Welcoming a new pet into your home is an exciting time, but it’s essential to ensure their safety by animal-proofing your living space. Here’s a room-by-room guide to help you identify and address potential hazards:
Room: Kitchen Prime potential hazards: Food, cleaning supplies, and sharp utensils. Toxic foods for pets include chocolate, avocados, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, and coffee.
Proactive steps:
- Keep food out of reach or covered.
- Consider composting food scraps to prevent access.
- Invest in a garbage can with a secure cover.
- Store cleaning supplies in tall cabinets with childproof latches.
Room: Bathrooms Prime potential hazards: Medications and water (drowning hazard). Even vitamins and dental floss can be harmful if swallowed.
Proactive steps:
- Confine medications to a locked cabinet.
- Keep shower doors and toilet lids closed.
- Avoid keeping a trash can accessible in the bathroom.
Room: Living and Family Room Prime potential hazards: Cords, wires, plants, and small objects.
Proactive steps:
- Bundle and conceal cords and wires.
- Elevate poisonous plants out of reach.
- Install covers over air vents.
- Be vigilant about small toys and game pieces.
Room: Bedrooms Prime potential hazards: Medications, wires, jewelry, hair accessories, and shoes.
Proactive steps:
- Keep bedroom doors closed when unsupervised.
- Store small objects out of reach, including items on elevated surfaces.
- Avoid using mothballs, or keep them safely stored.
Room: Basement and Garage Prime potential hazards: Chemicals, tools, and small items.
Proactive steps:
- Lock chemicals in a storage cabinet.
- Unplug and cover tools when not in use.
- Store small items in closed containers.
If you have innovative ideas for pet-proofing your home or are interested in building an outdoor pet house, Experts in Your Home can assist you with your home maintenance and construction needs. Contact us today for expert assistance!