Although it’s exciting to welcome a new pet into your home, you must take special care to ensure the safety of your new companion. Like child-proofing, pet-proofing your house is essential for the safety of your furry family members, especially young puppies and kittens. A lack of care can lead even fully grown fur pups into problems.
Put locks on drawers and cupboards to keep your pet out, and make sure they can’t get to any dangerous materials. Put away cords, small objects, and anything else that could cause choking, and make sure to seal off small openings. Be careful to look inside appliances before using them, and teach your pet the rules of the house.
Getting a pet, whether it’s a dog or a cat, is an incredibly joyful decision. However, by caring for another living being, you are also assuming a significant duty. So, when you find out you’re expecting a pet, follow these steps to make your house pet-proof.
Important Advice for Making Your House a Safe Place for Your Pet
These suggestions are similar to those you would use to childproof your home, so they may seem familiar to parents. And if you’re a parent to young children, you might already be doing some of these things.
When it comes to members of the family who have four legs, though, there are some additional factors to think about. So, to make sure your house is as secure as it can be, check through this list of things to do to pet-proof it.
1. Latch Cabinets And Drawers
Securing cabinets and drawers with child-proof latches is important. When pets are naturally inquisitive, they may pry open doors to get to the trash or anything else that catches their interest.
2. Keep Medications, Cleaning Supplies And Toxins Out Of Reach
Put away any potentially dangerous substances, such as cleaning supplies, drugs, and chemicals. As soon as possible, clean up any spills on the floor. The garage floor should be kept clear of substances like antifreeze.
Don’t forget to store food properly and promptly clean up any crumbs or fallen food. It is not safe to feed pets many human foods.
3. Cover Trash Cans
There are many enticing objects in the garbage that your pet could ingest, including those that are toxic or could choke them. Hide the garbage can inside a locked cabinet. A garbage bin with a secure lid might also work.
4. Seal Off Small Spaces
Creatures of all kinds like exploring new places. Particularly small kittens and puppies can get into some small confined spaces. Pets are vulnerable to injuries or suffocation if they become trapped in tight spaces. Create a barrier by sealing off any narrow openings, such as those behind appliances or in the space between a wall and furniture.
5. Secure Cords
Put your pet’s safety first by tying up any cords, shades, or wires that could entangle them. Secure them out of harm’s way by wrapping them with cable ties or something similar.
6. Keep Toilet Lids Down
Ensure that the household is aware of the need to keep toilet lids down. Any time you flush the toilet, it’s a good idea to close the seat to prevent the transmission of germs. However, little animals can drown if toilets are left with the lid up.
7. Check Appliances Before Using Them
Little kittens are quite curious and love to explore their surroundings. You should check to see whether your inquisitive cat hasn’t hopped inside the dryer or stove before turning them on.
8. Put Away Small Objects
Most pets, particularly dogs, will consume virtually any food item. Be sure to pick up after your pet and keep the areas they can access clean. Ensure that all little objects, including children’s toys, puzzle pieces, sewing materials, game components, and more, are put away.
Inspect the spots that your vacuum can’t get to. Check these areas to make sure your pets aren’t in danger from anything lurking.
9. Cover Vents
Make sure your pets can’t get into the air conditioning system by covering the return and air and heating vents. Make sure the vent covers are securely fastened on a regular basis.
10. Be Conscious Of Home Decor
Cats are known to jump all over. Energetic dogs scuff up everything in their path. You should use caution when decorating your home with fragile or potentially harmful items for your pet. This is for the time being, at least until your pet becomes more adept at navigating the house.
11. Make Sure House Plants Aren’t Toxic
Never bring poisonous plants or flowers into your home if you have pets. Before bringing a plant into your home, conduct some research to determine its status if you aren’t sure.
12. Check Car Tires And Engine
Cats frequently seek out warm places to sleep, such as within the engine of a car or even on top of the tires. Be sure to check these areas or beat on the hood before starting your car.
13. Keep Sharp Objects Out Of Reach
Keep knives and other bladed items out of plain sight on the counter and elsewhere. Always use a locked drawer or cabinet to store tools and utensils with sharp edges.
14. Put Away Laundry And Shoes
Garments that have buttons, drawstrings, and embellishments pose a choking or injury risk to dogs. Put dirty washing in a closed hamper and lock the door to the laundry room. Instead of letting your clothes hang around, put them away.
Shoes are just as dangerous as clothes for curious pets. Things like shoelaces, decorations, buttons, buckles, and snaps could be a source of trouble. Be careful to store shoes in a secure location until your pet learns to leave them alone.
15. Block Stairs
Put up a safety fence to keep your young pet off the stairs. You can take down the gate once they can go up and down the stairs with ease.
16. Double Check Drawers And Cabinets Before Closing Them
You should always check to see whether your puppy or kitten has crawled into a drawer or cupboard before closing it. They will probably be unable to escape if they’re caught inside.
Protecting Your Home From Your Pets
In addition to making sure your furry friends stay out of harm’s way, you need take precautions to ensure that your home is safe from them as well. The natural tendencies of pets, such as chewing, snooping, running, and scratching, can frequently result in some unwelcome outcomes. There will be stains, shredded couch cushions, and broken vases as a result.
So, keep these tips in mind to protect your home from your pet.
1. Train Your Pet
Making sure your pet is well-trained is the greatest way to keep them and your home safe. You have the option to train your pet on your own or to employ the services of a professional.
2. Use Sticky Tape To Prevent Scratching
To keep your pet from damaging your furniture and belongings, consider using anti-scratch tape. You may prevent your cat from scratching the window screens by placing sticky tape on the sills of the windows.
3. Provide Your Pet With Proper Exercise And Mental Stimulation
When pets, such as dogs and cats, are bored or have excess energy, they often get into mischief. Every day, you must ensure that your pet gets sufficient exercise. Your dog or cat will benefit a great deal from mental challenges and activities that you can offer them.
4. Use Potty Pads
When your puppy is toilet training, place pee pads near the back door or any other designated area. When your dog is unable to get outdoors in good time, the pad will serve as an extra layer of protection.
5. Limit Your Pet’s Access
Less access to the house is appropriate for younger pets. Keep your pet in a small room until they are potty trained and have received adequate behavioral training. They can be granted access to other areas if they have been house-trained and shown proper behavior.
6. Use Bitter Spray To Prevent Chewing
If you want to stop your pet from chewing on furniture or baseboards, try spraying them with bitter apple spray. In addition to teaching your pet to avoid chewing on these items, you may use this as a deterrent. In addition, make sure your pet has access to chewable toys, bones, and pet teether treats.
7. Put Away Rugs While Potty Training
During the potty-training phase is the best time to pick up your carpets and mats so they don’t get soiled. To help your new pet learn to use the restroom in the designated area, roll up the carpets when you first bring them home.
Final Thoughts On The Most Effective Ways To Pet Proof Your Home
Following these guidelines can help you maintain a clean and safe environment for your pet. In addition to the inside of your home, you need also make sure that your backyard is dog-proof and that your cats have secure places to play outside. In the end, everyone is happier since you can rest easy knowing your house is pet-friendly.