I was interviewed recently about fast, inexpensive, and easy ways for a new pet owner to pet-proof his/her home. This is a list of tips that you can use to keep your new family members safe in their new home (and to keep your home safe from their little paws and teeth). Please feel free to comment on or add to this list!
- Make all cords inaccessible to your dog or cat; you may need to tape them to baseboards. Wrap any cables and cords that remain accessible. You can also purchase tubing that houses cables. When not in use, unplug all appliances from the socket.
- Store medication and household chemicals out of your pet’s reach. Aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen can be hazardous to your pet, as can many household cleaners, bleach, and paint thinner. All chemical substances should be kept in a safe location at all times, even when in use. Do not use insecticides or rodenticides in areas your pet can access. Keep automobile antifreeze out of animals’ reach; its sweet flavor attracts animals. Clean all antifreeze from the garage floor and driveway—one taste can be lethal to pets.
- Make sure none of your houseplants are poisonous to your pet. Among many others, English ivy, philodendrons, and all species of lily can be toxic to animals. Toxicity varies between species; check with your veterinarian if you are not sure about the safety of a particular plant. If you don’t want to get rid of poisonous plants, make sure they are relocated to a place that your pet cannot reach. Don’t forget hanging plants that pets can jump onto from nearby surfaces.
- Equip all your windows and doors with secure screens, especially if you live on a high floor; if you don’t install these, keep your windows closed.
- Get a secure lid for your garbage can. Many leftovers discarded in the trash can be dangerous to pets. The most dangerous human foods for pets to ingest are onions and dark baking chocolates. Consider using child-safety locks on cupboards to keep paws from prying them open.
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