Puppy Proofing Your Home 2025: Vet’s Checklist for Safety & Sanity 🏡🐶

Welcoming a curious puppy into your home brings joy—and responsibility. Like puppy-proofing for safety is essential for preventing accidents, building confidence, and creating calm routines. With this vet-approved checklist, you’ll secure your space—and your sanity—while supporting your pup’s growth with **Ask A Vet** guidance, **Woopf** enrichment, and **Purrz** calming tools.

1. 🗑️ Secure Trash, Recyclables & Personal Bags

• Use locking or lidded bins kept in cabinets or blocked off :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Store handbags, backpacks, gym bags out of reach—these can contain toxic items like xylitol gum or medications :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

2. 🔌 Manage Electrical Cords & Blind Cords

• Bundle and hide cords using covers—chew prevention and shock avoidance :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Secure blind cords to prevent strangulation risks :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

3. 🚫 Store Chemicals, Cleaning Supplies & Medications

• Keep household chemicals, human and pet meds, and cleaners locked or high-up :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Avoid spill risks—do not administer meds near floor level :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

4. 🌿 Remove Toxic Plants & Dangerous Lawn Products

• Identify and remove houseplants like sago palm, philodendron, lilies :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Use pet-safe lawn products and avoid rodent bait, pesticides :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

5. 🪑 Remove Choking & Ingestion Hazards

• Pick up small objects: batteries, coins, magnets, remote parts :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Keep shoes, socks, craft supplies off the floor—they tempt teething puppies :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

6. 🚧 Block Off Unsafe Areas

• Use baby gates or pens to restrict access to stairs, kitchens, garages :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Cover balcony rails and secure pool barriers for outdoor viewing only :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

7. 🏡 Secure Outdoor & Yard Hazards

• Check yard fencing, bury wire to prevent escape :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Avoid fertilisers with bone meal; keep pool areas gated :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

8. 🧳 Create Safe Zones and Retreat Spaces

• Set up a crate or pen as a puppy’s den—linked to potty training and rest :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Define low-traffic areas for calm downtime with **Purrz diffusers** to ease anxiety.

9. 🧸 Provide Appropriate Chews & Enrichment

• Offer a variety of chew toys for teething and exploration :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Use interactive tools like **Woopf sniff mats** to redirect chewing to safe items.

10. 👀 Supervision & Training Strategies

• Never leave a young puppy completely unsupervised :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Train “leave it” and “drop it” early to reinforce boundaries.
• Monitor via camera when not directly present :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

11. 📋 Maintenance Checklist & Re‑Review

1. Weekly rounds: scan floors for dropped items, toxic plants, trash bits.
2. Monthly check: secure new items, tuck away cords, re-lock cabinets.
3. Update with developmental stages: puppy grows—reach changes, so update proofing.

12. 🛠 Tools & Supplies You’ll Need

• Locking trash cans & childproof cabinet latches.
• Cord covers, outlet protectors, blind cord wind-ups.
• Baby gates, pens, crates sized to pup.
• Chew toys (teething and enrichment), no-chew spray.
• **Woopf** enrichment mats, **Purrz** calming diffusers.

13. 🧠 Using Ask A Vet & Professional Support

• Ask A Vet: personalized checklists, remote walkthroughs, urgent alerts.
• Behavioral consults and early training advice via video.
• Connecting with vet-recommended puppy trainers as needed.

14. 🚨 Emergency Scenarios & What to Do

• If ingestion of toxic substance: contact your vet or Poison Control immediately.
• Chew leading to electrical shock: unplug, check pet, call vet.
• Fall from height: check for injuries, limit movement, call vet.

15. ✅ Final Takeaways

• Removing hazards on floor and at puppy level is essential.
• Barriers and retreat zones support training and safety.
• Appropriate chews and enrichment prevent destructive behavior.
• Supervision and routine re-checks make all the difference.
• With **Ask A Vet**, **Woopf**, and **Purrz**, you’re fully equipped for a happy, secure pup and a peaceful home. 💛