The joy of bringing a new puppy into your home is unmatched, but with the excitement comes responsibility. As fall settles in with its cool weather, falling leaves, and holiday decorations, new puppy owners should be mindful of the seasonal changes that bring unique risks to their furry friends.

At Devil Dog Pet Co., we believe that caring for your dog requires extreme ownership—taking proactive steps to ensure their safety and well-being at all times. As the air gets crisper and the days get shorter, let’s walk through the essential tips for puppy-proofing your home this fall. From indoor hazards to outdoor safety, we’ve got you covered.

Indoor Puppy-Proofing Tips

Your home is full of things that might seem harmless but could pose a risk to your curious new puppy. Puppies, especially during fall when many homes are preparing for the holidays, can get into all sorts of trouble if you don’t take steps to protect them.

Secure Hazardous Items

With colder weather comes more time spent indoors, and this can mean more exposure to potentially harmful items around the house.

• Toxic Plants to Avoid: When puppy-proofing your home for fall, it’s important to be aware of seasonal plants that could pose a danger to your new pup. Many common fall plants, like chrysanthemums, are toxic to dogs. Even decorative plants like holly berries can be dangerous if ingested. Make sure to keep these plants well out of reach to prevent any mishaps. Here are a few more plants to be cautious of:

• Poinsettias – A popular holiday plant, but toxic to dogs, causing mild vomiting and drooling if chewed.
• Amaryllis – This bloom, often seen in fall and winter, can cause vomiting, tremors, and respiratory issues.
• Mistletoe – While festive, mistletoe can be highly toxic, leading to gastrointestinal upset and even cardiovascular problems.

• Cleaning Supplies and Medications: As we get into flu season, it’s easy to forget how dangerous common medications can be if a puppy gets into them. Keep all cleaning products and over-the-counter or prescription meds safely locked away.
• Small Objects: Fall often means lots of decorating for holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving. Small decorations, like string lights, fake spider webs, and ornaments, can look like toys to a curious puppy. Make sure these items are out of reach, as they can cause choking or internal blockages.

Create Safe Zones

A safe, designated area for your puppy is crucial, especially as you adjust to life together. Puppies need a quiet place to retreat when they feel overwhelmed by new people, noises, or holiday activities.

• Gated Areas or Playpens: Set up a section of your home that’s blocked off from areas where you might be cooking or hosting guests. This helps keep your puppy safe from harmful food or small objects left on the floor.
• Comfortable Bedding: Puppies tend to get cold more easily than adult dogs. Make sure they have a warm, comfortable bed, especially during the cooler fall months. Placing the bed in a quiet corner of the house where they can relax will help them feel secure. Consider adding a soft blanket for extra warmth as temperatures drop.
• Safe Toys and Chews: Keeping puppies mentally and physically stimulated is important, especially when they’re inside more often. Our Devil Dog Pet Co. chews are the perfect solution to keep your pup entertained while also cleaning their teeth and reducing anxiety. These long-lasting chews are safe, all-natural, and help curb destructive behaviors.

Outdoor Puppy-Proofing Tips

Fall is a beautiful time of year, but it’s also full of outdoor hazards that can pose a risk to your pup. Whether it’s enjoying the crisp fall air on a walk or playing in the yard, make sure your outdoor areas are safe and secure.

Be Aware of Fall Debris

While it might be fun for your pup to frolic in a pile of leaves, keep in mind that debris like sticks, acorns, and mushrooms can pose a hazard.

• Fallen Leaves: Leaves often hide dangers like sharp sticks or even small pieces of litter. While jumping into a pile of leaves might look fun, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your puppy to prevent them from chewing or swallowing any hidden dangers.
• Acorns and Mushrooms: Acorns are abundant during the fall and can be a choking hazard or even toxic if ingested. Similarly, mushrooms, which often grow after autumn rains, can be poisonous to dogs. Be sure to inspect your yard regularly to remove any mushrooms, acorns, or other potential hazards.

Check Your Fence and Outdoor Space

Puppies are natural explorers, and fall is an exciting time for them to discover new sights and smells. Before letting your pup roam the yard, check your fencing to ensure it’s secure.

• Fence Gaps: Puppies can wiggle through surprisingly small spaces, so walk the perimeter of your yard to ensure there are no gaps in the fence.
• Yard Hazards: Keep an eye out for anything sharp or hazardous that may have blown into your yard. Fallen branches from autumn storms can be sharp and dangerous for a curious puppy.

Seasonal Dangers to Watch Out For

As the seasons change, so do the risks inside your home. Fall brings about the use of new household items like candles and space heaters—both of which can be dangerous to a curious puppy.

Candles and Space Heaters

It’s the season for cozy vibes, but candles and heaters can pose serious risks for dogs.

• Candles: Open flames are an obvious hazard around a new puppy. Wagging tails or curious noses could easily knock over a candle, potentially starting a fire or causing burns. Consider using flameless LED candles to avoid these risks.
• Space Heaters: While these are great for warming up a chilly room, space heaters can also cause burns or fire hazards if your puppy gets too close. Always place heaters in spots where your dog can’t reach them.

Holiday Decorations

Fall is full of holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving, which means plenty of decorations. While festive, they can also be dangerous for puppies.

• Tinsel and String Lights: Puppies are naturally drawn to shiny and moving objects. Tinsel, string lights, and garlands are easy targets, but they can also cause choking or electrical hazards if chewed. Make sure all cords and decorations are kept out of reach.

Fall Enrichment for Your Puppy

Cooler temperatures and shorter days mean you and your puppy might be spending more time indoors. But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated throughout the fall season.

Mental and Physical Stimulation Indoors

Just because it’s too chilly for long walks doesn’t mean your pup should be bored inside. Keep your puppy busy with safe, engaging activities.

• Interactive Toys and Chews: At Devil Dog Pet Co., we offer a range of chews that are perfect for indoor play. These chews help with teething, reduce anxiety, and keep your pup happily occupied during those cozy indoor days.
• Scavenger Hunts and Puzzle Toys: Create a simple scavenger hunt by hiding your puppy’s favorite toys or chews around the house. This taps into their natural instincts to search and explore, all while keeping them entertained.

Fall-Themed Outdoor Fun

On days when the weather is mild, enjoy some outdoor fun with your puppy.

• Leaf Pile Play: Let your puppy run through a pile of raked leaves, but make sure to inspect the area first for any hidden sticks or sharp objects.
• Safe Walks: Even though the temperatures are cooler, fall is a great time to go on walks. Just be mindful of slippery paths caused by wet leaves or early frost.

Preparing for Fall Travel or Gatherings

The holiday season is right around the corner, and that means more travel and visitors. Make sure your puppy is prepared for the changes in their routine.

Travel Preparations

If you’re traveling with your puppy during the fall or holiday season, there are a few extra precautions to take.

• Car Safety: Invest in a comfortable crate or harness to keep your puppy safe while traveling in the car. Bring familiar items, like their bed or toys, to help reduce anxiety during long trips.
• Pack the Essentials: Be sure to pack plenty of Devil Dog Pet Co. chews to keep your puppy occupied on the road.

Hosting Visitors

Fall gatherings often mean more people in your home, which can overwhelm a new puppy.

• Socialization: Introduce your puppy to new visitors slowly and ensure they have a quiet space to retreat to if they get overwhelmed. Keep an eye on them around unfamiliar people, as some pups may be nervous at first.
• Set Boundaries: When hosting gatherings, establish boundaries with your guests regarding how to interact with your puppy. This will help prevent overstimulation or accidental feeding of harmful foods like chocolate or turkey bones.

Preparing your home for fall with a new puppy can seem like a big task, but with the right precautions, you can create a safe, cozy, and fun environment for your furry friend. By taking these steps to puppy-proof both your indoor and outdoor spaces, you’ll be setting your puppy up for success in their new home.

At Devil Dog Pet Co., we understand the importance of keeping your dog happy, healthy, and safe, especially as the seasons change. That’s why we offer a variety of high-quality, natural chews to keep your pup entertained and reduce destructive behaviors. Ready to puppy-proof your home this fall? Visit our store today to explore our range of safe, long-lasting chews designed with your dog’s well-being in mind.