Dog-proof your home: room-by-room priorities
Dog-proofing is less about “perfect safety” and more about removing predictable failures during the first months—and after any routine change (new baby, move, holiday decorations).
Kitchen & trash
- Use a latched trash can; coffee grounds, bones, and fatty scraps trigger pancreatitis and obstructions.
- Store xylitol (gum, peanut butter, baked goods) away completely—even small amounts can be life-threatening.
Living areas
- Medications and supplements in closed cabinets, not nightstands.
- Charging cables: bitter sprays help some dogs; management (exercise + supervision) helps all dogs.
Exits
Baby gates buy time at front doors; ID tags and microchips buy reunions if a door dashes anyway.
If your dog eats something toxic or unknown, call your vet or poison hotline immediately with packaging in hand.