Just like babyproofing your home before welcoming a tiny human, you need to make sure that the environment you’re placing a new pet in is safe.
We all know just how curious animals can be. They will attempt to explore every corner of your house, even if that means licking sharp objects or swallowing some coins.
Their nosiness can get them into big trouble. To avoid that from happening, here are 12 tips on petproofing your house. These will help create a safe environment for your companion.
1. Cleaning Supplies
We know just how dangerous these can be, but our pets don’t!
Licking is their way of exploring without knowing how quickly that can become fatal.
Harsh and toxic supplies like bleach, drain cleaners, and antibacterial products can cause serious damage to your pets’ health.
To avoid worst case scenarios, make sure to keep your cleaning supplies hidden in places pets can’t reach.
2. Small Objects
We all do it – empty our pockets as soon as we enter the house. Quickly, all the loose change, trash, or chewing gum ends up on the table or the kitchen counter.
Next time, imagine your pet eating all of that. Don’t assume just because your pet is well-trained that it won’t do such a thing.
Most pets don’t swallow small objects intentionally, they just see these as toys and get carried away with playing.
Before rushing to the vet because your dog ate a coin, just put it away and stay safe.
3. Alcohol
If your companion starts a party, it could end badly!
Not only because your neighbours might complain, but also because pets shouldn’t consume alcohol.
This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even fatal outcomes. Be aware that bottles break easily. Therefore, hide them somewhere pets can’t reach.
In case this does happen, the best thing to do is to take your companion to the vet. This way it can get checked out and monitored until feeling better.
4. Chocolate
What might be your favorite snack is your pet’s worst enemy.
Many people underestimate just how harmful giving chocolate to pets can be, and intentionally give it to them to taste.
If animals eat chocolate it can lead to vomiting, increased heart rate, and even fatal outcomes.
Therefore, hide your desserts, especially if you own a dog!
5. Electrical Cords
With all this technology, our homes have turned into a maze of wires – wherever you look, there’s cords everywhere!
When owning a pet, you must be cautious about such things. They can easily mistake cords as toys and start playing and biting.
These seemingly harmful actions can lead to electrical shocks or even burns.
Keep your pet safe by hiding cords. There are many creative solutions to do so, such as clipping them on furniture or placing them in decorative baskets.
6. Candles
Just a small moment of inattention can lead to disasters. For instance, you make a cozy atmosphere by lighting candles. You grab your favorite book and forget about the world around you.
While you’re deep into reading, your pet might knock over a candle, starting a fire in your house.
Consider safer options to make your home comfortable while keeping your companion out of danger.
Think about all the fun you can have with different lamps, lights, or even fake candles.
7. Toxic Plants
Get rid of all the plants that could be harmful to your pet.
Our curious companions should never, but might try to, eat plants like lilies, sago palms, or ivies. This could lead to vomiting, breathing difficulties, or even seizures.
Learn about pet-safe plants. This way you can make your home both comfy and pet-safe. These plants will spare you from visiting the emergency room.
8. Closing The Windows And Doors
Just imagine how much more of the world is out there for your pet to explore. Don’t think it will resist such a temptation.
But just know it doesn’t do it purposely to make you mad, it does it out of pure curiosity.
Before having to chase your pet around the neighbourhood trying to catch it, make sure you’ve closed the windows and doors.
Your home is a much safer place than the dangerous world outside, full of predators waiting on every corner.
9. Sharp Objects
Living fast-paced lives makes us hurry from one place to another, resulting in a mess at home.
This also means leaving stuff, like sharp objects, unattended. This is not the best idea if you have pets.
They like to sniff and touch items in order to explore them. This can lead to serious injuries you don’t want your companion to experience.
Keep your house tidy and pets safe by placing sharp objects in secure places.
10. Closing The Toilet Lid
There are two scenarios that could happen with an open toilet lid.
First, your pet could drink out of it. This can lead to some serious trouble because of the bacteria and toxins inside of it.
Second, it could fall inside. Smelling bad isn’t the worst thing that could happen to it.
To avoid both situations, always close the lid and rest easy knowing your home is pet-safe.
11. Trash Cans
Smells of various foods and snacks in one place? It’s like winning the lottery for your pet.
It won’t take them long to start exploring trash cans and eating anything that comes their way. That also means consuming other things besides food.
Anything from moldy waste, plastic wrappers, to sharp lids can be found in trash cans.
Make sure to purchase cans with tight lids or to keep them in hidden places, so your pet can’t reach it.
12. Temperature Control
There’s nothing like a warm house on a cozy winter evening, or even better, a chill room on a hot summer night!
When we have pets, we can’t think about ourselves only.
Not all animals can tolerate too high or too low temperatures. Therefore, make sure to keep the heat suitable for the type of pet you have.