Are you ready for a puppy?

Puppies are little bundles of joy! They're playful and mischievous, which is why they can easily get themselves into trouble. If you're getting a new puppy, it's important to make your home safe before bringing the little guy home.

Today - I want to talk to you about thinking like a puppy.

The best way to pet-proof your home is to see the world from your puppy's point of view. That's right, get down on the floor and you'd be amazed at how many things you notice! Here are a couple of ways you can make your home safe for your puppy:

  • Electrical cords are extremely dangerous and easy to chew through. Hide them in plastic cord keepers and cover outlets with plastic plugs to keep your puppy safe from an accidental shock.
     

  • Some plants are poisonous to dogs. Get to know which plants those are, and if you have any, keep them out of your puppy's reach. As a matter of fact, it's a good idea to keep all houseplants away from your puppy until he can be trusted not to knock them over or dig in them.
     

  • Put away anything that holds sentimental value. If it's breakable or chewable, there's a good chance your puppy would love to get at it!
     

  • Put away all household chemicals like cleaners and antifreeze. Puppies love to explore and get into things, and the chemicals found in most homes can be dangerous and even deadly to puppies.
     

  • If you have an outdoor kennel, check the path of the sun. If the kennel receives full sunlight exposure at any point, make sure your puppy has shelter available to hide in.
     

  • If you plan on letting your dog go out in your yard, ensure that he can't get past your fence.
     

  • Whether you plan on letting your dog outside on his own or not, it's always important to put an ID on him. A collar is usually enough, but if you are worried about your puppy ever getting lost, you can have a microchip implanted under your dog's skin so if he ever gets lost, you will have a better chance of finding him again.

Puppies are susceptible not only to accidents, but to illnesses as well. Be prepared by having certain supplies for your puppy in case of an emergency. Having a parasite control like flea medicine on hand, for instance, can be helpful. A durable chew toy is also a good idea for when the puppy is teething.

Keeping your puppy healthy can also depend on the food you give him. Feed your puppy special puppy formula until he has grown up, because puppies need a different blend of nutrients for their growing bodies.

Puppies are a lot of fun, but they're also a big responsibility. They are like small children, and like children they need to be protected until they grow old enough to know what they can or can't do. Follow these tips and you can protect your puppy from accidents and illnesses.

We hope these tips help you and your new puppy enjoy a long healthy life!!