Does your dog have a habit of wandering into your bathroom or playing in your shower area? It may be time to dog-proof this room to keep your pet safe. Experts warn pet parents that if there's one place that dogs should be banned in the home, it's the bathroom. New York-based veterinarian Rachel Barrack said that the presence of chemicals in the room makes it unsafe, and could even prove to be deadly for our furry pals. There's also the issue of dogs drinking contaminated water which could be harmful for their health. "Toilet bowls do not contain clean water that is appropriate for your dog or cat to consume," she adds. 

There are many ways that our fur babies can get hurt in the bathroom. It goes both ways though, since dogs can also cause damage to our bathroom interiors. To keep your canine companion safe and your toilet and bath intact, here are some easy ways to dog-proof your bathroom. 

Keep Personal Care Items and Medications Out of Reach

If your bathroom counter is cluttered with personal care items such as cologne, perfume, deodorant, and face creams, you may want to keep them out of reach of your dog. To do that, install some wall panels on the wall above your counter, then mount some floating shelves on either side of the mirror. Since there are no spaces between the panels that will enable your dog to dig their toes or nails in to get to the shelves, you can place your toiletries there without worrying that your pet will reach them. Opt for shelves with a front rail to prevent your products from falling off. As for shower items like soaps, shampoos, body wash, and loofahs, these should be placed on a high rack to prevent your pet from reaching them.   

Meanwhile, medication should be kept inside a bathroom cabinet since your dog may accidentally ingest them. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about one-quarter of all phone calls to the Animal Poison Control Center are about human medications. Proper storage of medicine should be a priority, especially if you're still training your pet. 

Keep the Toilet Lid Closed

Keeping your toilet lid closed prevents your pet from lapping at the toilet bowl water, which, as mentioned earlier, can be harmful for your dog. The water may even cause a stomach ache in your pet, especially if you use toilet bowl cleaning discs or tablets that turn the water blue, according to the APCC. Not only that, but an adventurous puppy can fall into a toilet bowl, which puts them at risk of drowning. Use a child safety latch to keep the toilet lid firmly closed. Also, keep your pet's water bowl filled so they don't seek refreshment in your bathroom.   

Place Your Toilet Paper Somewhere Else

If there's one thing that young children and puppies have in common, it's a fondness for playing with toilet paper. Unless you want to come home to wads of unrolled paper on your bathroom floor, it may be better to move it to another place where bored dogs or curious kids can't find them. Take your roll out of the holder, then place it in an opaque toilet roll container with a lid. Keep the container on top of the tank, or on the counter if it's near your toilet. 

Switch to Non-Toxic Bathroom Cleaners

Most bathroom cleaners contain chemicals that are toxic to pets. Even if they're kept in a safe place, they can still pose harm to your dog since some cleaning solutions leave a residue on bathroom surfaces. Some dogs have a habit of licking floors and walls, so if your pet behaves in such a way, it's a good idea to switch to natural or non-toxic bathroom cleaners.

You can use a paste made of baking soda and water to get rid of tough stains, while a solution made with white vinegar and distilled water makes a good all-around cleaner. Need something to get rid of deep-seated dirt? Sprinkle baking soda on your bathroom floor or sink, then let it stand for 20 minutes. Scrub the treated surfaces with a cut lemon, then rinse thoroughly with water to get rid of residue.    

There are lots of ways that dogs can get harmed in the bathroom, so taking steps to keep them safe should be a priority at all times. Consider these tips to dog-proof your bathroom to protect this area, and keep your pet healthy and happy.