Adopting a Pet: What to Clean Up and Fix Around Your Home Before Arrival

When you adopt a new pet into your home, before he even arrives, there are several things you need to clean up to ensure his safety. Even if you were told that the dog never got into any trouble at his previous home, things could change when he comes into yours. In addition to putting childproof locks on cabinets, other simple changes can mean a big difference in keeping him safe, healthy and out of trouble. It can also save you a lot of hassle, worry or aggravation.

Cords and Wires

Any type of cord or wire is dangerous to a pet. In addition to cords plugged into outlets or loose hanging cords coming from electronics, you must also consider phone and computer wires. Even wires that have been stapled along the edge of the wall can be incredibly dangerous. Not only could the pet get a hold of the wires and chew on them, but he can also ingest the staples. In this case, put a piece of electrical tape over every part of the wire to ensure your pet cannot get at them.

Plants

Even though some plants are not dangerous to pets, it is still best that you remove them from their reach. You must also consider if a dog can reach them if he stands on his hind legs and not just on all fours. In addition, keep in mind that a cat can climb, so there must be no way for him to access them. The best option is to hang the plants from the ceiling away from any shelves.

Cleaning Supplies

Whether you leave cleaning supplies out or under a cabinet, make sure there is no way that your pet can access them. Put a lock on the door so your pet cannot get in and, if there are any loose supplies, put them where they cannot be reached. Cleaning supplies are incredibly dangerous to pets so it is vital that you take every precaution possible.

Chipped Wood

If there is any chipped wood on your walls, floor or furniture, it should be fixed before you get a new pet. Not only could the animal bite on the chipped wood, but he could also get splinters stuck under his nails or in his paws.

Loose Flooring

Whatever type of floor you have, your pet could manage to break pieces off and ingest them. In addition, if he does not ingest it and just rips the pieces up, it can completely ruin your flooring, which could be expensive to replace. Make sure your flooring is in good, solid shape or if it is not, create a temporary or permanent fix to avoid any problems.

Dog Doors

If you already have a dog door but have an untrained pet coming in your home that does not know how to use the dog door, you must arrange it so that there is no way that he can get out of it. One option is to completely seal off the dog door, another is to keep the untrained pet out of the area the door is in. The results may not be good if the pet runs out of the door before he is accustomed to using it and the area.

One way to help ensure that your pet is safe is by getting down to his level. While it may seem silly, getting on all fours as well as being even with what his height would be on two legs can be a good way to see things from his point of view. For a cat, using your imagination can come into play to see where he can jump. Taking precautions can help ensure your pet's safety and keep him happy and healthy.

Sources:

- Personal Experience
- http://www.petplace.com/dogs/how-to-puppy-proof-your-home-2/page1.aspx
- http://www.akc.org/public_education/responsible_dog_owner.cfm
- http://www.purina.com/dogs/puppies/PuppyProofing.aspx