How to Dog Proof Your Home After Moving
Don’t we just love pets? They are the perfect addition to any family and home. But with that joy comes responsibility. One of those responsibilities is making sure your home is “pet proof.” Dogs tend to get into things they’re not supposed to. The noses are always exploring, and their energy levels are often through the roof! This means that, as a pet parent, you must be extra vigilant about keeping your home safe for your furry friend. And one of the most important responsibilities we have as pet owners is making sure our homes are pet-proofed.
Moving into a new house can be stressful enough without having to worry about your furry friend getting into trouble, like drinking out of the toilet or jumping in places it shouldn’t be, keeping your medicines safe, cleaning supplies put away, and so on. So, before you bring your pet home, take the time to dog-proof your new home.
See Also: How to Move a Horse
What You Need to Know About Dog-Proofing Your Home After Moving
When moving to a new home, it’s important to take the time to dog-proof your property. This is especially important if you have a new pet or are not used to living in a home with pets. You can help keep your dog safe and out of trouble by taking the necessary precautions.
What Is Your Dog’s Line of Sight?
One of the most important things to remember when dog-proofing your home is to think like a dog. What are the most likely to see and want to investigate? You’ll need to block off these areas or ensure they’re safe for your pup.
Some of the things in your home that may be of interest to dogs include:
- Electrical cords: Dogs may be tempted to chew on electrical cords, which can be dangerous. Make sure all cords are tucked away and out of reach.
- Cleaning supplies: Dogs can smell these items from a distance, so keeping them out of reach is essential. Store them in a high cabinet or a room that your dog cannot access.
- Trash cans: Dogs are curious creatures and may rummage through the trash searching for food. Be sure to keep all trash cans in a secure area, such as in the garage or behind a closed door.
- Food: Unsecured food can tempt dogs and lead to stomach problems if they overeat. Ensure all food is stored in cabinets and pantries and that trash cans are covered.
- Medicine: Dog-proofing your home also means keeping medicines and other chemicals out of reach. Store these items in cabinets or on high shelves where your dog can’t get to them.
- Outside Areas: Dogs may be tempted to explore the new surroundings, so it’s important to fence off any areas that may be dangerous, such as ponds or pools.
See Also: Long Distance Moving with Pets – Planning Guide
Is Your Dog a Jumper?
If your dog is a jumper, you’ll need to take extra precautions to make sure they can’t jump up onto counters or tables—place items such as plants, candles, and breakable objects out of reach.
You may also want to consider using baby gates to block off areas that you don’t want your dog to access.
Are There Any Hiding Places?
Dogs love to hide and may find themselves in small spaces where they can’t get out. Be sure to check under furniture, behind doors, and in closets for any potential hiding spots.
Where Does Your Dog Like to Relax?
Dogs like to rest in comfortable spots, which can often lead them to curl up in corners or under furniture. Make sure these areas are clear so your dog has a place to rest without being in the way. Ensure these areas are clear of any cords or wires that could be a danger to your pet. You may also want to consider blocking off these areas so your dog can’t access them.
See Also: How to Help a Dog Adjust to a New Home After Moving
How to Protect Your Home on a Room-by-Room Basis
The best way to dog-proof your home is to go room-by-room and look at what could be a danger to your pup. Here are some tips for each room:
The Kitchen Should be Dog-Proofed
A kitchen is a place where you’ll need to be especially careful. Dogs may be tempted by the food that’s left out on the counter or in the pantry. They can also get into trouble if they drink from the sink. To dog-proof, your kitchen, ensure all food is stored in cabinets and pantries and that trash cans are covered. Install a baby gate at the top of the stairs to keep your dog out of the kitchen. Install child-proof latches on lower cabinets so that your dogs don’t have access to them. Keep the garbage can in a place where your dog cannot get to it.
The Living Room Should be Dog-Proofed
In the living room, you’ll need to be careful of electrical cords and items that can be chewed on, such as furniture or rugs. You’ll also need to make sure your dog can’t jump up onto furniture. If your dog is a jumper, you may need to install a gate around the room. You may also want to consider blocking off the area so your dog can’t get into trouble.
- Block any access to fireplaces and vents. These can be dangerous for your dog.
- Keep the living room plants out of reach. Dogs may be tempted to eat them.
The Bedroom Should be Dog-Proofed
In the bedroom, you’ll need to keep medicines and other chemicals out of reach. Store these items in cabinets or on high shelves where your dog can’t get to them. You’ll also need to block off any areas where your dog may be tempted to lay down, such as under the bed. You may also want to keep the door to the bedroom closed so your dog can’t enter.
- Keep any medicines or chemicals out of reach. Dogs may be tempted to chew on them.
- Don’t let your dog lay down on the bed. This can be a temptation for them to soil the bed.
See Also: Moving With A Dog
The Bathroom Should be Dog-Proofed
The bathroom is another place where you’ll need to keep medicines and other chemicals out of reach. Store these items in cabinets or on high shelves. You’ll also need to ensure the toilet is covered and that your dog can’t drink from the sink. You may also want to keep the door to the bathroom closed so your dog can’t enter.
- Ensure the toilet is covered so your dog can’t drink from it.
- Don’t leave any appliances on display when you are not around.
- Keep away all bath accessories or toys that your dog might be tempted to chew on. Dogs may be tempted to chew on them.
The Laundry Room Should be Dog-Proofed
The laundry room can be a place where your dog gets into trouble. Keep all detergents, bleach, and other chemicals in cabinets and out of reach. You’ll also need to make sure the washer and dryer are inaccessible. If you have a front-loading machine, keep the door always closed.
- Please make sure all clothing like towels, intimates, etc., are non-accessible to your furry friend so that they are tempted to tear off the fabric.
- Always! When you are done using the laundry room, always close the doors because if it’s open, you never know what your dog could be up to.
The Yard Should be Dog-Proofed
A yard is a place where you’ll need to be especially careful. The new surroundings may tempt dogs, so it’s important to fence off any areas that may be dangerous, such as ponds or pools. You’ll also need to ensure the fence is high enough so your dog can’t jump over it. You may also want to consider installing a gate at the entrance to the yard so you can control when your dog goes in and out.
- Keep away all lawn equipment that your dog might be tempted to chew on.
- Plant plants that are generally pet safe. You can find a list of these plants online.
- Ensure the fence is high enough so your dog can’t jump over it.
- Consider installing a gate at the entrance to the yard.
See Also: Tips For Moving With Birds To A New Home
Garages Should be Dog-Proofed
Garages can be dangerous places for dogs. Many things in garages can be harmful, such as paints, solvents, and automotive fluids. If you have a garage, it’s important to keep these items in cabinets or on high shelves where your dog can’t get to them. You’ll also need to ensure the garage is closed when you’re not using it.
- Keep all paints, solvents, and automotive fluids in cabinets or on high shelves.
- Keep all sharp objects like nails or glass instruments away so that your dog doesn’t run into them and hurt their paws.
Conclusion
Dog-proofing your home doesn’t have to be difficult. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure your home is safe for your pup. From the kitchen to the living room and beyond, it’s important that you consider all the rooms in which there may be hazards or dangers lurking for pets. Using these tips, you can help keep your dog safe and healthy while they relax in their new home. Happy Moving!
See Also: Moving to a New City – Tips and Advice
FAQ
What are some things I should do to dog-proof my home?
Some things you can do to dog-proof your home is to put all food away in cabinets and pantries, cover trash cans, install a baby gate at the top of the stairs, block off dangerous areas with gates or fences, and keep doors closed to rooms where hazards may be present.
My dog likes to drink from the toilet. Is this ok?
No, it is not ok for your dog to drink from the toilet. This can lead to them becoming sick. You should install a baby gate or keep the door closed to the bathroom so they cannot enter.
I just moved into a new home, and there is a pond in the backyard. Should I be worried?
Yes, you should be worried. Ponds and other bodies of water can be dangerous for dogs and can easily lead to them becoming sick. It would help if you fenced off the area to keep your dog safe.
Can I use baby gates to dog-proof my home?
Yes, baby gates can be used to dog-proof your home. You can use them to block off areas where your dog may be tempted to jump or chew on things.
Do I need to fence off my pool?
If you have a swimming pool, you’ll need to fence it off to keep your dog safe. You may also want to fence in the yard so your dog can’t wander off.
What should I do with medicines and chemicals?
For medicines and chemicals, you’ll need to store them in cabinets or on high shelves where your dog can’t get to them. You may also want to consider using child-proof locks to keep your pup out.
My dog is a jumper. How can I keep him safe?
If your dog is a jumper, you may need to install a gate around the room or block off the area so your dog can’t get into trouble. You may also want to keep the door to the room closed.
Is it safe to leave my dog alone in the yard?
No, it’s not safe to leave your dog alone in the yard. Dogs may be tempted by the new surroundings and run into danger. Make sure you fence off any areas that may be dangerous, such as ponds or pools.
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Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.
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