How to Pet-Proof Your Home

Pet-proofing your home is extremely important to keep your pet safe. Steps must be taken in each room of your home to ensure safety. Your dog or cat, especially if they are young, are very curious and likely to explore everything.

Let’s start with the kitchen and the bathroom.

Why start here? Kitchens and bathrooms are often the location where dangerous chemicals and medications are kept. The following are tips necessary to keep a safe kitchen and bathroom:

• Place all medications on high shelves or in a locked cabinet
• Place all cleaning supplies in a locked cabinet or high shelf
• Keep all food out of reach of your pet
• Research any plants you have in these areas and check to see if they are dangerous to your pet
• Install childproof locks on necessary items
• Keep the toilet seat down
• Block any small spaces your pet may become trapped in

Next, the living room. Although the living room is not often as large of a threat as the kitchen and bathroom, there are still items which may be unsafe for your pet. Again, houseplants are an example of this. Research all of the plants in your home to ensure they are safe for your pet. Even if they are safe for your pet, you may want to move them. The following are additional suggestions to help pet-proof you home:

• Cover any heater vents
• Keep wires out of reach from your pet
• Keep all breakable items out of reach
• Put away any items which may be a choking hazard

Your bedroom will follow the same suggestions as the living area.

Finally, the garage should be pet-proofed. The garage poses a large risk due to all of the chemicals often kept in the garage. Antifreeze, for example, is incredibly dangerous as its sweet smell and taste often attract our pets. It does not take much antifreeze to damage your pet’s organs. All chemicals should be moved to a high shelf or cabinet.

Pet-proofing your home can be time consuming but well worth the effort. After all, your pet’s safety is extremely important. Your pet is part of your family and keeping them safe is your responsibility as a responsible pet parent.

ABOUT THE BLOGGER

Amber L. Drake, a Professional Canine Behaviorist and Adjunct Professor of Biological Science, has extensive experience in the Animal Science Field. She has worked with dogs professionally for over ten years. Her clients range from private pet parents to large canine rescue organizations. In addition to accepting clients on a regular basis, Drake serves as an Adjunct Professor at Jamestown Community College and Kaplan University. Drake has earned a Doctor of Education (ABD), Educational Specialist Post-Masters, Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She has completed coursework at Cornell University for Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Biochemistry at UC Berkeley, Veterinary Technology at Penn Foster and a number of Continuing Education courses to remain up-to-date in her field.