How to Pet-Proof Your Home for Furry Family Members
If you share your home with a pet or two (or five), you know their well-being is a top priority. Along with making a move less stressful for them, learning how to pet-proof your home should be high on the list for responsible pet owners. Read on to know what to look out for and […]
If you share your home with a pet or two (or five), you know their well-being is a top priority. Along with making a move less stressful for them, learning how to pet-proof your home should be high on the list for responsible pet owners. Read on to know what to look out for and how to make your home a comfortable and secure place for everyone.
Kitchens
Star your pet-proofing mission in the kitchen, as it has a lot of potentially dangerous and tempting items for your four-legged friends. Ensure cabinets are secure to prevent access to cleaning supplies, cutlery, and any unauthorized treats – child-proof cabinet locks are an excellent option here. Some human foods can be life-threatening for dogs and cats, so promptly store items like chocolates, crackers, and leftovers away or you could be making an unexpected trip to the emergency vet. Garbage bins should have lids or be kept inside cabinets, as pets can get into trash hunting for a bonus meal.
Living Rooms
You probably spend a lot of quality time with your pets in your living room, which also deserves a careful going-over. Keep small objects, like breakable decorative pieces and children’s toys, out of reach. Electrical cords should be concealed or secured, as they present a chewing temptation for many animals. Certain houseplants can also be toxicfor your fur babies, so you’ll want to eliminate any dangerous varieties.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
In bedrooms, keep your clothes, shoes, and personal items stowed away since anything can become a fun chew toy, especially for dogs. Secure medications, razors and other sharp objects away from curious paws and noses. And while a cat lying on the bathroom floor surrounded by a roll of unspooled toilet paper seems like it’d be great photo op, it’ll be a pain to clean up. Consider keeping doors closed when you’re not around.
Yards, Patios and Decks
If your pets spend considerable time outside, you’ll want to provide a shaded area and fresh water to prevent overheating in hot weather. Also, think about installing a pet door if you do have an enclosed outdoor space like a catio or dog run, making it easy for them to get outside safely. Plus, animals can be notorious escape artists, so securely latch all non-pet doors and windows to prevent any unexpected breakouts.