Puppy Proofing Your Home: Room-by-Room Checklist

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Puppies do not know what is dangerous. They investigate the world with their mouths, run into things, squeeze into tight spaces and swallow things that should never go near a dog. Puppy-proofing is the art of seeing your home as a puppy does and removing the hazards before they cause harm. It is easier than it sounds if you go room by room.

First, get down to puppy level

Literally crawl around your home. Look under furniture, behind appliances and along the floor. Note any cords, dangling objects, small items and gaps. Then think about what a puppy could reach by jumping or climbing as it grows.

Whole-house basics

• Secure cords and cables. Chewing a live cord can cause burns or electric shock. Use cord covers, tuck cables away or unplug when not in use.
• Block off-limits areas. Use baby gates or closed doors to keep your puppy out of rooms you have not proofed. Our guide to puppy playpens and gates can help.
• Remove small objects. Socks, toys, hair ties, coins and children's items can be swallowed and cause blockages.
• Check for toxic plants and substances. See our guide to household items toxic to puppies.
• Close windows and balconies or make them secure, especially above ground level.
• Keep doors closed so a puppy cannot slip outside unnoticed.

Kitchen

• Use childproof latches on lower cabinets that contain cleaning supplies, medication or food.
• Keep the trash can covered or inside a closed cabinet.
• Store food, especially chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and sweeteners, out of reach.
• Watch for dangling dishcloths and cords that can be pulled.
• Keep knives and sharp tools secure.

Living room

• Cover or relocate electrical cords.
• Keep remote controls, phones and small electronics out of reach.
• Secure bookshelves and heavy furniture that could fall if climbed.
• Remove or secure houseplants. Many common plants are toxic.
• Be careful with candles, fireplaces and heaters.

Bedrooms

• Keep clothing, shoes and socks off the floor.
• Store medications, jewelry and cosmetics securely.
• Use a closed laundry hamper.
• Make sure the puppy cannot get stuck behind beds or furniture.

Bathroom

• Keep the toilet lid down and secure the trash.
• Store medications, razors, cleaning supplies and toiletries in closed cabinets.
• Be careful with bath products that might be toxic.
• Keep the door closed when not in use.

Garage, utility room and basement

• Store chemicals, antifreeze, pesticides, paints and tools out of reach. Antifreeze is highly toxic and has a sweet taste that can attract dogs.
• Check for gaps and nooks where a puppy could hide or become trapped.
• Keep laundry detergent pods and similar products locked away.

Stairs and balconies

• Use gates at the top and bottom of stairs for young puppies, since falls can cause injury.
• Do not allow puppies to jump from heights.
• Make sure balcony railings have no gaps big enough for a puppy to slip through.

Safe spaces

Set up a puppy-safe area where your puppy can stay when you cannot supervise. A playpen or a small, proofed room with a bed, water, toys and a toilet area is ideal. See our guides to the best puppy crates and playpens.

Provide good alternatives

Puppy-proofing is not just removing things, it is giving your puppy something better to do. Offer a variety of safe chew toys, puzzle feeders and structured play so that the puppy has appropriate outlets. Our guide to the best chew toys for puppies lists options.

Outdoors

Do not forget the yard and garden. See our guide on how to puppy-proof your yard.

Keep updating

As your puppy grows, it can reach higher, jump more and open more things. Revisit your proofing every few weeks, and stay alert. Some puppies learn to open cabinets, climb furniture or unlatch gates quickly.

Have an emergency plan

Know your vet's contact details and the nearest emergency clinic. Keep the number of a poison helpline handy. If your puppy swallows something dangerous, call immediately rather than waiting for symptoms.

The takeaway

Puppy-proofing takes an hour or two of effort and can save your puppy from injury and you from heartbreak. Take it one room at a time, keep dangerous items out of reach and supervise closely.