As a responsible pet parent, ensuring your home is safe for your new furry family member is a top priority before bringing them home. Whether you have a cat or a dog, there are several steps you can take to make the transition smoother for everyone. Just like with a curious toddler, it's helpful to get down to floor level to spot potential hazards that might attract your pet's attention.
Outside
Fencing
Ensure your fencing is secure with no holes or gaps that a small puppy could slip through. Make sure the fence is high enough, as some dogs, even small breeds, can scale surprisingly high fences. Cats can easily jump fences, so to keep them safe and prevent them from harming wildlife, consider installing a cat containment system. This also helps avoid costly vet bills from fights and accidents that might occur if your pets roam the streets.
Plants
Dogs and cats often chew on plants in the yard, and some can cause contact allergies, such as wandering jew. Common plants that are problematic when chewed include yesterday-today-and-tomorrow, poinsettias, lilies, aloe vera, oleander, and sago palm. Many plants are toxic when ingested, and the toxic effects can be cumulative. Identify any plants your pet may be eating and consult your veterinarian. Additionally, dogs are often attracted to blood and bone fertilizers, which can make them very sick if ingested.
Garage
Just as you wouldn't let a toddler into a garage with hazardous materials, ensure your pet cannot access anything harmful, especially rat and snail bait, fertilizers, and antifreeze. Store these items up high or in a locked cupboard.
Rubbish Bins
If you have a large pet, ensure they cannot access the rubbish bins. They might tip them over, creating a mess and eating harmful food scraps, such as bones and toxic foods.
Kitchen
The kitchen is an exciting place for a new puppy or kitten. Visit the baby-proofing section of your local hardware store for cupboard locks, and ensure the bin is secure. Power cords can be a chewing hazard, so use cord tidies to protect both cords and pets.
Store treats and food safely out of reach, as many cases of bloat occur from dogs overeating after getting into the food supply.
Living Areas
Secure power cords in all main areas of the house. The key to pet proofing is to eliminate clutter—anything on the floor or within reach of your dog or cat is at risk of being chewed. Your puppy won't know the difference between a chew toy and your remote control!
For cats, secure ornaments and objects on mantles and windowsills. Cats like to perch up high and might knock over or break sentimental items.
If your house is carpeted, consider using a playpen or baby gates to restrict your puppy's access to these areas during toilet training.
Bedrooms
Store your clothes and shoes in wardrobes or drawers to prevent them from being destroyed by your new fur child. While some breeds are more prone to chewing, it's safer to keep items out of reach.
The same caution applies to kids' toys. A new puppy or kitten won't distinguish between a child's toy and their own. Avoid anything that could be easily ingested, especially items with button batteries, which pose a serious danger if swallowed.
Be mindful of items your curious pet might get stuck in, like empty bags. Cats, in particular, are drawn to bags and boxes, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Bathrooms / Laundry
Secure bathroom cupboards with child locks to keep cleaning products and medications out of reach. Many pets are tempted to drink from the toilet, so remember to keep the lid down to prevent accidents.
Conclusion
Keeping your home clean with pets doesn't have to be difficult. In addition to regular cleaning, staying up-to-date with pet vaccinations and preventative treatments can prevent infestations of parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms. Products like Bravecto for dogs provide up to 3 months of flea and tick prevention, making it easier to keep your home parasite-free and safe for the whole family.
Even in a well-pet-proofed home, a bored dog might still find mischief. If you'll be away, provide them with something to stay occupied, such as Kong toys filled with steamed sweet potato and liver treats. Consider using a kennel with a run or large pet crate to keep them contained and ensure both your home and pet's safety while you're out.
Related
- Laundry Room Safety Tips: How to Prevent Accidents and Injuries
- Safe Cleaning for People and Pets
- How many dryer sheets per load?
- Do Dryer Sheets Pose A Risk?
- Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products
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