Whether you’re playing fetch in the backyard or cuddling on the couch, adopting a dog means your family will never face a dull moment again. Unfortunately, though pet ownership can be exciting and rewarding, not every family is prepared to welcome a furry friend into their home.
Specifically, a home with velvet upholstery and potentially poisonous house plants might not be ready for housing a curious new dog. However, prospective pet owners need not fear. From picking the right dog breed to investing in a pet-friendly vacuum, there are many steps families can take to prepare their home for a new furry friend.
Read on for eight tips for transforming your humble abode into a puppy-proofed paradise.
Tell-tail signs your family is ready for a puppy
If your children are comfortable around animals and don’t need to be told twice about unloading the dishwasher, you might be ready to pick your family’s perfect puppy. When considering what kind of dog to adopt, families should factor in what temperament and size might be best for the household. For example, Labrador Retrievers have a patient and energetic personality that makes them ideal for families with small children. However, Labs from Snowy Pines White Labs will make puppy-proofing all the more critical, given their curious, high-energy dispositions.
Pick pet-friendly furniture
Once you’ve picked the perfect breed for your family, you can begin the puppy-proofing process. Furniture is a great place to start since sharing space with furry friends can often leave your chairs and sofas covered in pet hair, dander, and unwanted stains. Swapping any velvet, silk, and tweed pieces for furniture made from synthetic microfiber, leather, or “outdoor” fabrics will go a long way towards repelling pet odors and stains.
Invest in the right vacuum cleaner
Anyone who adopts a shedding breed will quickly learn that vacuuming is at least bi-weekly responsibility. To make sure you’re vacuuming with maximum impact, opt for an appliance that is pet-hair specific. Picking a vacuum with tangle-free brush rolls and rubber-trimmed attachment hoses will help keep your furniture and carpets free of pet hair.
Opt for green cleaning supplies
Dogs are curious animals and can quickly ingest harmful cleaners and insecticides if given the opportunity. That said, puppy-proof your home by making the switch to non-toxic and environmentally friendly cleaners when possible and keep chemicals out of canine reach at all times.
Steer clear of poisonous plants
Cleaners and insecticides aren’t the only household items that can be toxic to your precious pup. Several common houseplants, including Mistletoe, Philodendron, and Poinsettia, are poisonous to dogs and could warrant medical attention if ingested.
Shop for a secure trash can
From used Kleenex to leftover scraps from dinner, dogs can tear through your trash can and find any number of treasures. So swap any low-volume trash cans in your house for taller models with lids to avoid any canine chaos the next time you try to throw away bacon grease. This is an important step in trying to puppy-proof your home.
Keep medications out of reach
Many medications that can alleviate a variety of ailments in humans can be deadly to animals. For example, the same ibuprofen that might help you ward off a headache can lead to kidney failure in your furry best friend. To keep your canine safe, be sure to puppy-proof your home store medication and vitamins on a shelf far out of her reach.
Hide cables and cords
Invest in a cable protector to puppy-proof your home and keep your dog from chewing through your TV connection. Alternatively, you can tuck any stray cables behind large pieces of furniture, such as your couch or entertainment center.
Parting thoughts
There are many steps to take before bringing home your new furry best friend. However, by switching to green cleaning supplies, stashing any potentially pet-poisonous medications, and investing in a secure trash can, your family’s home can become a puppy-proof paradise in no time.
