Tips to Pet-Proof Your Home

The well-being of our furry, feathered, or scaly members of our family is so important. Our four-legged friends are vulnerable to knocking things down, ingesting toxic substances, or getting into places they shouldn’t. Moving into a new home or introducing a new pet into a current residence might require a few adjustments to keep them safe and happy. Here are some guidelines to follow that will help you pet-proof your home.

Harmful Edibles

One of your primary concerns should be about harmful items your pet can ingest. The Humane Society of the United States notes a wide variety of common foods that can be potentially deadly for pets such as coffee grounds, salt, tea, chocolate, and garlic. Keeping food items sealed and properly put away will prevent your pet from ingesting them. Your garbage is also a threat to your pet’s health, so ensure that your garbage can is stored away inside a cabinet or has a secure lid to keep pets out. Medications and cleaning products can also be harmful, so install a medicine cabinet or extra shelving to keep these items out of reach. Don’t forget about your plants. Azaleas, Lilies, Daffodils, and Tulips are just a few common plants that are poisonous to cats and dogs.

Physical Hazards

Protect your pet by evaluating the safety of your home. Look around the house for loose cords or strings on window blinds that could possibly choke, suffocate, or electrocute your pet. Sharp objects like knives, glass, or scissors could accidentally cause physical harm, so keep them properly stored away. Hardwood or polished floors can cause a slippery situation for paws, so put down slip-proof rugs. Check your home for small items like toys or knick-knacks that a curious pet could easily choke on. If you take your pets outside in the yard, provide them with a secure backyard fence. Periodically check your perimeter to make sure there are no jagged edges, loose splinters, or rusty nails.

Even if you go to great lengths to make your home safe, it never hurts to keep a pet emergency kit handy. Your pet is an integral part of your family. Develop the perfect home for you and your pet by personalizing your home with your pet top of mind.