In this article, you will know about the pet proofing your home. So, if you are interested in knowing about it, then keep reading this article. As a good pet parent one of the first things you will want to do before bringing your new pet home is to ensure your house is safe for your new furry family member. There are a few things you can do, whether you have a cat or a dog, to make the move into pet parenthood simpler for everyone involved. Having a pet is akin to having a moving baby or a toddler in the house, so going down to floor level to explore for items that can pique their interest is a smart first step.
Outside
Fencing – Is your fence safe with no holes or openings for a little puppy to sneak through? Is the fence sufficiently tall? Some dog breeds (even little ones) can jump a shockingly high fence and flee in a flash. Cats of course can readily leap fences, so never expect your cat to remain in the backyard until you install a cat confinement system to safeguard them. This may also assist to prevent them damaging any local species, as well as pricey vet costs from animal conflicts and mishaps that may occur if your dogs wander the streets.
Plants – Dogs and cats often chew on plants in the yard, and some, such as wandering jew, may cause contact allergies. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, poinsettias, lillies, aloe vera, oleander, and sago palm are some common plants that create issues when chewed. Other plants may be dangerous if consumed, and the toxic impact can be cumulative, so identify the plant and see your veterinarian if your pet appears to be eating anything out there. Dogs often consume blood, bone, and other fertilizers, and may get very ill as a result.
Garage – Just as you wouldn’t let your child play in a toxin-filled garage, check sure there’s nothing your pet can consume in there, especially rat and snail bait, fertilizer, and antifreeze. Put things up high or in a closed cabinet.
Rubbish Bins – If you have a huge pet, ensure sure they don’t have access to the trash cans. They will likely turn it over causing a large mess and even eating food scraps with probable risks such as bones and other things that might be hazardous.
Kitchen
A new dog or kitten will have a lot of fun in the kitchen. You may need to visit the baby-proofing area of your local hardware shop to purchase cabinet locks and of course locking the trashcan will be a priority too. Power cables may be a concern for gnawing pups and kittens, but there are some handy cord tidies that can be wrapped around wires to protect both your connections and your pets.
Remember to keep treats and food in the kitchen carefully stashed away, as we see many instances of bloat from dogs getting into the food supply and overeating.
Living Rooms
In addition, power lines should be secured in the major parts of the home. The key to pet proofing is to reduce clutter, everything on the floor and at dog or cat height is at danger of being chewed, after all your puppy can’t be expected to tell the difference between a chew toy and your remote control or iPod!
It is particularly important for cats to secure any decorations and other things on mantles and windowsills. Cats prefer to perch high and watch the world go by, and they may end up knocking over or destroying that treasured thing you keep on display.
If your home has carpeting, try putting your new puppy in a playpen or installing baby gates to limit access to carpeted areas while they are potty training.
Bedrooms
If you don’t want your new fur offspring to harm your clothing and shoes, storing them in the closet or drawers is the ideal solution. Some breeds are more prone to chewing than others, but it’s always best to be cautious than sorry.
The same is true for children’s toys. A new dog or kitten won’t be able to discern the difference between a child’s toy and that new Kong toy or squeaking mouse you purchased them yesterday. Anything that may be readily eaten is dangerous to a new pet. Keep an eye out for anything that contain button batteries, since they are exceedingly deadly if consumed.
You should also consider anything that your inquisitive pet may get their head caught in, such as empty bags. Cats, in particular, like getting into bags and boxes, and sadly, asphyxia is a major concern for pets.
Bathrooms / Laundry
To safeguard any cleaning supplies or prescriptions, bathroom cabinets should be locked with kid locks. Many pets may attempt to drink from the toilet, so keep the lid closed to prevent any mishaps.
Other things to consider
Keeping your house clean when you have pets does not have to be difficult. On top of regular cleaning, ensuring you remain up to date with pet vaccines and other preventive treatments will assist to avoid any infestations of parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms that can leap onboard your new pet and find their way into the house. For those with less time to remember, there are now products available such as Bravecto for dogs that will provide your pet with flea and tick protection for up to 3 months. Keeping up with these treatments can assist to maintain your house parasite-free and safe for the whole family.
Even if you have the most pet-proofed house, a bored dog will likely find something they shouldn’t be getting into to have some fun. If you are going to be away from your pet for an extended period of time, make sure they have something to keep them engaged. Kong toys stuffed with steamed sweet potato and liver treats are an excellent method to keep them entertained. If your pet is misbehaving while you are away, try placing them in a kennel with a run or a big pet box to keep them confined. This may assure the safety of both your house and your pet.