mike Sharing your home with a beloved pet brings untold joy and happiness. Pets become part of the family, and it’s hard to imagine life without them. However, owning pets comes with a responsibility to keep them safe and protect them from harm. How can you do this in your home?
Just as when you have a toddler in the house, it’s crucial you pet-proof your home to avoid accidents. Puppies and kittens are curious and will expose themselves to all manner of dangers if left to their own devices.
Chewing
In the same way that babies put all sorts of objects in their mouths, so will little animals. However, they cannot differentiate what is dangerous and what’s not. So be sure to tidy away electrical wires, remotes controls as well as small objects that could be a choking hazard.
If you suspect your pet has swallowed something they shouldn’t or eating something poisonous, contact your local vet for advice on what to do. They will likely ask you to attend the vet whilst they assess your pet and suggest any treatment they may need.
Where is your pet?
If you have a large animal such as a dog, it’s easy to keep track of their whereabouts; however, if you have small pets like kittens, rabbits, or guinea pigs, you should always be aware of hiding places they may be lurking. If you haven’t seen your kitty for a while, be sure to check places such as washing machines, dryers, garages, or any little nooks and crannies that may pose a danger to them. There have been incidences of kittens curling up in tumble dryers with devastating consequences, so always be aware of your pet’s whereabouts.
Chemicals and cleaning
It’s important to keep any cleaning materials or chemicals you use in your home out of the reach of pets. Some substances are attractive and taste good to dogs, and many will attempt to drink them, so lock them away out of sight and high enough to be out of reach.
You should also be careful when cleaning your pet’s bedding or fur. You should use pet-friendly products to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Food and bins
Many animals are very food-driven. You must keep all food products out of reach of pets. It’s not unusual for dogs to rip open packets and eat the entire contents; you’ll be cross to have lost the food, and it won’t do their digestion any good, especially if it is human food.
Bins should be fully secure to avoid pets ripping them open. After a hard day’s work, no one wants to clear up a kitchen full of rubbish.
Plants
If you enjoy bringing the outside in, then you may have indoor plants scattered around your home. It’s useful to do some research to investigate what plants are harmful to animals. For example, Lillies are very toxic to pets and, if ingested, can cause severe kidney damage. So if you do keep poisonous plants in the house, be sure to keep them out of reach.
Sharing homes with pets is a beautiful experience but always protect them by pet-proofing your home appropriately.
