How to Pet Proof Your Home

Preparing your home for your new furry arrival(s) is an exciting time. Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or an old hand, it’s always a mix of emotions. Will everything go smoothly? Will they be safe and happy?

It's easy to get wrapped up in making sure you have all the right supplies for your new addition - food, toys, beds, litter box & litter if you're adding a kitty, leashes & harnesses if you're adding a doggy... So many things! But there's another aspect that's equally as important: making sure your home is safe for your new furry friend. Remember, they don't know what's off limits or dangerous, so you have to make sure that - much like you would with a toddler - they can't get themselves into trouble.

This means you need to pet-proof your home. Frankly, there are so many potential hazards, ranging from sugar-free gum to antifreeze, that it’s worth reviewing your home periodically, even if you’re used to living with pets.

 

10 Common Household Items That Are Dangerous to Pets Some common household items can be dangerous for your pets

 

Dog trainers will tell you that pet-proofing your home is all about management. In other words, don’t expect your dog or cat to “know” certain things, but instead, make it difficult for them to behave in a way you don’t want them to behave. It’s far simpler that way.

 

5 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Safer for Pets (and Save Your Sanity)

When you’re thinking of household management, start with the obvious.

  • Trash cans with lids: Don’t want curious pups (and kitties) in the trash, eating things they shouldn’t? Make it harder for them to get to the goods. Use a trash can with a lid, preferably one that operates with a foot lever to make it easy on you.
  • Use child-proof locks on cabinet doors: They’re simple to install and will keep your dog or cat from opening cabinets and helping themselves to things they shouldn’t.  Bonus points: If you have a chewer and you think your dog is prone to chewing on the lock, then keep them out of that room unless you’re supervising.
  • Keep the toilet lid closed: To keep pets from falling in or from ingesting cleaning chemicals when they drink the water, just block their access to toilet water by closing the lid. It seems so gross to us, but this water is always cool, and it often is just the right level to reach!
  • Keep dangling wires/cords out of reach: These are irresistible to kittens and puppies who are likely to chew through them. Rethink your extension cords, phone cords, and even lamp cords.
  • Close closets/drawers: Closets and drawers can have all sorts of fun things like shoes and dangling belts/cords. The latter can be dangerous if your dog or cat gets entangled in them. Assuming you’d like to keep your wardrobe intact and your pets safe, keep drawers and closets closed when not in use. Just make sure you double check the whereabouts of your pets prior to closing them so you don’t accidentally lock them in!

 

Shoes can look like lots of fun for pets who chew!

When it comes to pet-proofing your home, remember that everything from bleach to spray bottles of window cleaner can look tasty to curious minds, and in general, dogs and cats younger than three will go through different chewing phases as they mature. So even though your pet may be a little older, it’s good practice to keep your home pet-friendly by locking up anything that could pose a hazard.

Do you have pet proofing tips that you’d like to share?

If you have questions about the safety of your home for your precious pets, feel free to contact us! And remember, if Fluffy or Fido got into something dangerous, we're here 24/7 for emergencies.

 

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