Whether you are welcoming a new pet into your family, moving to a new home, or brushing up on your pet-proofing skills, knowing how to protect your furry friend in their living environment is important for their safety and wellbeing. Properly pet-proofing your home will prevent accidents and keep your furry friend out of trouble, while also protecting your belongings. Use our Southern Crossing Animal Hospital team’s room-by-room guide to create a safe environment for your pet.

Pet-proof your living room

The living room is usually the heart of a home where families spend most of their time together. Keep your furry friend out of trouble in the main living space by:

  • Securing electrical cords — Pets, especially young ones, love to chew on things as part of exploring their world. Electrical cords can be tempting and dangerous, so use cord covers or hide cords behind furniture.
  • Avoiding dangling decorations — Keep decorations like tassels, strings, and ribbons, which can be choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages if swallowed, out of reach.
  • Storing fragile items safely — Keep breakable items such as vases and picture frames on high shelves or behind glass doors.

Pet-proof your kitchen

After the living room, you and your furry friend likely spend a good deal of time in the kitchen. As you cook and your pet drools underfoot, keep them safe by:

  • Storing harmful foods — Many common foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic are toxic to pets. Store these foods in securely latching cabinets or a pantry to keep them out of reach.
  • Securing trash bins — The odors from your trash can be especially appealing to your pet. Use trash cans with secure lids or placed inside cabinets to prevent your furry friend from rummaging through.
  • Keeping cleaning supplies out of reach — Store cleaning supplies and other household chemicals in high cabinets or secured storage areas.
  • Picking up small objects — Keep small objects like rubber bands, bottle caps, and twist ties off the floor and countertops. Pets can easily swallow these items, leading to choking or digestive issues.

Pet-proof your bathroom

Bathrooms contain a host of hazards for pets, so keep your four-legged friend safe by:

  • Storing medications safely — Medications can be extremely dangerous for pets, as ingestion can result in toxicity or death. Keep all medications, including over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and supplements, in securely latched cabinets.
  • Closing toilet lids — Pets, especially dogs, see the toilet as a water bowl. Shut toilet lids to prevent them from drinking harmful chemicals or falling in.
  • Placing personal care items out of reach — Items like razors, hair ties, and cotton swabs, which can harm your pet if chewed or swallowed, should be stored in drawers or cabinets.
  • Using pet-safe cleaning products — Use pet-safe cleaning products for the bathroom. Many conventional cleaners contain chemicals that can harm pets if they lick surfaces after cleaning.

Pet-proof your bedroom

If your pet sleeps in your bed or their own cozy bed on the floor, keep them out of mischief by:

  • Organizing clothes and shoes — Shoes, socks, and clothing can be tempting chew toys that can easily lodge in your pet’s stomach or intestinal tract if swallowed. Keep these items in closets or storage bins where your pet cannot find them.
  • Securing cords and wires — Hide or secure any electrical cords from lamps, chargers, or other devices to prevent chewing.
  • Avoiding toxic plants — Certain houseplants can be toxic to pets. Research plants and keep any dangerous varieties out of your bedroom, home, and yard.

Pet-proofing your home is an ongoing process that requires regular checks and adjustments as your pet grows and their behavior changes. So, follow this room-by-room guide and create a safe and happy environment for your furry friend. However, if your pet gets into mischief and ingests something they shouldn’t, contact our Southern Crossing Animal Hospital team for help.