Bringing home a new dog can be an exciting experience – you’re getting to meet another member of your family! However, the more excited you are about this new addition, the more likely you are to overlook some important safety precautions you should take to ensure the safety of your dog and your property.
From making sure that food and chemicals are stored safely to keeping dangerous products out of reach of little puppy paws, it’s important to know how to make your home safe for your new furry friend.
Dog proofing your home will also make the property more appealing to pet owners should you decide to sell. To learn more on how to sell a house as is in Corpus Christi and surrounding areas in Texas, visit Favor Home Solutions at https://favorhomesolutions.com/sell-my-house-fast-corpuschristi-tx-to-favor-home-solutions/.
Meanwhile, here are helpful tips for dog proofing your home.
- Ramps
Dogs can’t always make it up and down your home’s steps on their own, so if you have a small dog or a senior pet, make sure to add a ramp to your home.
If you have older pets, ramps help to lower any risk of injury that could come from jumping up and downstairs.
The last thing you want is your pet getting hurt or having an accident in your home because they couldn’t get somewhere safely.
Adding a ramp is both practical and makes life easier for pets who can’t jump onto furniture or run around like crazy anymore.
- Stairs
If you have a dog, you need to know about stairs.
The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends keeping your pet safe from falls by having at least three stairs between each floor of your home. This allows plenty of room in case they miss a step or misjudge a jump and can help prevent injuries.
When your dog uses stairs, make sure they do so slowly and cautiously—as if they’re learning to use them for the first time—to reduce any chance of slipping or stumbling.
- Childproof Locks
Babyproofing your home with kid-friendly locks will ensure that your dog cannot reach any potential hazards.
Keeping hazardous objects out of your dog’s reach is a great way to keep him or her safe and prevent injuries. Baby locks can be purchased at many retail stores and online sites, and they are relatively inexpensive.
Even better, baby locks can often be installed on existing furniture and household items so you don’t have to worry about replacing large pieces of furniture or installing new hardware.
All you have to do is install these safety devices onto doors or other objects you want to protect from damage due to dog chewing, pawing, scratching, etc.
- Gates
We all love our pets, but sometimes they end up in places they’re not supposed to be—like under your feet when you’re walking down a flight of stairs.
To dog-proof your home, install pet gates at any point in your house where you normally might have to tell your pup no.
For stairs specifically, you can buy an inexpensive gate that is installed with adhesive on each side of each step.
- Bumper Pads
Prevent your dog from jumping onto furniture or counters by installing furniture barriers, such as bumper pads.
These pads can be added to couches, tables, and other furniture, preventing your dog from bumping into or jumping on them. Bumper pads are available in several sizes to accommodate any type of pet—no matter how big he is!
The product also comes in a variety of colors to match your home’s decor. Just make sure you measure accurately before you buy!
Conclusion
It’s your responsibility to make sure your pet is safe at home. If you follow these tips, you should be well on your way to creating a safer environment for your furry friend.
And don’t forget, many of these strategies also work to protect other pets too!
