The importance of creating a safe environment for your beloved pets cannot be underestimated. Millions of pets seek medical care each year due to environmental hazards. Pet-proofing your home is essential to prevent accidents and keep your furry friends out of harm’s way. Here are some common potential dangers to dogs and cats found in many homes, along with tips and tricks to address them:
Kitchen and Bathroom
- Use childproof latches to keep cabinets closed and prevent access to cleaning products and chemicals.
- Store medications, cleaners, and laundry supplies on high shelves to keep them out of reach.
- Keep trash cans covered or inside a latched cabinet to prevent pets from ingesting harmful substances.
Bedrooms
- Keep laundry, shoes, and any small items that can be swallowed behind closed doors.
- Store perfumes, lotions, and cosmetics out of reach of pets.
- Move electrical and phone wires out of reach to prevent chewing.
Living Room
- Unplug and put away cords when not in use to prevent pets from chewing on them.
- Block off access to the fireplace with a baby gate or a fireplace screen to avoid burns or other injuries.
- Choose pet-friendly and durable flooring to withstand scratches and accidents.
Common Areas
- Create a separate eating area for your pets to prevent them from accessing human food and potentially harmful substances.
- Decorate your windows wisely by ensuring that blinds and curtains are out of reach to prevent entanglement or choking hazards.
- Keep pet paraphernalia, such as toys and leashes, organized and out of the way to avoid tripping hazards.
General Tips
- Keep all sharp objects, tools, and small spaces inaccessible to pets.
- Move common house plants that may be poisonous out of reach.
- Ensure that all heating/air vents have covers to prevent pets from getting stuck.
Garage, utility, and outdoor areas:
- Store chemicals, fertilizer, pest control, lighter fluid, anti-freeze, oil, paint and sharp tools in latched cabinets and ensure that the area is off-limits to pets.
Remember, this is not a complete list of potentially toxic substances. Please contact ASPCA poison control 24 hour hotline at (888) 426-4435 or visit aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control, when/if needed for additional guidance.
By being proactive and addressing these potential hazards, you can create a safe and secure environment for your pets. A little effort in pet-proofing your home can go a long way in preventing accidents and keeping your pets healthy and happy.