Pet-proofing your home
Just as parents childproof their home, so should pet owners pet-proof theirs.
Four-legged members of the family, like infants and small children, are naturally curious and love to explore their environment with their paws, claws and mouths.
But they can’t know what is dangerous and what is not, so it’s up to you to make your home a safe haven. The following tips can help ensure that your pet enjoys a long, happy and accident-free life in your care:
All around the house
- Screen windows to guard against falls
- Don’t let young pets out on balconies, upper porches or high decks.
- Many house plants, including dieffenbachia, elephant ear, spider plants and more are poisonous if eaten. Remove them or put them out of reach in hanging baskets.
- Puppies and kittens love to chew when they’re teething, so unplug, remove or cover electrical cords.
- Don’t leave a room where a fire is lit or heater is being used unattended.
- Plastic bags may be fun to play with, but they can suffocate.
- Don’t leave small, sharp, easily swallowed objects lying around.
In the garage
- Cats enjoy naps near a warm engine so, before you drive off, honk your horn and make sure your pet is not under or near the car.
- Pets like the smell and taste of antifreeze and windscreen washer. Tightly close containers and wipe up any spills.
- Paint, fuel and other dangerous chemicals should be stored out of reach.
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