Getting a new pet can be an exiting time, but before you jump headlong into bringing your new furry friend home, there are lots of things you need to consider to ensure his or her new environment is suitable, safe and free from any potential hazards. Here are a selection of some pet-friendly tips that anyone can implement.
Access
Before you bring your pet home, consider what sort of access it will have in the house and for going outdoors. Cats, for instance, love their independence and like to come and go as they please. One of the best ways to do this, is to install a cat flap on your door. This will also help with toilet training.
If you are bringing a small puppy or kitten home, then you might want to consider installing a stair gate, as they may take a tumble and hurt themselves, if they have access to the stairs.
Scratching
It’s a natural instinct for pets to scratch, so punishing them can be cruel. If you don’t want your new sofa ripped to shreds, then prevention is key. Train your pet from the beginning to keep away from it, or cover it with a throw when your pet is in the room. Better still, provide your pet with his or her own scratching post or furniture.
Dangerous substances
Pets are curious, and like to root around, so assess if you have any dangerous substances in cupboards, which they might get their noses into. If in doubt, put safety latches on cupboard doors so they can’t get into them. Certain foods are toxic to pets, so keep food out of reach, as well.
Plants
If your house is filled with foliage, then you might need to have a rethink when your pet comes home. Many plants are highly toxic to cats and dogs, so it’s worth doing an audit of the plants you own to see if there are any that could be potentially harmful.
Gaps
Walk around both the inside and outside of your home and look for any small gaps that your pet could possibly get through and escape, such as gaps in walls or fences. If you have an open fireplace, then put a fireguard on it, in case your cat decides to climb up the chimney. Look for any gaps behind appliances, as well, as animals are very crafty at seeking out things you might not have noticed yourself.
Wires and cables
Dangling wires, cables or cords are very attractive to pets, as they may consider them play things, but the reality is, they could end up getting caught up in them or strangled, so keep them well out of the way and tied back.
Toilet lid
Get into the habit of keeping the lid on the toilet closed. If left open, your pet might think the toilet bowl is a vessel to drink the water from. This could be highly toxic to pets though, particularly if the water is laced with cleaning product residue.
Crispin Jones is the writer for Vibrant Doors – for more information follow them on twitter on check out their site.
