When you pet-proof your home, you protect your dog or cat, your property, and everyone in the house. Pets are very curious. They may want to go exploring and find themselves unexpectedly trapped or hurt. Here are some ways to keep your pet safe, such as pet-proofing your home.
Consider Pee Pads
They may have accidents if it’s a new dog or unfamiliar with your home. Instead of having them use a rug or carpet, set down some pee pads where they can be encouraged to go if they’re struggling not to have accidents.
Use Baby Gates
Are there rooms your pet isn’t allowed in but to which you still need regular access? Use baby gates to block access. They’re inexpensive, and no pet can jump on them unless your pet is a cat.
Keep Food Out of Reach
Most pet owners must learn this the hard way, but keeping food out of reach of any pet is important. From the food to dirty plates, wrappers, and more, a cat or dog will not hesitate to seek out these materials.
Move Poison Plants Out
Many common houseplants are poisonous to dogs. Ensure you check what plants you have. Move any toxic greenery out of the house. The consequences can be severe if a plant falls to the floor and enough is ingested.
Have a Designated Feeding Area
Every pet should be fed quality food. High-quality dog treats, for example, will ensure your dog is even-tempered. They are less likely to be irritable or look for food in areas it should not be in.
Shut Cabinets
Keep all cabinets closed so that your pet cannot pry into them. If you have a particularly problematic pet, consider using childproof latches to prevent these doors or drawers from opening.
Move Medications Up
All medicines you take should be kept away from your dog, cat, or pet. Move all medications to a high shelf, put them in a box under lock and key, or keep them somewhere no pet can reach.
Move Cleaners Up
Any cleaners, chemical cleaners, and laundry supplies should also be moved to high shelves. Though a pet will unlikely purposely get into these, a spill could have serious consequences for them and your home.
Keep the Bathroom Door Shut
Some say to keep the toilet lid closed to prevent drowning or drinking from it. We’ll go a step further and argue with keeping the bathroom door fully shut. This way, your dog won’t get into the toilet, the bathroom garbage, or ingest any of the products in the room.
Keep Trash Cans Latched
Buy garbage cans that have a lid and latches. This ensures that a pet such as a dog won’t be able to nose them into your trash, seeking out food scraps or anything it can chew on.
Block Off Small Spaces
If your house has holes inside cabinets or walls, holes behind the washer or dryer unit, or similar small spaces that a pet can use to disappear into, block those off. It’s even better to seal them permanently.
Tape Wires Out of Reach
Any wires from laptops, smartphones, lamps, DVD players, TVs, and similar items should be taped and hidden. A pet may want to play and bite into these wires, possibly causing shock or permanent damage.
Move Valuables Away
If a pet bumps into a table or shelf, it may cause all sorts of damage, especially if there are glass or fragile valuables on top. Move these elsewhere or put them in storage. This includes any knickknacks you don’t want to fall to the ground and potentially becoming damaged.
Keep Children’s Toys Away
If you have children, a pet such as a dog can eat away at almost any children’s toy and damage it. Ensure toys are kept somewhere a pet cannot access. For a dog, it’s easy. Put a baby gate before a children’s room and instantly cut off access.
Make Sure There Are Toys
This may not apply to every pet, but dogs can grow bored. When they do, they will start attacking furniture and tearing apart pillows. To prevent that, make sure they have toys available.
No Window Escapes For Your Pet
Ensure windows are secure and closed. Even a window that is up high can still be got to by a cat determined enough to make the jump.
Lock Doors When You Leave
Be careful with doors as well. Any time you open a door, a dog or cat can run for it; occasionally, one may get through.
