15 Tips on Pet Proofing Your Home in Preparation for a New Dog

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Dogs aren't the only ones who need furniture rules

Reclining furniture and rocking chairs can be really dangerous to pets. Small dogs and puppies can get caught underneath, while you’re still stuck in the chair.

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Watch the stairs

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Puppies aren’t born graceful or coordinated. Even if they’ve learned how to go up and down, they can still have an accident and fall down the stairs. That can be an issue with older dogs too, as they lose mobility in their senior years.

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Does dust make you sneeze? You aren’t the only one

Dogs are a lot closer to the ground than we are, and they can be allergic or irritated by dust, just like people. Keeping your home clean and tidy is a great way to keep your dog safe, prevent accidents and reduce allergens for you both.

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If it’s within their reach, your dogs think it's fair-game

Pick up clothes, shoes, and tissues, or anything else lying around. Dogs can’t always tell a child’s toy from one of theirs either. Throw pillows, candles, coffee table decorations and house plants can all become targets.

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Keep cords and wires away from the pet

Keep cords and wires out of reach! Protect your dog from electrical hazards and potential accidents by securing cords and keeping tempting items away.

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Keep medicines out of reach

Childproof medicine bottles and pill organizers are not necessarily pet proof. It might seem natural to keep your pills on the counter, a table or night stand, but ingestion of vitamins, over-the-counter pills and prescription drugs can be fatal to your pup

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Make a clean sweep in your house

Keep all cleaning products and chemicals like paint or nail polish remover in a safe place, away from your pet. Natural cleaning products can be poisonous to a dog. Put them out of reach, in a latched closet, or child-proof cupboard.

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Bathroom habits for you and your dog(s)

If you have a dog or other pet, the argument about keeping the toilet lid up or down just got settled for good. Dogs love to drink out of the toilet, and if you frequently leave cleaner inside to soak or use a product to clean with every flush, it’s laced with poisons.

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Keep your dog out of the litter box

Not only is it bound to make the family cat furious, cat feces can make puppies and dogs sick or spread intestinal parasites. Cats can usually jump over a baby gate, but curious puppies can’t.

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Garages and sheds can have dangerous items

You need to store tools, building materials and outdoor liquids (like antifreeze and motor oil) safely. Don’t keep things like gas cans, pool chemicals or fertilizer on the floor, where they’ll be easily accessible to your pet.

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