How to Dog-Proof Your Home Room by Room
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How to Dog-Proof Your Home Room by Room
Welcoming a dog into your home is a joyful experience, but it also comes with responsibility—especially when it comes to safety. Much like baby-proofing for a toddler, dog-proofing your home ensures your furry friend stays out of trouble while keeping your belongings intact. Whether you’re bringing home a new puppy or safeguarding your space for an adult dog, this guide walks you through dog-proofing your home room by room.
🛋️ Living Room
What to Watch For:
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Wires and cables
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Breakable items on low shelves
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Toxic houseplants
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Loose change or small objects
Dog-Proofing Tips:
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Use cord concealers or cable boxes to hide electrical wires.
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Move plants like philodendron, pothos, or lilies to higher shelves or remove them—many are toxic to dogs.
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Secure bookshelves or end tables that a dog could knock over.
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Keep remote controls, batteries, and small objects off coffee tables.
🍽️ Kitchen
What to Watch For:
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Garbage cans
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Cleaning products
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Food (especially chocolate, grapes, onions, etc.)
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Hot surfaces like stovetops
Dog-Proofing Tips:
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Use dog-proof trash cans with locking lids or store them inside cabinets.
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Store food in closed cabinets or high on shelves—don’t leave anything edible on counters.
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Use childproof latches on lower cabinets, especially where cleaners or snacks are stored.
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Never leave hot pans or stovetop burners unattended.
🚽 Bathroom
What to Watch For:
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Medications
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Toilet bowl water (often contains cleaning agents)
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Soaps and shampoos
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Razors and small items
Dog-Proofing Tips:
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Keep the toilet lid closed—curious dogs may drink the water.
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Store all medications, toothpaste, and cleaning supplies in a locked cabinet.
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Place trash cans inside cabinets or use ones with secure lids.
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Make sure razors and hygiene items are stored out of reach.
🛏️ Bedroom
What to Watch For:
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Socks and underwear (dogs love chewing them!)
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Jewelry and hair ties
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Electrical cords (especially charging cables)
Dog-Proofing Tips:
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Use drawer organizers or laundry hampers with lids to keep clothes out of reach.
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Store small items like rings or rubber bands in closed drawers.
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Block access under the bed if your dog likes to chew or hide things there.
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Hide charger cords or use pet-safe cable wraps.
🧺 Laundry Room
What to Watch For:
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Detergents and dryer sheets
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Small items like buttons, coins, or dryer lint
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Sharp tools or ironing equipment
Dog-Proofing Tips:
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Keep all cleaning products high up or locked away.
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Always close the washer and dryer doors when not in use.
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Use a pet gate if your dog tends to explore this space unsupervised.
🧒 Kids’ Room or Play Area
What to Watch For:
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Small toys or stuffed animals with plastic eyes or buttons
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Art supplies like glue, markers, or paint
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Snacks or food left out
Dog-Proofing Tips:
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Teach kids to keep their toys off the floor and food put away.
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Store art supplies in bins with lids.
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Consider a dog gate or keeping the door closed if your dog tends to get into trouble.
🌿 Outdoor Areas (Yard, Patio, Balcony)
What to Watch For:
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Gaps in fencing
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Toxic plants and mulch
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Tools or sharp garden items
Dog-Proofing Tips:
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Check for loose boards or spaces in fences—dogs are escape artists.
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Avoid cocoa mulch and poisonous plants like oleander or azaleas.
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Store all tools and lawn products in a secure shed or cabinet.
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Provide shade and clean water if your dog spends time outside.
🛠 Bonus: General Dog-Proofing Must-Haves
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Baby gates to limit access to certain rooms
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Non-slip mats on hardwood or tile floors
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Crates or pens for when you’re not home
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Chew toys to redirect destructive chewing behavior
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Surveillance cams for monitoring while you’re away
Final Thoughts
Dog-proofing your home isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process of observation and adaptation. Dogs are naturally curious and often get into things we’d never expect. Taking a proactive, room-by-room approach keeps your pup safe, your home damage-free, and your peace of mind intact.
Whether you’ve got a mischievous puppy or a mellow senior, these tips will help create a secure and dog-friendly environment that both of you can enjoy.