Maintain a safe home for your dog

Bringing a new puppy home is a joyous occasion! You’ll carefully select the best dog food, prepare some adorable toys, schedule its first vet checkup, and ensure your new friend has received all the necessary vaccinations.

Before that, ensuring the safety of your home and surrounding environment is equally important.

Whether you adopt a puppy or an adult dog, you want it to feel safe and comfortable in your home and to spend the rest of its life in peace.

Here are some things to consider when preparing a home for your new companion:

Food

Some human foods, such as chocolate, coffee and onions, can be toxic to dogs.

It is important to ensure that food is stored correctly, that the litter box is tightly closed and that cleaning products are out of the puppy’s reach.

Stay

It’s okay to play with your furry friend on the couch, but it’s also wise to remember that a puppy can easily ruin that couch!

It’s also important to keep electrical cords hidden and make sure you have a screen in front of your fireplace.

If you have plants in your home, be aware that some common houseplants can be poisonous to your dog. Also, be sure to keep doors closed so your puppy can’t get out.

BATH

Dogs have been known to drink toilet water, flush toilet paper rolls, and dig in open garbage cans.

While these adventures may seem relatively minor, there are larger bathroom hazards that require attention, such as medications, household cleaners, razors, drain cleaners, and even dried herbs.

The bedroom

As in other rooms of the house, there are dangers for your dog in the bedroom too. These include exposed electrical cords, curtain cords and medications.

Be sure to keep small items such as coins and jewelry away as they pose a choking hazard.

This is also a good place to remember to keep windows closed to prevent accidental escapes or falls.

garage

This is an area that contains many potential dangers for your dog, such as antifreeze or rodent poison, both of which can be fatal if consumed.

COURT

Even outdoors there are potential risks for your dog, which you can limit with some precautions. Fencing the yard, if possible, will prevent the dog from escaping.

You should put a fence around swimming pools, because they pose a big danger to puppies. Remove toxic plants from your yard and keep your lawn and trimmed bushes under control.

Ticks most often wait for your dog in taller grass. You should also watch out for compost, mulch, and fertilizer piles, which can cause problems for your pup.

Your senior dog

As your dog ages, he may no longer be as active and may not require the same level of supervision in the home.

However, it’s important to remember that the aging issues dogs experience are similar to those of humans, so you’ll want to think about your dog’s changing needs.

Dogs are considered elderly when their physical abilities begin to decline.

However, there are always ways to keep your dog healthy during his senior years, and there are several ways you can prepare your home to make things more comfortable and safe for your furry friend.

movement

Aging bones and joint pain make it harder for your furry companion to climb stairs or jump on the couch.

If you live in a split-level home, place everything your dog needs, such as food, water bowls and toys, on the ground floor where he can find them easily.

You can also purchase (or make your own!) a ramp to help your dog get up and down patio steps, making getting out into the yard a breeze.

And even though he’s getting older, your friend will still want to play with you.

If he can’t seem to get onto the couch, offer him a hand or a stool as an intermediate step. But keep in mind that you will probably have to help your dog on the way down too.

visualization

Poor vision can also be a problem for your senior dog.

There are ways you can help him continue to walk around the house effectively, including avoiding floor changes, using small doorbells in the house, or placing trail lights, especially in dark hallways.

Avoid the queue

Your dog can get a little sloppier when wagging his tail and sometimes this can end up with valuables falling off tables and breaking. Avoid the hassle by moving fragile items to a place where they can’t be touched by a happy tail.

The floor

As your dog’s eyesight ages, he may accidentally think that small objects that fall to the ground, such as coins, buttons or small toys, are actually rewards. Place these and similar items off the floor and out of the dog’s reach to avoid confusion.

Sleep time

Your older dog will sleep in several shifts, but he may be missing that layer of fat that once cushioned him when he lay down.

You may want to consider purchasing a comfortable dog bed to protect their bones from the hard floor. Place it in a quiet place so that it is not disturbed during the rest period.

Diet and physical activity

Like humans, as dogs age, their muscle mass begins to decline. Make sure your furry friend eats a high-protein diet to help slow this decline.

Exercise and play are still important for your dog’s health, from his muscles to his heart, even if your friend moves a little slower.

Health and protection

To help your dog get around a little easier, you can consider aids such as ramps, slippers, lifting harnesses, non-slip socks and sticky pads.

It’s also important to visit your vet regularly to keep vaccinations and appointments up to date. The risk of parasites such as ticks and fleas to a dog is a reality at any age, and related health problems become more common in older dogs.

With a little care, your home will be a safe haven for your dog from the day you bring him home and throughout his life.