As a pet owner, you want to know that your furry friend is safe and comfortable at home (especially when you go out), while also ensuring your house is protected from any mischief your pup or kitty might get up to while you’re gone. Pets have a funny tendency to sniff out trouble—and while some toys and accessories can help—some never grow out of it! This makes pet-proofing your home extremely important, not only for the safety of your furry friend, but for the longevity of your belongings too.
There are some easy, DIY steps you can take to ensure safety for all, from covering bins and closing doors to keeping breakables at bay. Wondering where to start? Here are some ways to keep your pet happy and your home safe from their cute yet potentially destructive claws and teeth.
Keep breakables at bay
When it comes to pet-proofing the house, one of the quickest and easiest ways to prevent unwanted accidents is by moving any breakable items out of harm’s way. Not only will this ensure your valuables are kept safe, but you’ll also protect your pet from falling objects (or stepping on any sharp, broken pieces). Remove breakables from any easily accessible areas – like coffee tables or low bookshelves – where they could find themselves in the crossfire of an overzealous tail, and keep window sills clear to avoid things being knocked over by a gust of wind (or the cat).
There’s nothing worse than trying to turn your brand new TV on, and finding all the cords have been chewed through! Protect your pet and your electrical valuables by picking up or tucking away loose cables or cords. And if your pet is particularly enthusiastic in this department, you may need to cover your electrical cables (and maybe even get a little crafty). Cord protectors are a great option, while other solutions include blocking your pets access to cords or power sockets with furniture and running cords along the walls, where they’re out of reach of a curious snout.
Add lids to any accessible bins
An open bin is an open invitation to a gourmet dinner for your furry friend. This can spell trouble for a variety of reasons – especially if they eat something they’re not meant to. The easiest way to prevent an unplanned all-you-can-eat buffet is by adding lids to any bins that are accessible to your pet. This includes all kitchen bins, as well as those in any other areas of the house, including a bathroom or study.
Pets have a highly keen sense of smell and it won’t take them long to sniff out any potential snacks or other items of interest lurking inside the garbage. A bin covering is not only vital to keeping your pet safe, but it’ll also help avoid any catastrophic scenes of rubbish strewn around as a result of your pet’s enthusiastic dumpster diving.
Wear them out before you head out
One surefire way to guard your home against pet damage is to ensure your pet stays physically and mentally stimulated. This means putting aside some time for exercise or play, especially if you’re heading out for the day. Taking your dog for a nice walk, some ball throwing or a game of frisbee, or spending 15 minutes playing with your cat are all great ways to wear out your furry friend. Keeping their energy low helps ensure they stay calm (and hopefully drowsy) when you’re away from home, and less likely to engage in any potential mischief.
Close any doors to forbidden areas
Pets are naturally curious – it’s one of the things that makes them so endearing! Yet this can also lead to them poking their noses in places you might not want them to, whether it’s a bedroom, home gym or bathroom.
While some pet owners install pet safety gates or other kinds of barriers, sometimes the most straightforward solution is to simply get in the habit of closing the doors to any rooms they have no business being in! This will ensure your pup or cat keeps to pet-proofed places and stays out of trouble.
Additionally, for outdoor areas, you can further enhance your pet’s safety by setting up an invisible fence with the Halo app. By implementing this innovative solution, you can establish a virtual boundary that prevents your pet from wandering off.
Make sure your plants are pet friendly too
With their ability to create a soothing, aesthetically pleasing environment, plants make a great addition to your home – but it can be easy to forget your pet might view them as an appealing snack. It’s important then to check your plants are pup and kitty safe, as some plants (including some common household varieties) can pose a threat to animals when ingested, or come in contact with their skin. Be sure to research any new plants you bring into the house to double check they are safe, should your furry friend happen to take a smell or nibble. You can even discourage nibbling by placing plants out of reach or using sprays or barriers to prevent access to them.
Of course, these pointers are merely a start, and there are plenty more you can take – but by following these easy steps, you can guarantee a safe and thriving home environment for your pet, while also ensuring the longevity of your belongings!