Bringing home a new dog is pure joy, but their curiosity can quickly lead to chewed cords or raided trash cans. Dog-proofing your home isn't just about protecting your belongings—it's essential for keeping your new companion safe.

Living Room

• Tuck away electrical cords: Secure loose cables with cord covers or tuck them behind heavy furniture to prevent chewing.
• Move hazardous plants: Keep toxic houseplants (like lilies, aloe, or philodendrons) entirely out of reach or replace them with pet-safe options.
• Clear low tables: Move small decorative items, candles, and remotes off coffee tables where wagging tails or curious snouts can reach them.

Kitchen & Dining Area

• Secure trash cans: Use step-on bins with locking lids or hide garbage cans inside pull-out cabinets.
• Store food high: Keep all human food, especially dangerous items like chocolate, raisins, onions, and xylitol-sweetened products, behind closed pantry doors.
• Block cleaning supplies: Move chemicals and detergent pods to upper cabinets or install childproof latches on lower doors.

Bathroom & Laundry Room

• Keep the toilet lid down: Prevents dogs from drinking water that may contain chemical cleaners.
• Store medications safely: Put all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins away in high cabinets.

Bedrooms & Home Office

• Pick up shoes and clothes: Keep socks, shoes, and small garments off the floor to avoid intestinal blockages from accidental ingestion.
• Secure office supplies: Put away paperclips, rubber bands, pens, and small electronics.

Yard & Entryways

• Inspect fence boundaries: Walk the perimeter to check for holes, gaps under the gate, or loose boards.
• Check outdoor plants: Ensure your garden is free of toxic flora (like azaleas or sago palms) and lawn chemicals.
• Designate a safe zone: Use baby gates or crates to limit initial access until your dog gets used to their new home.



Taking an hour to walk through this checklist room-by-room gives you peace of mind so you can focus on bonding with your new best friend.