One of the many benefits of owning your own home is that you don't need anyone's approval or permission to get a pet. Our real estate agents can help you find a house with plenty of space, both inside and out, for a furry friend to run around and explore. March 23rd is National Puppy Day, so what better time to adopt a dog of your very own? Before you do, though, it's important to be prepared. Here are a few essential tips for puppy-proofing your new home.

• Invest in Locks and Latches
  Make sure anything your dog could get into is properly secured. Get trash cans with locking lids so the garbage won't spill out if they're knocked over. Put childproof latches on any drawers with sharp objects, dangerous substances, or just a lot of small items that would be a pain to pick up if they were scattered all over the floor.
  
  
• Secure Hazardous Items
  Be aware of anything your dog could get into that might be hazardous if chewed or ingested. This includes any medications you may be taking; household chemicals like glue, antifreeze, or bleach; and other cleaning supplies. Keep these items locked up and out of reach of your puppy. If you have beads, paper clips, coins, or other small items that could be a choking hazard, keep those in a drawer or box with a secure latch. Be careful of houseplants as well. Their leaves or flowers are often harmful to pets, so keep them on a high shelf, out of reach.
  
  
• Use Cord Concealers
  Another common hazard to your dog is electrical cords, which can be hazardous to them and you if chewed through. Invest in cord concealers for televisions, computers, and other appliances that need to be plugged in. These can take the form of long, plastic tubes or small plastic boxes that house your electrical cords, sit snugly against the wall, and are sturdy enough to resist your puppy's attempts to chew, scratch, or otherwise damage them.
  
  
• Invest in Puppy Gates
  If there's an area you'd like to keep your dog out of, a puppy gate can be placed across the doorway to prevent them from getting in. These are great for training your dog to stay out of a particular place that could be dangerous or where they might get into trouble or for just keeping them out of your home office for a few hours so you can get some work done.
  
  
• Secure Your Backyard
  Plenty of North Canton homes are for sale with spacious backyards where your furry friend has room to run around and play. However, it's also important to keep those outdoor areas safe and secure. Ensure there's a fence around the entire area and that it doesn't have large gaps or spaces your puppy could squeeze through. If your yard has a pool, install a fence around that, too, or ensure it has a secure cover to prevent your dog from falling in. If you plan on growing a garden, it should also have a fence around it. Finally, identify all the plants in the yard before moving in and remove any that may be hazardous to pets. Likewise, be careful of what fertilizers and pesticides you use and ensure they aren't harmful to your dog.

If you're interested in finding Akron homes for sale that are perfect for raising and caring for pets, contact us. We'll help you find the ideal place both you and your dog will love.