Just as we baby-proof our homes when we welcome a new child into the family, our furry, feathered, or scaly family members also deserve an environment that is as safe as possible. With their natural curiosity and nose for mischief, pets are prone to getting into substances that can be harmful to their health. Let's take a look at the potential dangers in and around your home and how to reduce them, ultimately to pet-proof your home and create a safer environment for them. Despite all our precautions, it's crucial to be prepared for unexpected situations with a rescue plan and a pet detoxifier like ReadyRESCUE ™
Pet-Proof Your: Bathroom
The bathroom is a treasure trove of substances that can be harmful to pets. Medications, cleaning products, and personal care items can all pose risks to their licks!
To pet-proof your bathroom, always keep medications in a closed cabinet out of reach. Be mindful of small items such as dental floss and razors which can be choking hazards or cause internal damage if swallowed. Always close the lid on your toilet to prevent pets from drinking potentially chemically-treated water. Cleaning supplies should be stored where your pet can’t reach them, and any spills should be cleaned up pronto!
Pet-Proof Your: Kitchen
Kitchens are no doubt a pet’s favorite place to lurk in the hopes of snagging some leftovers. While our kitchen floor is certainly not the cleanest on the block, be incredibly cautious about what falls off the counters and where certain items are stored. Many foods that humans consume, such as chocolate, onions, grapes, and alcohol, can be highly toxic to pets in any capacity.
To pet-proof your home kitchen, store food securely in cupboards or the refrigerator. Never leave cooked meals or scraps within reach of pets. Use child-proof latches on cabinets to prevent pets from accessing harmful substances (after all, our pets are our children!) Keep trash cans covered or inside a latched cabinet. Also, when using cleaning products, keep pets out of the kitchen until all surfaces are dry to avoid endless licks of curiosity!
Pet-Proof Your: Bedroom
Our bedrooms can also contain potential hazards for our pets. Small objects such as jewelry, coins, and medication pills left on nightstands can easily be knocked down and swallowed.
Pet-proof your bedroom is safe by keeping small items stored in drawers or containers. If you take medication, do it over a sink or a table so any dropped pills can be quickly retrieved. Keep closets and dresser drawers closed to prevent pets from ingesting or choking on items inside.
Pet-Proof Your: Living Room
Living rooms are often filled with an array of plants, electronics, and personal items that could harm our pets. Certain houseplants can be toxic if ingested, while chewed wires can lead to electrical shock.
To pet-proof your living room, secure wires out of the way or encase them in cord protectors. Make sure all plants in your home are non-toxic to pets; many common varieties such as lilies and philodendrons can be harmful. Avoid leaving small objects like sewing needles, thread, or toys around where pets could get too curious and swallow them.
Pet-Proof Your: Utility Room
Detergents, fabric softeners, bleach, and other cleaning supplies typically stored in a utility room can be deadly to pets if consumed.
To pet-proof your utility room, store all chemicals on high shelves or in a closed cabinet with child-proof latches. Keep washing machine and dryer doors closed when not in use to prevent pets from climbing inside.
Pet-Proof Your: Garage
Many garages are filled with potentially dangerous substances like antifreeze, fertilizers, slug bait, pesticides, and rat poison. Sharp tools and equipment can also pose a threat to curious pets.
To pet-proof your garage, ensure all harmful substances are stored securely out of reach. Keep tools in a locked cabinet or on high shelves. Always check for pets before closing the garage door.
Pet-Proof Your: Garden
While gardens provide us with so much color and charm, they can bring the opposite to our pets should they get a little too nosy in there. Certain plants and flowers are toxic to pets, and many fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides can be harmful if ingested.
To create a pet-safe garden, familiarize yourself with which plants are harmful to your specific pet and avoid those in your garden. Store all gardening chemicals safely, and consider using pet-safe alternatives. Check for toxic mushrooms regularly, and ensure there are no escape routes or gaps in fencing.
Every room in our home holds potential dangers for our pets, but with some thoughtful adjustments, we can lessen these risks and create a safe environment for our pets to live and play. Despite our best efforts, our pets' curiosity can sometimes get the better of them. That's why it's essential to be prepared with a comprehensive plan to pet-proof your home for those "just in case" moments.
Being equipped with a pet detoxifier like ReadyRESCUE™ allows for immediate intervention if your pet ingests something they shouldn't. It can help reduce the absorption of toxins while you determine the next steps of your action plan. However, while a home detoxifier can provide initial aid, it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always contact your vet or a pet poison control center immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic.
Creating a safe environment and having a plan in place are key to keeping our pets healthy and happy. Let's ensure we're prepared with a pet-proofed home so we can enjoy peace of mind as our furry friends live their best lives under our care.