Making the Apartment Puppy-Proof in 5 Steps
When your little puppy moves in with you, the first thing he will do is go on a discovery tour. To prevent him from getting tangled in all the cables and trying out your plants within the first 10 minutes, preparing your apartment is important.
Here, we will show you how to make your own four walls puppy-proof and which items you should secure from your little darling.
1. Secure All Cables Well
Rule Number 1: Everything that looks like chew toys will also be chewed. Especially with cables from the TV, router, lamps, and other devices, this can quickly become dangerous.
Your puppy might get tangled in them or receive an electric shock while chewing. To prevent this, you can easily store the cables in a cable channel or under the cabinets so that your puppy cannot reach them.
You should also always put away any unplugged cables, as there is also a risk of strangulation here.
If your puppy does manage to get a piece of cable with his sharp little teeth, it is advisable to replace it as soon as possible.
2. Place Toxic Plants Out of Reach
As beautiful as they are, your houseplants can be toxic if ingested. It’s best to inform yourself about each one regarding whether it is toxic or not.
The easiest way is to store each of your plants high up on shelves or cabinets until your little furball has outgrown the chewing phase. Some plants can cause severe poisoning or even death from just tiny pieces.
Toxic plants include:
- Ficus/Dragon Tree
- Dragon Lily
- Begonia
- Cyclamen
- Weeping Fig
Additionally, there are various other plant species that can harm your four-legged friend if ingested.
3. Block Stairs and Windows
Stairs pose a danger to your puppy, especially in the first year: During discovery tours, your little four-legged friend might stumble and seriously injure himself.
Also, the joints should not be overstrained in the first 12 months, as the bones are still growing.
To avoid unwanted climbing on the steps, you can easily block the stairs with a stair gate. You can practice safe walking on the steps with your puppy from time to time, but especially in the beginning, it is advisable to carry him up and down.
The curiosity of your little furball also does not stop at open windows: Access to windowsills and balcony doors should always be closed when your puppy is in the room.
4. Store Medications and Cleaning Products
Just like with chewing cables and plants, puppies also do not shy away from medications in treat-sized portions or interesting liquids.
Most medications do not have the same effect on dogs as they do on humans. Even the weakest medication can be extremely dangerous for your puppy. Always store these securely in high cabinets and do not leave any blister packs lying around.
The same applies to cleaning products: If your furball gains access to the liquids, it can lead to poisoning in a short amount of time.
If you suspect that your puppy may have ingested something toxic, seek veterinary assistance immediately and have information ready about what your four-legged friend has eaten.
5. Keep an Eye on Candles and Stove Plates
If your puppy heads for the exciting flickering candle on the coffee table, quick action is required. To prevent this situation and allow your puppy to explore the rooms calmly, you should place candles out of reach. Even unlit candles invite chewing and eating, which is not good for the stomach.
When using the stove, you can either let your four-legged friend play in another room or keep a close eye on him to avoid the risk of burns. The same goes for irons, which can quickly become a hazard on a wobbly ironing board.
