Hello World! Welcome Friends! Lives completely change when pets enter the equation. Suddenly, homeowners may find themselves scrambling to prepare their homes for pets. Fortunately, pet-proofing a home is much like baby-proofing a home. Once a future pet owner knows some of the tactics, it will be easy for them to see where dangers lie. Here are some tips to get owners started with pet-proofing their home for their new puppy or kitten.
1. Cover Trash Cans
Anyone who’s previously owned a mischievous pet knows they have to cover their trash cans so their pet doesn’t jump inside or knock it over. Humans put lots of tasty-smelling garbage in trash cans, especially in the kitchen, so the scent piques a pet’s interest. A closed trash can, preferably with a locking lid, can keep curious creatures out.
2. Learn About Poisonous Plants
Plant parents need to take inventory of their greenery before they become pet parents. Certain plants can be toxic to both cats and dogs, while others might only be a problem for one type of animal. For example, lilies are extremely toxic to cats and can lead to kidney issues, but the same issues don’t present in dogs. Future pet owners should make a plan to re-home the plants that might not be good for their new family members.
3. Put Medications Up
It might be more convenient for some people to have their medications and supplements on a table where they can see them and remember to take them. Still, with a pet, it’s more difficult to manage, as they might want to get into bottles or knock them over. Nobody wants their pets getting into their medications, so putting them up behind a latched cabinet or somewhere the pet can’t reach can help offer owners peace of mind.
4. Block Off Exercise Equipment
Because animals can get hurt easily by trying to navigate around or climb exercise equipment, owners should block it off or keep things out of reach. Just a small bit of exercise per day can allow people to reap benefits like weight loss and better sleep, not to mention lessened symptoms of anxiety. However, people can reap these same benefits just by walking, which means unused exercise equipment might be better off in another home to protect pets.
5. Look Out for Knick-Knacks
Newly adopted puppies or kittens are bound to want to explore their environment. Especially in a kitten’s case, they may want to jump on surfaces to check the place out thoroughly. In doing so, they may be prone to knocking over any knick-knacks their parents had set up. New owners should try to put away breakable items and keep knick-knacks out of reach until their cat learns how to control their jumps.
6. Prepare for Accidents
Any dog or cat who isn’t housebroken is bound to have accidents while they’re learning where they can go to the bathroom. Cats can take to litter boxes quickly, but if an owner has to leave the house while teaching their dog where to go to the bathroom, they should leave out a “just in case” method. By putting down an absorbent puppy pad and teaching them that they can use the bathroom on it, owners can cut down on messes to clean up, and the dog can relieve themselves in an appropriate spot while still learning how to be housebroken.
7. Put Away Sharp Objects
New pet owners will need to secure and put away sharp objects, at least until their new family member has done all the exploring they need to do. Things like knives and scissors shouldn’t be left on tables. Even knives in a knife block can be turned over. Homeowners should secure them in a drawer while their pet learns the layout of their new home.
8. Look Out for Blinds
Sometimes, blinds may get in the way of a cat or dog exploring their environment. Shutters are sturdier than blinds, so although they may be more expensive, they can be a better investment for homes with pets. Otherwise, owners should safeguard their blinds, especially if a pet becomes destructive when their owner leaves the house.
9. Block Spaces With Baby Gates
Parents will find great use in this tip if they already have baby gates lying around. Puppies that seem too eager to enter areas they don’t need to be in can be blocked off with a baby gate. While they won’t do much to stop curious cats, baby gates can keep dogs right where they need to be — so they don’t get into trouble or hurt themselves.
10. Put Away Cords
Anybody expecting to bring a new pet home should take care to tuck away loose cords. Curious kittens and puppies will examine the cords and may decide to chew on them. Keeping cords tucked safely away is especially important during the holiday season, when many people have extra lights up. A small pet could potentially suffer fatal shocks or mouth burns from chewing on cords that are plugged in. Keeping cords hidden away is the best way to protect lives and decorations.
11. Keep Food Out of Reach
Food can pose a danger to dogs and cats. Most people know to keep chocolate away from dogs, but they also shouldn’t eat onions and garlic, which are often used in meat seasonings. Owners should know just which “people foods” are pet-friendly so they can give their new best friend snacks when they feel like it.
Pet-Proofing Doesn’t Last Forever
While a new dog owner may not be able to control everything their puppy or kitten does, they can eliminate certain risks and strive to make their home as safe for their new family member as possible. While the house may feel less accessible due to pet-proofing, it doesn’t need to last forever. Eventually, dogs and cats learn what they’re not supposed to mess with, and homeowners can slowly return their houses to how they want them. Still, pet owners should carry a few pet-proofing tips with them forever, like knowing which plants and foods are toxic to their furry friends.
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[…] 15 Pet-Proofing Tips All Homeowners Should Know […]