Puppy Proofing Your Home

Puppies are like babies; they are lively, curious and they teethe. The difference of course, is that puppies can run around, which means that they can get into serious trouble unless you take some preventive measures.

Remember that a puppy has a lower vantage point than yours and that they may be attracted to things you can't see when you're standing.

It's practically impossible to completely puppy-proof your home against accidents, but here are some suggestions that can help make things safer for your new friend:

Don't let your pup wander into trouble!

Confine your puppy to a safe area and keep doors and windows closed or screened securely.
Your puppy shouldn't be left unsupervised inside or outside. Puppies will investigate, wander and inevitably get into mischief (soiling, chewing, getting locked in closets etc.).
Keep your puppy off balconies, upper porches and high decks. Don't let him climb up and down stairs.
Check to see where your puppy is before closing any doors. Puppy tails can easily be caught in a closing door.
Make it a habit to conduct a 'puppy check' before leaving home to make sure your puppy hasn't accidentally been locked in an unsafe area.

Household dangers that are hard to swallow

Store cleaning supplies, detergents and bleach in closed cabinets, preferably somewhere high
Remove poisonous house plants or place them in hanging baskets outside of your puppies reach. If you're unsure of any plant in your house, have it identified by a nursery and discuss possible poisoning concerns with them and your veterinarian, or Ask PURINA.
Keep toilet lids down. Toilet bowl cleansers are harmful if swallowed, and puppies could be hurt by the lid closing on them if they play in the water.
Never give your puppy any medication without consulting a veterinarian. Keep all medications (prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines) out of your puppy's reach. Dogs can't metabolise many of the medications used by humans and ingesting these drugs may be fatal.

It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt

Keep sewing supplies and small hardware out of your puppy's reach. Buttons, beads, needles, pins, balls and string can hurt his mouth or internal organs if swallowed. The same goes for nails, staples, screws, paper clips, aluminium can tabs and other sharp objects.
Small puppies can get tangled in plastic six-pack beverage holders. Cut the holders apart to prevent this problem.
Ribbons around your puppy's neck can be very dangerous. If your puppy catches the ribbon on anything, he may choke. He might also chew the ribbon and swallow it, which could result in digestive problems.
Keep all plastic bags away from your puppy. He could get trapped inside and suffocate or he might chew and swallow bits of plastic which could be harmful to his digestive system.
Unplug, remove or cover any electrical cords in your puppy-safe area. Chewing live wires can lead to severe mouth burn, electrocution or fires. Don't use electric blankets or pads to line your puppy's bed. It's also a good idea to cover electrical outlets with plug covers when not in use.

Source: PURINA Puppy Care Guide