Pet Safety In Your Home

While there is a lot of focus on how to childproof a home, it’s important to be aware that there are also pet safety issues in any home.  Not only should you be concerned for the wellbeing of your pet, but look also for problems that could result in your pet getting out or accidentally hurting someone.

Watch For Poisons

If you have a cat or dog, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the plants and foods that could be detrimental to their health.  Certain plants can be poisonous to cats, who often chew on the leaves of houseplants.  Both azaleas and Easter lilies are toxic to cats.  Around the Christmas season, be aware that mistletoe and poinsettias are both poisonous as well.

There are also many foods that are bad for both cats and dogs.  Avocados, raisins, grapes, and chocolate are among the most common and can make an animal very sick.  Keep such foods well out of reach of animals, as well as of kids who might feed them to your pets.

Unexpected Dangers

Remember that dogs can get into things that we as humans would never think to eat.  They have been known to chew on dirty diapers, and the gel inside disposable diapers is very detrimental to their digestive system.  Keep them in a closed container.  They will also drink from toilet bowls, so keep the lid closed if you use cleaners that remain in the tank.  Keep garbage locked away as well; dogs will get into it and any number of things could make them sick.

If you have dogs or cats in the house, be cautious with things like irons or other corded heated items.  A dog or cat could knock it over and cause burns to themselves or someone nearby.  Dogs with long tails can also knock things on a coffee table over!

Secure Your Yard

Make sure that your yard is secure or you keep your dog leashed at all times.  If your dog escapes, it could be involved in an altercation with another animal or a person, resulting in injuries for which you will be held responsible.  And of course the dog could easily be struck by a passing vehicle and injured or worse.

Pet safety is an important consideration around the house, especially if your pets are members of the family.  And it’s not just their safety to consider but others in the house and neighborhood, so keep an eye out for danger around the house.