While getting a dog is a great way to add joy to your life, it’s important to make sure that your home is safe and secure before bringing them into your living space. A home safety checklist can help you ensure that you have taken all of the necessary steps for a pet-friendly environment. Here are some items to add to your checklist before getting a dog.
Know Where Your Nearest Vet Is
First and foremost on your checklist before getting a dog is knowing where an emergency pet doctor is located. This way, if your pup ever needs medical attention, you won’t be scrambling to find a healthcare provider. Research vets in your area and jot down their information for easy access in case of an emergency.
Certain vets might also be more familiar with certain breeds, so keep that in mind when researching. Many vets also provide a “get to know you” visit after adoption, which is a great way to get your pup familiar with the vet office early on.
When making your home safety checklist before getting a dog, research vets, their reputation, and their location. This way you can find the best possible vet for your pup in case of an emergency.
Secure Your Home ‘s Openings
Before bringing a new pet into your home, it is essential to secure any openings that could give them access to outside areas. For example, if you have a fence with gaps, repair those before bringing your dog home. On your home safety checklist before getting a dog, consider a fence repair service to make sure any openings are securely closed.
Additionally, check your windows and doors for any gaps that need to be sealed. Make sure they’re all able to lock properly and that you can access a key if needed. This is an important step in keeping your pup safe and secure in the home.
To help you check where your home may need extra security, create a checklist of any potential openings that you could secure. This way, you can make sure your pup and your home are both safe before bringing them in.
Childproof Outlets
On your home safety checklist before getting a dog, consider childproofing all of your outlets. While this may seem like a minor detail, it is important to protect your pup from potentially dangerous wiring. Invest in some outlet covers or use a safety device for added security.
In addition, contact a residential electrician to check the wiring in your home. This can help you make sure that any exposed wiring is out of reach of your pup and that their curious nose won’t lead to danger.
Some signs you might need to get your wiring looked at include flicking lights, outlets that don’t seem to be working correctly, or a charred smell.
Check for Toxic Chemicals
One of the most important items on your checklist before getting a dog, look around your house for any potential toxins or chemicals. Your property management company should continually inspect for these, but it’s always a good idea to double-check that all of the hazardous materials have been removed.
Check for any weed killers, pesticides, or other harsh chemicals that could be potentially dangerous for your pup. It’s also important to make sure none of these products are within reach of your pet and that they are properly stored away in a secure location.
If you own a home, you’ll need to hire a pest control service to come and inspect for any potential toxins or chemicals that could be dangerous for your pup. Mold, asbestos, and lead can all be potentially hazardous for your pup, so it’s important to have these checked by a professional.
Eliminate Pests
Roaches, rodents, termites, and fleas among others can pose a serious health risk to your pet and your family. Add rat extermination and other pest control services to your checklist before getting a dog. Make sure to find a reputable company that can properly handle the job and keeps your home safe.
To help you find a good company, consider which pests might be lurking in your home and research which companies specialize in those particular pest control solutions. This way you can have peace of mind knowing that any threats to your family or pup are taken care of.
For instance, some signs you might have a rat infestation include droppings, a musky smell, and chewed electrical wiring. If you notice any of these signs, contact a pest control service immediately to protect your pup from any potential danger.
Research Dog Supplies
Dog supplies can be expensive, so make sure to research the options available before making a purchase. On your home safety checklist before getting a dog, consider which supplies can help create a comfortable space for your pup.
For example, do you need a bed? Crates? Toys and treats? Make sure to look around for the best deals. For instance, if you have a balcony and your dog needs to go outside, consider getting artificial turf to cover the floor. This way, you can create a comfortable and safe environment for them to enjoy while they’re outside.
After researching dog supplies, visit your local pet store to ask questions and get advice from pet experts. They can help you find the best products for your pup, as well as any other items on your checklist before getting a dog.
Get a Big Enough Crate
One of the most crucial items on your home safety checklist before getting a dog is buying a crate. A crate is a great tool for training and keeping your pup safe. But, you need to make sure it’s the right size for them. If the crate is too small, it can be uncomfortable for them and could lead to anxiety issues or behavioral problems.
When choosing a crate, consider where you plan on putting it in your home and measure out the space you’ll need for it. You should also get a crate that is tall enough for them to stand up and move around in. If you plan on using the crate while traveling, double-check the size restrictions before buying a model.
In addition, if your dog is a puppy, getting a crate with a divider is a great option. They can grow into it as they get bigger and you won’t have to keep buying new crates. Move this wall to gradually increase the size of their crate as they grow.
Add Shade to Patios
If you have a concrete patio where you plan on letting your pup out, consider adding shade to the area. This will help protect them from harmful UV rays and keep them cool in the summer heat. You can find plenty of options for deck umbrellas or patio covers that are affordable and easy to install.
In addition, hot patios can burn your pup’s paws. To help keep them safe, consider adding floor mats or rugs to the area. This way, their feet can stay cool and comfortable while they’re outside. While you’re at it, consider buying shoes to protect their paws from sharp objects, broken chglass, and other hazards.
Secure Driveways
Many homes now have driveways that open up to the street. If you plan on letting your pup out in your driveway, make sure it is secure and fenced in. This will help prevent them from running away or getting into a car accident.
For added security, consider installing a gate or fence around the area. This way, they can’t escape and you can monitor them more easily. In addition, remove any objects that might obstruct your field of vision when looking down the driveway.
If your driveway has cracks or uneven surfaces, make sure to fill or level them out. This can help prevent your pup from tripping and hurting themselves while they’re outside. With help from a paver, you can ensure your driveway is safe and secure for your dog to play in.
Check for Poisonous Plants
Check your yard and home for any poisonous plants that could harm your pup. Common plants to avoid include lilies, azaleas, tulips, and rhododendrons. If you find any of these plants near their play area or in your home, consider safely removing them or moving them to a place your pup won’t be able to get to.
You should also check for mushrooms, which can be toxic if ingested. If you have any near the house, make sure they are far away from your pup and any places they might explore. While it sounds like there are a lot of plants that are dangerous for dogs, there are also many other safe alternatives. If you want to plant a tree or add a new bush to your yard, make sure it’s not on the list of poisonous plants.
A quick online search or calling your vet to ask about plants in your area is a great way to make sure you’re choosing safe and non-toxic options.
Replace Door Handles
If your home currently has door handles instead of door knobs, you might want to consider hiring a home locksmith service to replace them. This is an important step for safety since door handles can be easier for your pup to reach and open than knobs are.
Having door knobs installed will help keep your pup from entering any rooms that they shouldn’t or getting into trouble while exploring. Plus, it gives you peace of mind knowing that your pup is safe and secure inside your home.
In addition to replacing your door knobs, consider adding a doggy door. This is a great option if you plan on letting your pup out during the day while you’re away or at night when they need to go out for a bathroom break.
Installing a doggy door will help keep them safe and secure without having to lift the handle every time. Doggy doors can also help reduce the amount of mess they make when they’re exploring your home.
Put Knives and Sharp Objects Away
Making sure that you’re storing your knives and sharp objects safely is another important step for home safety. Keep them away from any areas where your pup likes to explore, such as the kitchen counters or cupboards.
You should also avoid leaving sharp objects out in the open in case your pup accidentally bumps into or steps on them. You can use drawer locks or childproof latches to help keep them secure.
In addition, make sure that any power tools or other dangerous items are stored away in a safe location. This will help prevent your pup from getting hurt if they accidentally stumble across one of these hazardous objects.
Have Lots of Chew Toys
Believe it or not, one of the most essential items on your home safety checklist is to have plenty of chew toys. Chew toys are a great way to help keep your pup occupied and reduce the amount of chewing they do on furniture or other household items.
Plus, regular use of chew toys can help keep their teeth clean and healthy. When shopping for chew toys, look for ones that are made out of durable materials and are specifically designed for dogs.
In addition, make sure that the toys you select do not have any small parts that could pose a choking hazard. If your pup is a heavier chewer, try to find toys that are extra strong and can withstand more wear and tear. Having chew toys also helps keep your puppy or dog safe, since they won’t chew on dangerous items around your home.
Give your dog a good life and a safe home by following this checklist before bringing them home. Taking the necessary steps to ensure their safety and well-being will give you peace of mind knowing that your pup is happy and secure in their new home.
Good luck on your puppy or dog adoption journey!