Tips for Pet Proofing Your Home
Avoid Hazards by Pet Proofing Your Home
Regardless of whether you consider yourself a cat-person or a dog-person, we can all agree that pets provide us with a kind of comfort, peace, and love that can’t be found elsewhere, not even with other humans. Even though it might come off a bit too sentimental (is that even possible?), we couldn’t imagine life without them. And when one loses a pet, it’s nothing short of devastating, especially when the circumstance was tragic and avoidable. Pets, just like us, are curious creatures; ensure their safety by following these life-saving pet proofing tips provided by the American Humane Society.
Kitchen & Bathrooms
- Use childproof latches to keep little paws from prying open cabinets.
- Place medications, cleaners, chemicals, and laundry supplies on high shelves.
- Keep trash cans covered or inside a latched cabinet.
- Check for and block any small spaces, nooks, or holes inside cabinets or behind washer/dryer units.
- Make sure your kitten hasn’t jumped into the dryer before you turn it on.
- Keep foods out of reach (even if the food isn’t harmful, the wrapper could be).
- Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent drowning or drinking of harmful cleaning chemicals.
Living Room
- Place dangling wires from lamps, televisions, cell phone chargers, gaming systems, and other equipment out of reach.
- Put away children’s toys and games.
- Put away knick-knacks until your kitten has the coordination not to knock them over.
- Move common house plants that may be poisonous out of reach. Don’t forget hanging plants that can be jumped onto from nearby surfaces.
- Put away all sewing and craft notions, especially thread.
Bedrooms
- Keep laundry and shoes behind closed doors (drawstrings and buttons can cause major problems if swallowed).
- Keep any medications, lotions, or cosmetics off accessible surfaces (like the bedside table).
- Hide any chargers or electrical cords so that they are out of reach.
- Be careful that you don’t close your kitten in closets or dresser drawers.
Electrical Pet Proofing Tips
As electricians, we’re privy to electrical hazards you might not be aware of. At Hickerson, we believe pets are valued family members, and we want to ensure that we do our part in protecting your furry friends from hazards.
- After you’ve charged your smart phone, laptop, wearable, or any other small gadget, put away the cord. Anything dangling from the wall looks like a play-thing to your cat or dog.
- Consider purchasing a bitter-tasting deterrent for your plugs to keep pets from chewing on them.
- If you’re utilizing a space heater to keep warm this winter, make sure there is a guard around it. Further, never leave your pet alone in a room with a space heater. Your dog’s particularly waggy tail or your cat’s sense of adventure could knock it over.
- Don’t let your pet sleep on your electric blanket.
- If your pet is prone to attacking anything that dangles, don’t hang up strands of lights in your home.
- Don’t allow your pet to sleep behind your TV or computer, where electrical cords are plugged in.
- Train your pet to avoid playing with light bulbs and lamps.
Hickerson Electrical is your source for all home electrical services. We’re ready and willing to deliver top-quality service to your home at a moment’s notice. So call today at (703) 594-3913.
And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for updates, guides, and helpful information each week!
