Dog- and Puppy-Proofing Checklist

Use this checklist when dog- or puppy-proofing your home:

Remove poisonous plants in the house and yard or keep them safely out of reach.

Install childproof locks on doors where cleaning supplies, pesticides, and other chemicals are kept. Store all toxins up high, where your dog can't reach them.

Invest in indoor and outdoor trash cans with secure lids or keep trash where your dog can't get to it.

Pick up small objects that could be choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages, including loose change, paperclips, rubber bands, and dental floss.

Cover electrical cords with rugs or plastic cord guards or tape them to baseboards to keep dogs from chewing them. Use outlet plugs on open outlets.

Secure or move lamps, statues, and other breakable objects placed on unstable tables or bases. A frisky dog could easily knock these items over.

Make sure screens are secure on low windows. Install springs on screen doors and gates so that they can't be left open.

use tall baby gates to block stairs and access to other areas you don't want your dog to venture.

In the yard, fix fence holes and gaps; removing choking hazards, dangerous plants, and other toxic substances. Keep garbage cans out of dog's reach.

Fence or cover hot tubs, swimming pools, deep fountains, and ponds.

Clean driveway and garage floors to remove any antifreeze or other car drippings.