The Perfect Dog Home

Is your home pet proofed? We all love our animal friends and the last thing we want is for them to get injured. So why not take the necessary precautions to make sure that they are safe at all times. Whether you own a new puppy who likes to chew or kitty cat who loves to get into mischief, the following tips are smart and simple ways to keeping your pets safe in your home and garden at all times:

Inside: The Home

To keep your pets out of harms way try using childproof latches. Little puppies and kittens love to explore and pry open into places they really shouldn't be. Not only are these great for toddlers, but a great way to secure cabinets that are close to the floor that may contain your household cleaning agents.

Be sure to inspect all of your chemical bottle lids in your home, garage, shed and anywhere else you may have chemicals. Make sure that all of the lids are screwed on nice and tight. The last thing you would want is for a thirsty puppy to lick up spilled Drano or Windex. Avoid having to take your pet to the ER by keeping all poisons safely out of reach or behind a secured cabinet. Do the same with poisonous plants or try not to have poisonous plants in your home all together.

Hide and secure the Trash. Hungrypets love knocking over garbage in hopes of getting some leftovers from the evening's dinner, but be sure to keep all discarded food and trash items out of reach. Try using a secure trash can lid to avoid an incident of scattered garbage all over your kitchen floor.

Keep dangerous cords and wires out of reach. Let's not forget that puppies love to chew on things. So let's not let an electrical cord be one of them. Lower the risk of electrocution to zero by keeping all lamp, computer, stereo and appliance cords and wirings tied back or inaccessible.

Keep all air and heating vents covered. We don't want a tiny kitten or beloved puppy dog to get trapped in any of these.

Close all toilet lids. Words can't describe how disturbing it is to see a pet drink out of the toilet bowl. So please, keep the toilet water off limits!

Always check the washer and dryer before loading up with laundry. There is a reason why the American Humane Association recommends this because it does happen. Try not to be distracted and remember to check the machines as well as your laundry for any hidden kittens before beginning the wash.

Outside: The Backyard

Check for any openings in fences and gates. Be sure to block off open holes or pathways that may lead out of the property. The last thing you want for your beloved pet to runaway or get lost. To many runaway pets get injured or hit by cars wandering the streets of the local neighborhood or busy city.

Clear your backyard of unwanted guests. Sometimes poisonous spiders like black widows or snakes, skunks and other interesting critters decide to make your place home. Make sure that they are gone before you allow the dog to roam the yard.

Get rid of poisonous plants! Animals tend to eat anything and everything. Remove plants in your garden that may pose a danger to your pets. The same applies to moldy fruit from fruit trees. Also be aware of the pesticides, pest controls and fertilizers used in your yard, read all instructions and don't use any that may contain any pet threatening toxins. When it comes to indoor and outdoor plants, these common plants are toxic to both dogs and cats, they include: aloe vera, amaryllis, baby's breath, oleander, milkweed and poinsettias.

Protect your flower or vegetable beds. A great way to keep the pets out of the garden is to surround it with chicken wire for puppies and coffee grounds for kittens.

Cover your pool and spas! Too often beloved pets drown because the owner forgot to cover the pool or close the gate. Prevent pet drowning with protective covering, especially if your pet can't swim.