As a pet owner, we strive to ensure our animals are getting the best care possible—whether that’s the food they consume, scheduling regular check-ups with the veterinarian, or making sure they get an adequate amount of exercise. Yet taking care of your pet is not just about their health, you have to make sure their surroundings are safe too. Just like baby-proofing a home before a baby comes into your life, you need to do some pet-proofing to keep your fur baby safe. Animals are naturally curious, so keep these tips in mind to protect your pet at home.
Keep your pets away from dangerous house plants
While humans know not to take a bite out of a house plant, cats and dogs are typically not as sensible. Make sure to familiarize yourself with plants that could be potentially toxic to your pet, such as lilies, azaleas, tulips, yew, aloe vera, chrysanthemums, poinsettias, hollies, and English ivy. Do your research on the kinds of houseplants that are safe for pets, so you can green your home without worry.
Add child-proof locks to cabinets
Just like kids, pets will certainly want to open cabinets and doors they shouldn’t. A cat might find hiding away in your bathroom cupboard fun, but if you keep any chemicals in those cupboards, the experience could result in a trip to the emergency pet hospital in Cleveland, OH. Adding child-proof locks can prevent your pet from accessing harmful chemicals, cleaners, food, and medications.
Store food items in a safe place
A lot of food made for human consumption can be fatal to your furry friend, even if they only consume a small amount. And even if the food is harmless, the wrapping could be a potential choking hazard. Store food high up, behind closed doors, and generally out of reach from your pet. Also consider storing your handbag on a high hook away from your pet, instead of on the floor or on a chair. Purses can contain some substances toxic to your pet like gum, medications, or even nicotine. Any tobacco product containing nicotine causes illness or even death in animals, so make sure to store these away.
Keep electrical cords and strings out of sight
While we don’t bother with the piece of string on the carpet or the wire attached to our lamp, pets, especially cats, find these items fascinating. Keeping electrical cords and dangerous wires out of your pet’s sight and reach is incredibly important for ensuring your pet’s safety. Animals might consider gnawing or playing with the wires. Bundle up the cords together in a cord protector or place them inside a PVC pipe. Thread is also an unsuspecting danger for pets. Cats love playing with string, but they can easily choke on it so make sure to pick up any loose threads you come across.
Close the toilet lid
Closing the toilet lid doesn’t just ensure your dog stops drinking from it. It also helps prevent any small animals from drowning in the bowl. Plus, toxic chemicals could be lurking in your toilet, so keeping the lid closed prevents any pet from taking a sip.
Be aware of your pet’s surroundings
If you live in California or the Southwest, your pet could come in contact with plenty of dangerous animals. Coyotes hunt in packs and have been known to attack small children and pets. Consider coyote removal specialists to eliminate any danger before it happens. Scorpions are common to run into in some states, especially if you take your dog for hikes. Always keep your puppy on a leash at a dog park or any time you go for a walk.