ACCIDENT PROOFING YOUR HOME

The best way to handle an emergency is to prevent it from happening!  If you recognize potential

hazards before they occur, you may save your pets life.  Pet proofing your home is much the same

as child proofing your home.  Please consider the following precautions: 

1.   Wrap or conceal telephone and electric cords. Cords can be inserted in plastic tubing.  Foam or cardboard should not be used since they invite a pet to chew or claw on them.

2.   Cords from draperies or blinds are very inviting to pets.  Remove the risk of tangling and strangulation by elevating and securing cords out of reach.

3.   Check pet toys to make sure there are no small parts that can be chewed off and swallowed.  Squeakers are always being yanked out of toys by eager pets. Supervised play is best. Just because the toy is sold in stores or catalogs does not mean it is safe for your pet. Yarn is not a good toy for cats or dogs.  Make sure toys, balls for example, are size appropriate.  Rawhide treats with knots on the ends are a hazard when the knot is swallowed whole.  A Kong with a treat inside is usually safe entertainment for your dog.

4.  Keep all foil, scrub pads, plastic bags, anything that has a food smell out of your pets reach.   A discarded string from a roast can be fatal if swallowed.  Make sure your garbage is secure from invasion.  Bones can kill!

5.  Keep all medications out of your pets reach.  Give your pet only pet-specific medications and use the dosage your veterinarian recommends. 

6.   Remove all toxic plants and flowers.  Research your plants on the Internet or ask at your local garden center to prevent accidental poisoning.

7.   Never use snail bait, rat poison, insecticides or poisonous ant traps near your pets.  Beware of all chemicals, paint, paint removers, cleaners, detergents, bleach, toilet disinfectants, antifreeze, etc.  Products that are non-toxic to pets are sold to solve almost every household problem.  If the product is toxic, just keep it out of your pets space.

8.   Keep all sharp objects away from pets.

9.   Do not leave candles unattended.

10. Check your dryer and washer for small pets before use.

11. Keep hot appliances and boiling liquids out of your pets reach.

12. Keep pets away from office supplies, games / childrens toys, craft projects or sewing areas.  Too many interesting little items to swallow!

13. When you are away, designate a safe area for your pet to be until you return. 

14. Never leave your pet unsupervised outdoors.  An unlocked gate can lead to a lost pet during a routine delivery or due to an unexpected guest.  A tie out can become a giant tangle with your pet in the middle.

15. Make sure windows have sturdy pet screen to avoid the unauthorized exit of your pet.

16.  Keep breakable objects out of your pets way.  If it can break it will break eventually.