Your Pet Is Part of the Family
As pet parents must be on alert to make sure our homes are safe for our furry friends too. The following guidelines by the ASPCA will help your pets too be safe at home:
Kitchen – Many human foods including chocolate, coffee, and onions can be toxic to our pets. It is also important to make sure the garbage can is securely covered, that food is properly stored away, and that any cleaning products are out of your pet’s reach.
Living Room – It’s hard to imagine hazards in such a cozy spot, but there are a few potential hazards that require pet-proofing. Make sure you have electric cords tucked away and a protective screen in front of your fireplace. Keep in mind that many indoor plants like ficus, philodendron, pothos, and amaryllis can make pets ill.
Bathroom – To your pet, the bathroom is about mischief-making- drinking from the toilet, shredding toilet paper. While most of the damage is minor, pets can get into serious trouble if they get into the wrong things like medicines, cleaners, or potpourri.
Bedrooms – Who doesn’t love a great snuggle? Even in the place we relax, there can be hazards for your pet. Look for exposed electrical cords, curtain cords, and medicine on bedside tables and keep them away from paws.
Outdoors – The most serious issue is having your pet escape when you are not with them. Always be careful around open doors and windows to make sure you don’t have a runaway pet or a dangerous fall. Once your pet is outside under proper supervision, keep your pet away from lawn chemicals and pesticides, mulches, compost piles, poisonous plants, swimming pools, and ponds.
During the Home Inspection – While inspectors are good-hearted pet lovers, it’s best to keep your pet secure during your home inspection. Moving can be a stressful time for pets and having strangers in the home can be upsetting to even the most lovable fur babies.
Having your home professionally inspected is an important way to keep your home safe for all its inhabitants, human and furry.