Essential Pet-Proofing Tips for Your Home

Welcoming a pet into your home is not only an exciting experience but a rewarding one also. Nonetheless, as with young kids, pets are inquisitive and love to examine their environment. This may seem particularly cute but it often results in broken things injured puppies and general chaos. Pet-proofing your home is a great way to make sure that your shelters are safe and that your belongings are in good condition.

This is where pet-proofing comes into play, no matter whether your pets are a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig or another small critter. This article will walk you through how to securely pet-proof your home area by area so that your home can be the best and safest space for your fur family.

What to look for and why pet-proofing is necessary

Cats and dogs are curious by nature, and as pets, they can get into trouble while playing. A few household risks include the following:

• Poisons such as cleaning supplies, drugs, or some plants
• Chew-able and attractive cords and wires.
• Weapons that were sharp such as knives or broken glass or scissors.
• Ingestible objects, which can be a choking hazard or lead to blockages.
• Furniture that is unstable and can tip over and fall on a child.

Pet-proofing does not just avoid the mishap, but also protects you from expensive vet bills as well as repairs from damaged property.

How to Pet-Proof Rooms in Your House?

1. Living Room and Common Areas

All the family members, as well as the pets, spend a lot of time inside the living room. Here’s how to make it safe:

• Hide away electrical cords — Using cord covers, or hiding them behind furniture, can make your home safer by stopping your pet from chewing on them.
• Remove small objects – Coins, jewelry, and children’s toys can be choking hazards.
• Opt for pet-friendly furniture — Leather and microfiber are easier to clean and more scratch-resilient than upholstered fabric.
• Utilize Baby Gates– If there are designated areas you don’t want your pet to be able to enter, set up baby gates in their path.
• Hide away those remotes & electronics — Pets like to chew on things like remotes, headphones, & phone chargers, so place them in drawers or up high.

2. Kitchen Safety for Pets

There are so many hazards for pets — from dangerous foods to sharp items — in kitchens. Keep these tips in mind:

Put food away — lots of human food — chocolate, onions, grapes, and caffeine to name a few — are poisonous to pets. We can place the leftovers in a sealed container and avoid leaving them around on their own.

Put childproof latches on cabinets — Some animals are clever enough to open those with paws! Install safety locks to keep those cleaning supplies, trash bins, and pantry items out of reach.

• Pet safe trash cans — We all know that trash cans are often full of food leftovers, but if the leftovers are old, spoiled, or a bone, he could get sick (or worse). Keep the trash can with a tight-fitting top or inside a cabinet.
• Do not leave hot surfaces unattended – If you have used a stove or oven, there should be no way for the pets to jump up and badly burn themselves.
• Store knives and sharp objects properly – Store knives and other sharp objects in drawers or knife blocks out of reach of pets.

3. Bathroom and Laundry Room Safety

• Like bathrooms and laundry rooms, where many pet toxins are lurking (think cleaning products, medications, and small items).
• Close toilet lids some pets, especially dogs, will attempt to drink from the toilet and some of the cleaning chemicals can be toxic.
• Secure medications – Always keep pills or supplements out of your pet's reach. Various human medications can be harmful, and even a trace amount can be toxic.
• Store cleaning products — Put bleach, detergents, and other cleaning chemicals in locked cabinets.
• Stay clear of all loose strings and tiny items — Getting dental floss, cotton swabs, and hair ties in their mouths can be fatal.
• Check WASHING MACHINES and DRYERS — Cats, kittens and other small animals sometimes get into warm, sheltered spaces such as washing machines and dryers that have WARM OWNER recently placed clothing. Make sure to check before turning them.

4. Bedroom Pet-Proofing

However, your bedroom might not prove to be the securest of havens—pets get into trouble even here.

• Away with cords and strings – Cats in particular have a penchant for playing with elongated, stringy objects, which can lead to choking or intestinal obstruction when swallowed.
• Keep cosmetics and lotions out of reach: Some beauty products include toxic chemicals. Store them away in drawers or on top shelves.
• Opt for pet-friendly plants — If your bedroom consists of plants, make sure they are non-toxic to pets. Lilies, aloe vera and snake plants are among the most common toxic plants.
• Keep your bedding and furniture protected — If your pet sleeps in bed with you, cover your mattress and blankets with is washable coverings to help contain hair, dirt, and messes.

Creating a Pet-Friendly Environment in Your Yard and Other Outdoor Areas

If your cat or dog goes outside, ensure their safety.

• Identify and remove toxic plants – Many garden plants, including common ones like azaleas, tulips, and sago palms are dangerous for pets.
• Valid fences and gates – Inspect your yard boundaries for any holes within the fence, or unfastened boards, that fantastic little escape artists love to go in/out of.
• Shade and water available – If your pet is an outdoor dog, make sure they have easy access to cool, shady spots and fresh water.
• Get rid of toxic chemicals – Lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and antifreeze can be lethal when ingested. Keep these things in a secure area and do not use toxic chemicals in a pet accessible area.
• Monitor swimming pool areas – If you own a pool, make sure that your pet can not accidentally fall inside of it; consider investing in a pool cover, or some pet-friendly pool ramps.

Pet-Specific Caveats

Dogs

• Leave out chew toys to avoid chewing on your furniture or your shoes.
• Check their collar or harness size, so they will not be able to escape.
• Do not give them bones that can be splintered and hurt.

Cats

Cats are natural climbers, which means they love to jump onto high surfaces, so secure anything in your home that may break.

• Put up scratching posts to protect furniture from damage.
• High spots, fit window screens or safety locks, or open window tightly.
• Other Pets with Smaller Body Sizes (Bunnies, Cavies, etc.)
• As tiny animals tend to nibble on electrical wires, cover them up.
• Leave shackle assistance in cages to avoid surprises.
• Do not leave them unattended around other pets, who may see them as prey.

More Ways to Make Your Home Pet-Friendly

• Use pet-safe cleaning products — Some household cleaners have chemicals that can harm pets. Choose non-toxic natural options
• Have an area for your pet – Have a corner wherein you have the pet bed, toys & water bowl set up.
• Save emergency contacts – Have your vet phone number close as well as some emergency pet poison helpline in case of accidental ingestion.
• Train your pet — When you give your pet simple commands — such as "leave it" or "stay" — you can help them avoid dangerous situations.
• Change in pet behavior – If you notice your pet suddenly chewing, digging, or hiding more than normal, then your pet may be stressed, or something is wrong with your pet and happens to be sick.

Conclusion

It is important to pet-proof your home to keep your furry friend safe and healthy. You can follow simple steps and minor lifestyle changes to have a safe, animal-friendly, at-home environment and allow your pet to some exploration without putting his life in danger.

Whether it is locking away hazardous materials or storing small items where children cannot reach them, every measure helps to avoid an accident. From puppies that get carried away playing, kittens climbing up anything, and even a small bunny, these pet-proofing tips will keep your companion and your home safe.

You can offer your furry friend a happy, safe and cozy environment by staying ahead and being on the lookout for any potential risks.