Pet proofing is very important in order to keep your pooch and valuables safe! It's very easy to forget these life hacks but they make all the difference! Don't put your pup in danger and follow these simple steps. Your pooch will appreciate it!

Pet-proofing, or setting your home up to be safe for animals, is one of the easiest and most crucial ways to put your best foot forward when it comes to prospective adoptions and to the animals you already have in your life.

Install Pet Gates

Whether that’s a basement full of mousetraps and buckets of paint, or a baby’s nursery that you want to keep pet-free for now, you can set up walk-through gates wherever you need them to make sure your animal is only crossing through the gate when you’re sure it’s safe.

Check The Hood

Cats in particular love finding warm places for curling up and hunkering down, even if that’s your car engine.

It’s also a good idea to check your hood and undercarriage before you leave in the morning, because in some cars, crafty cats may be able to climb in via the wheel wells.

Weed Out Plants

Some plants are perfectly safe, like spider plants and African violets, while others, like calla lilies and some types of ivy, can be dangerous.

Keep Your Drawers Closed

Cats and other warm-space-nappers might clamber into your neatly folded clothes and find themselves trapped if you close the drawer without seeing them.

Fix this problem by making sure that drawers are always securely closed.

Put Your Shoes Away

If you leave your shoes out where animals can get them, your shoes will most likely end up ruined, and, more importantly, your pet could accidentally eat part of the shoe.

Lock Your Cabinets

They may not have opposable thumbs, but they’re pretty good at breaking into closed cabinets, especially if they think there might be food on the other side.

Save your kibble for later and keep your animals away from dangerous under-the-sink chemicals with plenty of childproof locks.

Store Stuff Up High

The same way you might put delicate or dangerous objects out of the reach of toddlers, be sure to hide things like heirloom china, beloved plants, and, yes, treats, well above jumping or begging height.

All images via Maya Borenstein for LittleThings

Seems pretty simple, right? In no time, your valuables will be safe from your curious pooch and your doggy will be safe! It's a win-win situation! LOL!

For more information on pet proofing your home, check out Little Things.

Featured Image via Maya Borenstein for LittleThings