Everything in it’s Place: Tips for Effectively Pet Proofing Your Home
One of life’s greatest thrills is bringing a pet home for the first time. However, for your new pet, the sensory smorgasbord is downright overwhelming, making it a priority to store any dangerous household items out of reach from curious sniffers, tongues, and paws.
Want to learn more about pet proofing your home? Hallsville Veterinary Hospital is happy to be of service!
On the Ball
If you have the luxury of preparing your home before your pet arrives, consider yourself lucky. Often times, we think we have carefully stowed away the harmful items, only to be painfully reminded of something dangerous after a pet finds it! You really have to get down on the ground to see what your pet might see – and be intrigued by – in order to thoroughly eradicate all offenders.
Where It’s At
The kitchen is a favorite place for pets and people alike. Unfortunately, this is where many household toxins are lying in wait for your unsuspecting pet to take a nibble. The following should neither be offered to your pet, nor left out:
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Prescription and street drugs
- Grapes or raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Garlic
- Avocado
- Bones (raw or cooked)
- Raw meat
We advise that all foods be kept in sealed containers in high cupboards or the fridge to protect your pet from a pet poisoning or choking accident.
The Medicine Cabinet
It’s easy to assume that a pet wouldn’t be the least interested in your medication, but it’s not the case, unfortunately. The following human drugs must never be left on counter tops, even if they are uncapped or unsealed:
- Pain reliever containing acetaminophen or naproxen
- Ibuprofen
- Anti-anxiety medication
- ADHD medication
- Antidepressants
- Sleep aids
Pet Proofing Your Home
A good rule of thumb is to securely store common household products off the floor and out of sight. Just as toxic food and medications, never allow your pet free access to these items:
- Antifreeze (always check to make sure there aren’t any drips beneath your car)
- Bleach and other cleaning agents
- Insecticides
- Rodenticides
- Cocoa mulch
- Fertilizer
- Detergents
- Fabric softener
- De-icers and snow melt
Additionally, pet proofing your home must include stowing away objects like batteries, pennies, and children’s toys with small parts (hello, LEGO!). We also recommend surveying your property for any poisonous plants.
It Happens
Even extraordinary measures in pet proofing your home may not entirely prevent a pet poisoning. We recommend putting together a pet first-aid kit, learning how to recognize illness, and knowing when it’s time to seek emergency services.
Our team is happy to help you in pet proofing your home, and finding the best ways to safely cohabitate with your pet. Please contact us with any questions or concerns, and if your pet needs medical attention after hours, please consult East Texas Pet Emergency Clinic.