Every pet owner knows that you have to watch out for your furry friend and make sure they stay safe. But did you know there are things in your home that can be harmful to them?
You may not realize it, but many of the same things we use every day, like cleaning products or plants, can be poisonous if eaten by our pets. Read on to learn how to pet-proof your home so you can set yourself and your good boy up for success.
Safely store cleaning supplies
This is especially important for products like bleach or ammonia, which can be toxic if ingested. Other dangerous cleaning supplies include furniture polish, over cleaners and Draino.
Cleaning supplies are dangerous for pets for a few reasons. Many of them are poisonous if ingested, and they can be harmful if inhaled. Plus, if they come in contact with your pet’s skin they can cause skin irritation or chemical burns.
So it’s essential to keep all of your cleaning supplies in a cabinet or closet that your pet can’t get into. This way, you can be sure that they’re not accidentally ingesting any dangerous chemicals or breathing in harmful fumes.
Keep electrical cords out of reach
Electrical cords pose a danger to pets because they can easily chew on them and get severely shocked. To prevent this, keep all of your electrical cords out of reach. You can do this by using cord covers or tucking them away behind furniture.
Display plants up high
Many houseplants are poisonous to pets if ingested, so keeping them out of reach is essential. Some of the most dangerous plants include lilies, tulips, pothos and azaleas.
If you can’t keep your plants up high, double check that they’re not poisonous to pets. If you have any doubt about whether a plant is poisonous or not, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and keep it out of reach.
Keep your trash can covered
Trash cans can be dangerous for pets because they often contain leftover food and sharp objects that are harmful. To prevent this, make sure to keep your trash can lid closed. And if possible, try to find a trash can with a locking lid. Some foods are not safe for dogs to eat, so having a trash can out of their reach is a must.
Block off areas of the home that your pet isn’t allowed in
When pet-proofing your home, one of the most important things is to block off any areas that your pet isn’t allowed in. This might mean using baby gates or closing doors shut.
This is important because it can help prevent your pet from getting into trouble or getting injured.
Use pet-proof covers on furniture legs
Furniture legs can be dangerous for pets because they often have sharp edges. On the flip side, pets often love to scratch at furniture legs damaging the furniture itself. To prevent this, add some pet-proof covers to sharp or highly-coveted pieces, or buy used furniture that is safe for your pet and can withstand a few scratches.
Use a pet-safe cleaner to clean up messes.
If your pet makes a mess, make sure to clean up with a pet-safe cleaner. Many traditional household cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be dangerous for pets if ingested.
These cleaners are specifically designed to be safe for pets and won’t harm them if they ingested.
Even the most well-behaved pets can get into trouble when left unsupervised. Now that you know how to pet-proof your home, its time to put these tips into practice! By taking these simple precautions, you can help keep your pet safe and out of harm’s way.