Bringing home a new puppy? Get ready for zoomies, cuddles, woopsies and… total chaos. Puppies are adorable little explorers, but their curiosity often leads them straight into trouble. Whether it’s chewing your favourite sneakers, unearthing hidden treasures in the bin or turning your power cords into snacks, your home is full of potential puppy hazards.
Don’t worry – with a few simple tweaks, you can create a safe (and slightly less chaotic) space for your new furry family member. Here’s how.
Common household dangers
Your house can be full of fun – or danger – for your puppy, so it’s important to spend time making everything safe for them, preferably before you bring them home. Common areas of concern are household chemicals and medications, some plants and flowers, wires and cords, food, as well as unstable furniture.
Watch Dr Katrina Warren share 15 common household dangers every pet owner needs to know.
Tips for puppy-proofing your home
Firstly, do an audit of your home, noting all the areas of concern and tackling one room at a time.
In the bathroom and laundry, make sure all chemicals are locked and secured up high away from your puppy, and do the same with any medications.
Kitchens can also be full of chemicals, so move them to a higher shelf or add some babyproof (and puppy proof) closures to any cupboards. Secure all power cords out of your puppy’s reach.
In living areas, be aware that puppies love chewing things. Anything within their reach may be consumed, including furniture, so be wary of small items such as buttons, pins or power cords. You may need to secure any tall furniture, so it doesn’t topple over if your pup decides to climb it.
Consider making a trip to a hardware store or babygoods warehouse to buy essentials such as power-point covers and door closures, which will help make your home puppy-proof. Childproof gates can prevent your puppy entering rooms where they may cause damage or hurt themselves.
If you’re ever concerned about your puppy’s health or safety, check out our basic first aid tips, or call your vet.
Everyday household items to get out of pup’s way
Here are a few household items your puppy might love to get their paws and teeth on:
- Dirty laundry – That pile of socks and shirts smells just like you
- Shoes – Anything with leather or rubber seems irresistible
- Tissue boxes – They love shredding paper, especially when it’s in a box
- Power cords – Those electrical cords seem to be calling their name
- Remote controls – Fun to gnaw on with all those rubber buttons
- Toilet paper rolls – A great toy for a game of “shred and scatter”
- Plastic bottles – The crunchy sound is simply too tempting
- Rugs and carpets – You may catch them nibbling on the edges
Outdoor safety
One of the big dangers to dogs is toxic plants. You might be surprised by the number of common plants that can make a dog sick or even die if consumed. If you’re unsure about whether the plants in your garden are safe, speak to the Animal Poisons Helpline, a free service for pet owners. You can also take a leaf or flower to your local nursery for identification. Common toxic plants include azaleas, various lilies, tulips, oleander and sago palms.
If you have a pool, make sure your fencing is suitable for your puppy as many smaller pups can squeeze between standard fence posts. Furniture should be kept away from the fencing to stop animals jumping or climbing, and gates should be kept closed at all times.
How to manage chewing, digging and other behaviours
Puppies are basically tiny, adorable chaos machines. They chew, dig and get into things they shouldn’t – but most of it comes down to boredom. Here’s how to manage destructive behaviours.
Make sure you have plenty of toys available, particularly chew toys, and try to supervise your puppy during playtime to redirect them when they start chewing on something they shouldn’t.
If you can’t supervise your puppy all the time, consider placing them in a crate, a playpen or confine them to an area where they can cause less destruction. Most puppies will grow out of this behaviour.
Digging can also be caused by boredom. Start by fencing off areas where you don’t want them to dig, such as garden beds. Ensure they have plenty of toys available, particularly conches, which may occupy them for a while. Try and exercise your dog regularly, especially if they are left alone during the day. A morning and evening walk can prevent a lot of destructive behaviour, particularly for high-energy dogs such as cattle dogs, border collies or whippets.
And remember, with all puppy training, reward good behaviour with treats and praise instead of punishing mistakes. A kind and gentle approach is more effective for your little furball.
Pet-friendly swaps and smart solutions
- Create a safe retreat – A comfy bed in a quiet space gives your pup a place to chill when they need a break.
- Fence off the no-go zones – Childproof gates aren’t just for toddlers. They can help keep your puppy out of places they shouldn’t be.
- Choose pet-safe plants – Swap out toxic plants for pet-friendly options like orchids, kentia palms, magnolias and lilly pillies.
Want more?
Welcoming a new puppy into your home comes with a big learning curve so talk to your vet about any concerns or issues. Consider investing in our Wellness Plan, which includes unlimited consultations, core vaccinations, 24/7 VetChat and so much more, for added peace of mind. A well-prepared puppy parent is a happy puppy parent!
