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Are you thinking about bringing a new puppy into your home? Before you do, it is important to make sure that your home is a safe place for him to grow healthy and happy.
 
Because puppies are full of energy and have an awesome amount of curiosity, they love exploring the world around them. Making your house safe for a puppy has similarities to baby proofing. Both puppies and human infants put things in their mouths, and both need to investigate every nook and cranny of the home.
 
The following tips are aimed at helping you learn how to puppy proof your home:
 

• Know which of your houseplants are toxic, and keep them out of your pet's reach. You may choose to replace them with nontoxic varieties. Included in the most commonly found toxic indoor plants are the azalea, the Calla lily and the philodendron.
• Medicines of any description (for humans or pets) should be kept in a location your puppy has no access to.
• Trash cans should be placed where your pet cannot get into them. Many items end up in our trash cans that can be potentially hazardous.
• Sinks or bathtubs filled with water, or even toilets with open lids, can pose a drowning hazard.
• As cleaning supplies—liquids as well as sprays—have vapors that can harm a puppy's lungs or eyes, they should be stored in high cabinets or secure lower cabinets.
• Use caution when relaxing in your recliner or while enjoying that rocking chair. Your adventurous little puppy just might decide to wander under them in search of hidden treasures.
• Electrical cords are a big danger. Puppy-chewing on those enticing wires can cause burns in the mouth, electrical shock, even death by electrocution. Keep loose cords tied up and out of sight. Running cords through spiral cable wrap or PVC pipe will keep them safely out of paw’s reach.
• Do not leave your puppy alone in a room with an open flame or space heater. Screen off your fireplace or wood stove.
• Playful pups love getting hold of socks, underwear and other articles of clothing, but swallowing any of these could cause an intestinal blockage. Keep laundry baskets and laundry off the floor.
• Coins and jewelry can contain toxic metals and can be easily swallowed.

 
Many human foods are problematic to puppies. Chocolate, coffee and tea contain xanthines, dangerous components that can cause damage to your puppy's nervous system or urinary system. Grapes and raisins have also been known to cause kidney damage to pets. To stay on the safe side, do not feed your puppy table scraps, as many foods, such as chicken bones, can be hazardous.
 
Provide your puppy with the right things to chew on for teething purposes. Several chew products are available for purchase or you can make your own. A frozen washcloth or a frozen green bean works well. Contrary to popular belief, however, old shoes may not be the better choice for a chew toy. Puppies don't know the difference between old and new, and if you're like me you don't relish the idea of finding one of your brand-new shoes all gnawed up!     
 
When you bring that new puppy home, plan for a little inconvenience in the "getting to know each other" phase. Shower your pet with love and attention. Make your home and your yard as safe as possible so that your pup knows he is safe and secure in your care.
 
Starting his life out the right way will help prevent behavioral problems in your puppy later in life. The love and loyalty he gives in return will be worth all the inconveniences you encountered and all the adjustments that were made just for him.
 
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Gayle Hickman writes for Pets Adviser, a pet advice site. Some of Gayle's recent articles include “Now You Can Wash Your Puppy Like a Pro” and “Why Does My Dog Scoot His Butt Across the Floor?”