Every parent knows that a home has to be baby-proof, especially when the young ones become mobile. The same applies to your puppy. Puppies are like little kids; they are energetic, curious and love to explore but can get into all sorts of trouble. Remember there are plenty of hazards in your living environment that can harm your puppy. In this article, we discuss tips for puppy-proofing your home.

• Electrical cords, wires or cables may look like attractive chew toys for your puppy but this is destructive and dangerous behavior that could potentially start a fire in your home. Covers made especially for this are available to help you keep your cords organized as well as deter your puppy from cord chewing.
• Reduce the risk of an electrical shock. Cover your electric sockets so they can’t be licked.
• Window blind cords are very dangerous. Your puppy could get caught up and tangled. Be sure to secure all cords with a rubber band up high and out of your puppy’s reach.
• A bookcase that is unattached to the wall can be a real hazard to your puppy if he happens to pull it down on himself.
• In many homes, kitchen cabinets are used for storing cleaning products and dangerous chemicals that your puppy could lick or eat. Child-proof latches work wonders to keep little paws out. The same rule applies to medications, which should be stored in a secure cabinet.
• Do you sew, do needlework or knit? Are you crafty and use rubber bands, ribbon or twine? These items can be a fascinating toy for your puppy to play with but deadly if swallowed. Needles can end up in the stomach and must be removed surgically. The needle can also get caught in your puppy’s throat or the roof of the mouth. Swallowing thread, string, yarn, rubber bands, ribbon or twine can cause a blockage in your puppy’s intestinal tract requiring surgical removal. Hobby and sewing baskets should be kept out of reach.
• Jewelry, coins, paper clips and other small items are all hazardous to your puppy if swallowed. These things should be stored away too.
• Your puppy should not be able to poke around in the kitchen garbage. Decayed food scraps, bones and used aluminum foil and plastic wrap could be swallowed. Be sure to cover your waste containers.
• Never cook with your puppy underfoot. Oven doors can be hot to the touch and a saucepan’s handle is an invitation to be pulled off the stove.
• Your tablecloth can be pulled down along with everything set on it. It is wise to remove the tablecloth from your dining table.
• If you have a fireplace, woodstove or space heater, make sure that a secure screen is in place to prevent inquisitive puppies from being burned.
• Your puppy might be too small to navigate steep stairways and steps. A baby gate in the stairwell can help keep your puppy from a fall until he’s ready for climbing.
• Remember that household plants can be poisonous to your puppy. Visit the Pet Poison Helpline website for the top 10 plants poisonous to pets.