely to a nearby surface so they can’t be dislodged or chewed on. Cord covers can also help to keep your cords out of sight and out of mind for your dog.

Provide plenty of chewing alternatives

Your house is probably full of things your dog isn’t allowed to chew on. From shoes to furniture, there’s a long list of inappropriate chew toys your dog will need to remember. Bitter sprays can help discourage your dog from putting these objects in their mouth. But don’t forget to provide plenty of items your dog is allowed to chew, too. This will help cut down on unwanted behavior. Invest in chew toys that are sturdy and safe — if a toy has small or removable parts, it could pose a choking hazard if ingested.

Be proactive about furniture protection

You might think you can trust your dog on your nice new sofa, but it only takes one incident to create a lot of damage. It’s a good idea to invest in sturdy, waterproof protection for all your furniture. Choose throws and covers that are easy to remove and wash when needed. Next time your dog drools, throws up, or has an accident on your sofa, there will be far less drama and stress.

Keep trash cans sealed

Dogs can be very creative when it comes to getting access to your household trash. Just putting a lid on your can is not enough. Dogs are notorious at tipping over trash cans and dragging their contents around the house. Of course, if your trash is full of household waste, there are bound to be some food and non-food substances that your dog shouldn’t ingest. Choose trash cans that your dog can’t open or tip over, and keep them in secure locations. Storing them inside cabinets under the sink, with a child-locking mechanism on the handles, is a secure option.

Prevent falls before they happen

Your dog can easily trip and fall down the stairs, especially if they are very young or very old. Dogs with sight or hearing impairment are also especially vulnerable to falls. Consider a safety gate at the top and bottom of your staircase to prevent any disasters. If you have a balcony, it’s also important to secure the perimeter so your dog can’t slip through it. Balcony nets or screens designed especially for pet safety are a good choice.

We really know pet safety!

At Dan’s Pet Care, your pet’s health and happiness are our number one priority. If you need reliable pet sitting, doggy day care, boarding, grooming or any other pet care service, give Dan’s Pet Care a call today!