Tips for Pet Safety and Pet Proofing Your Home

Dogs are just like children. Left to their own devices their curiosity will get the better of them and they will get into just about everything. Pet safety is an important issue that every pet owner should address. Pet proofing your home is essential to your pet's safety, especially if you have a new puppy or kitten.

Similar to child proofing your home, pet safety starts with accessing the area your pet spends the most time in. Getting down on your pet's level and viewing the world as they see it will help you to spot any immediate dangers. Look for things that stick out and may look appealing to your dog or cat.

Chemical hazards are all around our homes and making sure that our pets do not have access to these chemicals is essential to their safety. Naturally, you want to make certain that cleaning products, mothballs, pesticides, insecticides and air fresheners are out of your pets reach or closed behind a cabinet door that your pet can not open. Additionally, you want to make sure that chemicals that you use on your floors and furniture do not get on your pet's paws. Dogs and cats often lick their paws when they are cleaning themselves and can inadvertently ingest chemicals because of this.

Plants, both indoors and outdoors are another potential pet safety concern. Many plants are poisonous to animals. Some plants only cause an issue if consumed, while others may cause irritation to your pet with basic contact. It is essential that you research your household and garden plants before you allow your pet access to them.

Toys are another common source of pet injury. Dogs and cats often chew up and destroy their toys, making them unfit to play with. Checking your pets toys often and discarding toys that are starting to fall apart is important. Checking a toys durability when you first purchase it is essential, never purchase flimsy or easily destroyed toys. It is also essential that you make sure that small household objects that may appeal to your dog or cat are kept out of their reach. Yarn, rubber bands, small pieces of plastic and plastic bags all hold potential hazards for your curious pet.

Electrical cords pose a great threat to curious pets, especially to puppies and kittens that chew. Always make sure that your electrical cords are kept tucked away out of your pet's line of vision. Naturally, if a pet chews on a cord it is at risk of electrical shock, but a pet that plays with an appliance cord may also become entangled. If you leave your pet confined to a room without your supervision, it is always best that the room does not have cords at your pet's level.

Keeping an eye on your pet is another important line of defense in pet safety. Often, our pets follow us around the home and they may become locked or trapped somewhere because of that. Always check your dryer, oven, refrigerator, drawers, cabinets and other enclosed areas when shutting them. Additionally, check your screens and doors often to make certain that they are secure. A dog or cat can easily become injured by falling from a window with loose screen or becoming trapped in a door that doesn't shut properly.

There are many potential hazards in our homes for our pets. However, with vigilance, precaution and preparation many of these hazards can easily be avoided. Preparing your home for your pet and making sure that your home is pet proof is an ongoing process, but it is essential to your pet's health and safety.