Pet proofing your home means to ensure that Fido or Tomcat can live happily and comfortably in it without bothering you. A pet-safe home is a requirement every pet parent should consider before bringing a pet into the household. A pet-safe home is essential for your pet’s safety and to secure your belongings. It will also enable you to appreciate and enjoy the company of your pet with less stress.
What does it take to pet-proof your home? What are the considerations that you should take in when pet-proofing your home?
What does pet-proofing your home mean?
We consider our pets to be a part of our family, and we do everything to ensure their safety and comfort. Owning a pet can be similar to having a baby in the house. As a parent, you need to ensure that each corner of your home is pet-friendly.
Pet proofing your home means:
- Keeping your entire house clean.
- Keeping hazardous substances in a safe place.
- Providing a litter box.
- Providing space for your pet.
- Being a responsible pet parent.
A simple pet-proofing guide will help in your quest to achieving a pet-safe home!
The Ultimate Pet Proofing Guide for your Home
There are several things to consider if you’re planning to achieve a pet-proof home such as fences, plants, rubbish bins, food and all the areas of your home. It requires hard work and effort to ensure that your entire house is pet-proofed.
Here’s a quick how-to guide to pet-proofing your home:
Securing your fence.
The fence will help contain your pet inside your garden. Be sure that it can prevent your pets from slipping their bodies through the gaps in the fences. Consulting a fence specialist for ideas on how to seal the gaps in your fences is a practical decision. You do not want your pets to be out in the streets or to get lost.
Locking away plants that can harm your pet.
Sometimes cats and dogs have the nature to chew things up, including plants. Some plants can cause allergies and infections, which can make your pet sick. Lilies, daisy, dahlia and baby’s breath are common plants that can harm your pets. Lock away these hazardous plants and be sure that your pets will not get to them.
Securing the rubbish bins.
Be sure that your pets will not tip over the rubbish bins causing your floor to be dirty. You do not want your pet to scavenge through the rubbish. They might eat scraps, bones or hazardous substances which can harm them. It is best to find a secured area for your rubbish bin and always to keep it closed.
Beware of toxic food.
I understand that those puppy dog eyes are hard to resist. However, you should be aware of some food that is poisonous to your pet, including human food. Avocado, chocolate, nuts and raisins are harmful to your pet while lean meat, most vegetables, baked potato and rice are excellent foods to give them as a treat. If you believe that your pet is displaying food poisoning symptoms, consult the vet as soon as possible.
Giving space for your pet.
Give space for Fido or Tomcat. There should be a corner in your home designated for your pet. A garage or an extra room as a pet zone is ideal, especially for big dogs. Some pets are territorial. They need love, attention and their own space to sleep, play and hideout.
What to consider when pet-proofing your home:
Pets are great companions. They can make us feel safe, happy, protected and positive. In return, we should give them love, care, attention and make them feel that they belong to our family. To make your pet-proofing guide more productive, here are a few points to consider:
- How big is your pet?
Bigger pets require a bigger space. You have to be sure that they can roam around freely in your garden or backyard. Bigger dogs need a big space for exercising. You do not want Fido to be grumpy due to not getting enough exercise.
- How big is your home?
If you live in a smaller house, the garage or shed can be a good alternative for your pet’s hideout. However, you need to secure the surroundings beforehand. If you have bigger dogs, an outhouse dog zone is best so that your pets can guard your property and have a bigger space for exercising.
Be a responsible pet owner. Always pay attention to your pet’s health. A regular visit to the vet is required to ensure your pet’s health. Also, you need to be aware of how to properly care for your pet, including pet-proofing your home.
Remember:
Your pet is not just a pet. It is now a part of your family!
If you need help in pet-proofing your home, reach out to Delah Gomasi from Maid For You.