Owning a dog is as big a responsibility as raising a child. You have to feed it, bathe it, put it to sleep, and at times, chase it around with a broomstick.
But aside from these everyday tasks, you also have another duty as a fur parent – to ensure your puppy’s safety. You have to keep your little doggy away from potential hazards inside your apartment, especially when you’re at work all the time. Here are practical tips on how you can dog-proof your city apartment:
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Set Up a Special Corner
Leaving a dog to their own devices is a recipe for disaster. If you don’t want to see your carpet soiled or your favorite Mango top ripped into shreds, create a “dog corner” inside your apartment.
Choose an area where your dog can run around freely, perhaps somewhere in your kitchen space or living area. Set up a baby gate around the room to prevent them from loitering around in other parts of the apartment. Make sure to pick a corner that has a tile or wooden flooring. But if you have a carpeted apartment, you can place a hard floor mat on top.
If your dog happens to be too big for baby crates, you can opt for a sturdy crate. There are wire crates that are 40 to 60 inches big perfect for large dog breeds. While it does not provide enough space for them to frolic, a crate will indeed prevent your dog from wreaking havoc in your apartment while you’re away.
Stash Away Toxic Products
Puppies are just as curious as to other creatures out there. They will try to stick their nose into almost everything they see inside the house. That’s why it’s essential to keep all your items in closed compartments. Place your skincare items, hygiene products, and cleaning necessities inside cabinets and drawers. Dogs tend to grab hold of anything they see, so you have to keep these harmful items out of their sight. Don’t leave products sitting on top of your lounge table or the foot of your kitchen counter, especially when your pup is all alone in the apartment.
Get Rid of Electrical Cords
Exposed electrical cords are dangerous for your furry friend. They might get a little playful with it, and who knows, they might even mistake it for a chewing toy. Protect your pup from indoor hazards by regularly running risk assessments in your apartment. One of the first things you should put away is cable wires. You can tuck them away in a drawer or secure them in a box. For appliance cords, you can tape them in place to eliminate additional risks. By doing this, not only are you keeping your pup safe from harm, but you are also keeping your space spic and span. If you want to reduce dangers ultimately in your apartment, removing physical clutter is the first step.
Invest in Anti-Chew Spray
Nothing is more harrowing than seeing your pup chipping away at your newly bought couch or gnawing at your ultra-expensive apothecary table. Puppies who are in their teething stage tend to chew on everything in their field of vision, especially the most pricey ones. You wouldn’t want to come home every night to your apartment with every available piece of furniture ripped into shreds, right? Luckily, there are available anti-chew sprays in the market. These specialized products are non-toxic foul-tasting liquids that you can spritz on your furniture, cable wires, walls, personal items, and even shoes. These chew deterrent sprays will instantly prevent dogs from licking, biting, or chewing items inside your apartment. Besides using anti-chew sprays, you can also take your pup to professional dog training to modify their behavior. In that way, you won’t need these products to curb their undesirable tendencies. If you are worried about your dog chewing their beds instead, it is great to invest in a dog bed that is built for chewers.
Stock Up on Chew Toys
If you want to give your pup something safe to sink their teeth into, get them a chew toy. A teething toy will prevent your dog from gnawing at the door frame, throw pillows, or your shoe. It will keep them entertained as it somehow stimulates their brain. If you want to keep your dog’s destructive tendencies at bay, giving them a chew toy will do the trick. When choosing a plaything, make sure to consider the size and the chewing capability of your dog.
Keep the Restroom Shut
After using the bathroom, remember to keep the door shut. Pups tend to crawl their way into the restroom and drink out of the toilet bowl. It’s disgusting, but it happens. Dogs like to think it is just a big water bowl, but it’s not safe for them (or for anyone). Also, there might be residues of cleaning products on the bowl, which can be extremely harmful to your pet. If you want to keep your furry baby safe, keep them away from the bathroom.
Your dog’s security and welfare should always be your top priority. By following these six steps, you can successfully turn your apartment into a safe sanctuary for your beloved furry companion.
