Cats and dogs can be as smart as bright toddlers, and their curiosity and taste for mischief know no bounds. This is especially true of puppies and kittens, who need constant supervision to ensure they don’t eat, drink, bite, swallow, or play with anything that could do them harm. Of course, you want to keep your cherished belongings safe from prying paws and sharp teeth, too. So, before you bring a new pet of any age home, thoroughly pet-proof your house or apartment. 

If you have a fenced yard where your dog can play, check for hidden dangers before you let them enjoy it. If you’re a first-time cat owner, bear in mind that your feline friend can slip and slide into all kinds of situations you would have thought impossible, including exploring plumbing pipes and becoming stuck behind walls. Our Skyway Animal Hospital team has composed a list of things you can do to pet-proof your home. However, if your new pet gets into something that makes them sick, our veterinary team is standing by to provide medical care and advice.

Pet-proofing tip #1: Safely store hazardous items

Store hazardous items out of your pet’s sight and reach. Place volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as household cleaners, paints, pesticides, gasoline, and solvents, on high shelves or in locked cabinets. Do the same for medicines, makeup, shampoo, and other bathroom items that could make a pet sick. Secure cabinets that don’t lock with childproof latches.

Pet-proofing tip #2: Keep human food out of reach

Keep human foods out of your pet’s reach to prevent them from eating toxic items such as chocolate, grapes, onions, or garlic. If you enjoy alcohol, never leave a drink unattended. Alcohol can poison pets.

Pet-proofing tip #3: Don’t smoke indoors

Don’t smoke indoors, and hide tobacco or marijuana cigarettes and pipes when you’re not using them. Keep cannabis edibles out of pets’ reach, too. Tobacco and cannabis can make pets sick.

Pet-proofing tip #4: Close trash can and toilet seat lids

Close trash can and toilet seat lids. Pets love to investigate the things we throw away—especially food scraps—so use only trash and garbage containers with secure lids. Keep toilet seat lids closed to prevent your pet from drinking unclean water or falling into the toilet bowl.

Pet-proofing tip #5: Hide electrical cords

Hide electrical cords to keep pets from chewing them and risking electric shock or ingesting toxic materials. Install cord protectors, plastic boxes that snap over electrical outlets. If you hide cords behind furniture, place old pillows or rolled-up drop cloths in front of outlets.

Pet-proofing tip #6: Secure electronics

Protect your electronics from pesky paws. Cover your computer components and printer when not in use, so your small pet can’t jump or walk on them. Hide your computer mouse to keep your dog from chewing on it or your cat from knocking it to the floor.

Pet-proofing tip #7: Stabilize furniture

Stabilize large furniture pieces, such as bookcases, TVs, or pole lamps, by anchoring them to walls so that climbing pets can’t tip them over.

Pet-proofing tip #8: Prevent choking

Secure belongings that your pet could try to swallow and choke on. These include small tools and toys, jewelry, coins, and rubber bands. Keep tiny items in inaccessible drawers or locked containers.

Pet-proofing tip #9: Give away toxic plants

Ensure your houseplants are safe for your pet. If they’re not, give them to a friend who does not have pets before your cat or dog begins living in your home. Check the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Toxic and Non-toxic Plants List.

Pet-proofing tip #10: Monitor your pet around your swimming pool

Keep your pet out of your swimming pool unless you know they can swim. However, many adult dogs and cats enjoy a quick dip. Even if your pet can swim, supervise them closely when they’re in the pool, and cover it securely when not in use.

Pet-proofing tip #11: Give your cat scratching posts

Place several scratching posts around your home to invite your cat to stretch and sharpen their claws without trashing your upholstery or shredding your carpet and wallpaper.

Pet-proofing tip #12: Give your dog chew toys

Offer safe chew toys that indulge your dog’s urge to chew and keep them from gnawing on furniture or shoes.

Pet-proofing tip #13: Block unsafe home areas

Use baby gates or other barriers to block areas where your pet could become injured such as balconies, porches, and staircases you don’t allow them to climb.

For more ways to pet-proof your home and get your new cat or dog off to a great start in their forever home, contact our team at Skyway Animal Hospital.