How to Pet Proof Your Home

by | Helpful Tips, Homeowners Insurance Info, Pets | 0 comments

pet proof your home

Thinking of adding a furry friend to your family? Or maybe your relatives are bringing their four-legged companion for a visit? Either way, ensuring your home is safe and welcoming for pets is important. From curious kittens to energetic pups exploring every corner, pet-proofing your space is essential to prevent mishaps. With a few simple tweaks, you can create a cozy and secure environment that’s perfect for both pets and people. Here’s a room-by-room guide.

Family Room/Living Room

  • Furnishings: Pets love to jump, even if you don’t allow them on your furniture. Make sure it’s safe in case they get up there. Remove furniture that moves when jumped on (rocking chairs and chairs with wheels), and don’t leave reclining chairs open. They can close from the momentum of the jump, entrapping your pet. Add anti-scratch tape to the couch and other furniture to discourage scratching.
  • Cords and wires: Pets love to play with dangling wires. Make sure cords from lamps, TVs, and other appliances are out of reach or taped down. You can use a pet-safe bitter apple spray to deter chewing. Cover electric cords or put them away when not in use. Follow guidelines for extension cord safety.
  • Knickknacks and toys: Be prepared for décor and knickknacks to be knocked over. Keep them out of reach of curious pets. Remove children’s toys to avoid damage and potential choking hazards.
  • House plants: Many plants can be poisonous to pets. Move them out of reach, possibly to a room where the door is closed so pets have no access. Fortunately, there are many pet-friendly plants that you and your fur baby can both enjoy.
  • Fireplace and heaters: Place dog beds and blankets away from fireplaces or heaters. Block off access to the fireplace for pets just as you would for young children.
  • Windows: Pets love to look out the window. Make sure your windows are closed. Install window guards so curious pets don’t accidentally fall through.

Kitchen

  • Cabinets: Pets can pry open cabinets. Add childproof latches to cabinets within their reach so curious paws and noses can’t get in.
  • Stove: Put up a stove guard to keep cats from jumping on a hot surface. Always supervise cooking. Don’t leave your stove unattended with pets in the house.
  • Dishwasher: Close the dishwasher when not in use. Dishwasher detergent has chemicals that can cause severe irritation to the mouth and well as gastrointestinal upset. Plus, sharp objects like knives with food residue can be enticing for pets, and cause injury.
  • Counters: Food can entice pets to jump up on counters. Even if the food is safe for them to eat, you don’t want them there. Store food in containers with tightly closed lids or in the fridge. Layering aluminum foil can keep cats from jumping on counters.
  • Trash cans: Keep garbage in pet-safe trash containers. Some are heavy enough so they can’t easily be knocked over and others come with locks. You can also tuck trash cans away in a closet or cabinet.

Bathroom

  • Cleaners: Store cleaning products and other hazardous chemicals out of reach to keep curious pets safe. Consider using cabinet latches to secure lower cabinets, and for dogs, placing items on high shelves can provide extra protection.
  • Medication: Always store medications in a secure cabinet or drawer. Even small amounts of medications can be toxic to pets if ingested.
  • Toilet: Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent pets from drinking water that may contain harmful chemicals. Use a toilet roll protector to keep playful pets from making a mess.
  • Accessories and bath items: Keep small items like hair accessories, loofahs, and razors out of reach. These items can pose choking or ingestion risks and laceration hazards.
  • Hair-styling heat tools: Always unplug and store curling irons, straighteners, and other heat tools immediately after use to prevent burns or accidents.

Bedroom

  • Closets: Keep closet doors closed to prevent pets from accessing laundry or shoes. Items like drawstrings, buttons, or small accessories can be dangerous if chewed or swallowed. Don’t forget to check under the bed for loose socks or undergarments and store them safely out of reach.
  • Curtain Cords: Dangling cords can be irresistibly tempting for pets but pose serious risks of entanglement or injury. Tie them up securely or opt for cordless window treatments to eliminate the hazard.
  • Bedside Table: Store medications, lotions, and cosmetics in drawers or on higher shelves, away from curious noses and paws. These items can be harmful if ingested.
  • Charging Cables and Electrical Cords: Keep electrical cords out of reach to prevent chewing, which can lead to electric shocks or burns. Charge devices on a high shelf, and tuck away charging cables when not in use.

Other Spaces

  • General: Use pet gates to section off certain areas for dogs. Keep in mind that gates are less effective for cats, as they can climb or jump over them.
  • Laundry Room: Always keep washer and dryer doors closed. Before starting the dryer, ensure no pets, especially cats, have climbed inside. Block small spaces behind washer and dryer units to prevent pets from getting stuck. Store dryer sheets in a sealed container on a high shelf; they contain chemicals that can cause gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, and other serious health issues.
  • Garage: Store chemicals like antifreeze, paints, and cleaners on high shelves or behind locked doors. Clean any antifreeze spills immediately—just a small amount can be lethal if ingested. Keep sharp tools and objects safely stored and remove any mouse or insect traps that could harm pets.
  • Yard: Avoid letting pets into the yard immediately after applying pest control chemicals. Check that all outdoor plants are safe and non-toxic for pets. Repair holes in fences to prevent pets from escaping. Store lawn and gardening tools securely when not in use. Keep pets away from compost piles, mulch, and fertilizers, which can be harmful if ingested. Choose a pet-safe ice melt for your property during the winter months.
  •  Balconies and Swimming Pools: Block access to balconies or use barriers to prevent falls, especially for small pets. Restrict access to swimming pools when not supervised to prevent drowning accidents.
  • Finally, don’t forget to protect your fur baby with pet insurance for added peace of mind, and to save on your vet bill. Remember, you can easily add pet insurance from Pet’s Best to your California Casualty auto or home policy.  Find out more about what pet insurance can cover by talking with a California Casualty customer service representative today.

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

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