Parents child-proof their homes in order to protect their young children from common household dangers, so why shouldn’t you “pet-proof” your home too? Like infants, the four-legged members of your family are naturally inquisitive and love to explore their environment with their mouths and paws. However, your curious dogs and cats don’t know what’s dangerous to play with and what’s safe, so it’s important that you keep your home a safe haven for your furry friends.
Take a look at some important tips to keep your house accident-free.
In the house:
- Screen windows to guard against accidental falls
- Make sure houseplants are out of reach. Certain common varieties—like elephant ear, spider plants, and dieffenbachia—are poisonous to pets
- Puppies and kitties love to chew anything they can get their jaws around, so be sure to unplug, remove, or cover electrical cords
- It may be fun to watch pets play with a plastic bag, but they can suffocate if left alone
In the garage:
- Pets love the smell of antifreeze and windshield washer. Make sure all containers are closed tightly and clean up any spills
- Store paint, gasoline, or other dangerous chemicals out of reach
In the laundry room, bathroom, and kitchen:
- Keep household chemicals like bleach and ammonia sealed and stored out of your pet’s reach
- Close the lids on your washer and drier! Your dog or cat might climb in and get stuck
- Keep the lids on your toilet seat down. For some unknown reason, pets love hanging out around toilets, but smaller animals can fall in and drown if they slip
In the yard:
- Try to keep your pet away from laws and gardens that have been treated with chemicals
- Make sure to keep outdoor pools and hot tubs covered when you aren’t using them
- Keep garden tools and chemicals safely locked up
- A fence can prevent your pet from running out into the street or roaming too far from home
While your home should always be a safe haven for you, many pet-owners are surprised by the number of common household hazards they have lying around. Taking a few simple cautionary steps will help to avoid a costly (and unnecessary) emergency trip to your veterinarian!
