Nothing compares to loving and living with pets; from cats and dogs to turtles and fish, pets make the perfect lifelong companions.
Part of living with a pet means taking extra care to pet-proof your home in order to keep your pet happy, safe, and healthy in their living environment.
Here are a few do’s and don’ts to successfully pet-proof your home!
Do: Keep hazardous materials and chemicals out of reach
Store medications away from your furry friend’s reach. Many pills prove deadly for animals, so shelf up any vitamins or medicines to avoid accidental ingestion.
Move hazardous home cleaning products as well as pesticides and fertilizers to rooms or garages where pets do not have access.
Put lids on your trashcans or keep trashcans stored in locked pantries or closets. When pets get into your garbage, they gain access to toxic human foods and materials. Use taller trashcans where possible as opposed to easily accessible, short cans.
Do not: Choose carpet over hardwood or tile
Many materials that make up your typical home carpeting do not offer enough durability when you share your home with pets. From nasty stains to damage and odors, carpeting proves the worst flooring to choose when trying to pet-proof your home.
If you already decked out your home in carpeting before getting a pet, use washable indoor/outdoor rugs in areas where your pet normally roams in order to protect your flooring.
If you are able to change your flooring, hardwood proves beneficial for lightweight dogs, while ceramic tile is best for heavier dogs.
Replacing your carpeting?
Choose a style that matches your pet’s hair color to mask their fur!
Do: Lock up cabinets and block off small spaces
Pets are eternally curious, snooping and sneaking into any place they can squeeze in or get behind. Consider using childproof latches to lock up cabinets and use baby gates to block off spaces where your pets may wander, such as behind washers and dryers. Try to keep pets out of areas with choking or strangulation hazards and watch out for loose electrical cords.
Create a space for your pet so they are less likely to make their own space in a dangerous place in your home where they may access hazardous materials. Offer a fresh water source, toys, and a comfy place to rest in a special area designated for them.
Do not: Forget to pet-proof your bedroom
The initial places we think to pet-proof are the living room, bathroom, and kitchen. These are the places where our pets cause the most havoc, from knocking over the trashcan and eating the leftovers, to drinking out of the toilet, unrolling the toilet paper, and scratching up the furniture.
However, your bedroom presents many potential hazards to man’s best friends.
- Pick up clothes from the floor to avoid your pet chewing up any strings or swallowing buttons.
- Watch out for accessible lotions and cosmetic products on your nightstand.
- Keep your phone charger cord out of chewing range.
- Close drawers and closets to make the areas and items within off-limits.
From pet sitting and home care, to grooming, private boarding, walking, and more, Hill Country Pet Sitters Plus prides itself on affordable, affectionate pet care in Texas. Give us a call at 830-624-9284 today to learn more about our services!