Pet Proofing Your Home - Pet Home Safety Tips
Pet Proofing your Home - Pet Safety Tips
Introduction
We know that bringing a new pet home to join your family is a fun and exciting experience. We also know that it is one that your home might not be quite ready for. In fact, it is likely that your home is filled with potential hazards to your new dog or cat. In this lesson we will look at easy ways to make you home safe for all who reside there. This way you can rest easy knowing that you have provided a safe environment for your pet.
Common Hazards
Electricity
Puppies and kittens are notoriously curious, and for some reason electrical cords are often an undeniable temptation. When they find them, they chew them, and this can lead to a very unpleasant outcome. To avoid electrocution , keep electrical cords away from your pet. This means unplugging appliances that are not in use, and keeping cords neat and out of the way. If your pet is especially drawn to cords you might have to tape them to the baseboards in your home. This is not a lesson that you want your pet to learn the hard way.
Doors, Windows, and Porches
This may seem like a small thing, but it is really very important. Get in the habit of closing all of your doors and windows . Pets are terrible to dart out of open doors. From there it is an easy thing for them to find their way to the street or just get themselves lost. Millions of companion animals are lost every year, and a large number of them never find their way home. Take care of this problem by shutting the doors and windows. If there is no exit then there is no escape.
Now window pose a special problem as many companion animals, especially cats, are drawn to ledges . It is not uncommon for pets to fall or jump out of windows. Maybe they see a squirrel or bird that they want to chase, or maybe they just lean out too far and fall. But the height of the ledge doesn’t seem to really matter; broken bones are very common as is death. In fact, this happens so often that it has a name, High Rise Syndrome . If there is no open window then there is no way for them to fall or jump out of it.
It is the same situation with porches . Pets often try to jump when their bodies cannot handle the fall. If you have a porch you need to make sure that your animal cannot fit between the rails. If it is a large dog then you can leave them out there to enjoy some fresh air. If it is a cat or small dog you should be out there with them.
Garbage Cans
For a pet, what could be better than a garbage can ? Think about it, they must smell wonderful to your cat or dog. Filled with all sorts of wonderful treats that they are not allowed to have. Well, these “treats” are off limits for a reason, many of them are hazardous to your pet. Things like chicken bones or raw chicken skin smell great to your pet, but can carry bacteria or cause your pet to choke. To avoid this use garbage cans with lids. Just a simple lid will work fine for some pets, but others require more drastic measures. Look for heavy cans that are not easily tipped over, and lids that lock. If that doesn’t work, put you trash in a small room, like a pantry, laundry room, or utility closet, and keep the door shut. You don’t want you pet to get sick or injured, and you don’t want to keep cleaning up the mess.
Plants
While houseplants are beautiful, many of them are poisonous to dogs and cats. Common plants like Lilies and English Ivy are among the poisonous varieties. Since different plants affect different species of animals, ask your vet before you bring your pet home. They can let you know what you should avoid for your specific pet. It is okay to have plants around the house, just make sure that you have the right ones. Cats especially are known to chew on houseplants.
Tempting Edibles
Keep in mind that dogs and cats are attracted to shiny objects . This includes things like needles, glass, sequins, Christmas ornaments, and fire. Now, now of these are things that you want you pet to ingest, as it would mean a definite and painful trip to the vet. We know that there is no way to keep your pet away from all shiny objects, but you do want to pay attention. Try not to leave things out where your pet can get a hold of them. Use some common sense. Set up your Christmas tree where your pets can’t get to it and keep candles up out of your pet’s reach. This is easier said than done when it comes to cats so you may have to be more careful especially with candles. If your cat is drawn to the flame you either have to burn candles that have the flames enclosed, stay right with your candle so that you can watch your pet, or give up candles for other forms of air fresheners.
Poisons
What is considered poison to your pet might be just fine for you. Things like medication, cleaners, insecticides, and automotive products can all prove deadly to your pet. This is why you never give your pet human medication with out the express direction from your vet. You also need to be particularly careful when it comes to antifreeze. The liquid has a sweet taste that attracts animals, but it is deadly. If you use it around your home make sure to thoroughly clean the area to avoid puddles from forming.
As always, if you suspect that your pet has been poisoned then you need to head immediately to your vet’s office.
Using Common Sense
The most important thing is to always use common sense when bringing home a new pet. Don’t leave them alone for long periods of time until you know their personality. Are they an animal that you can safely leave to their own devices, or do you need to limit their roaming unless you can watch them? It may take some time, but before you know it you and your pet will know each other’s limits. You just have to take the time to set them.
