According to a recent survey, there are currently over 90 million pet owners in America, with dogs topping the list. Whether you own a four-legged friend, a reptile, or an aquatic animal, you need to keep them happy and healthy.
In addition to providing them food, shelter, and stimulation, you also need to consider animal safety. Creating a safe environment ensures that your pet can thrive and flourish.
Keep reading for the ultimate guide to keeping your pets safe and eliminating hazards for pets in your home.
Common Household Hazards for Pets
The first step in keeping your pets safe at home is knowing what hazards exist. Some of the most common household dangers and hazards for pets include, but aren’t limited to:
- Batteries
- Insecticides and fertilizers
- Prescription medication
- Household cleaners and detergents
- Razors and other sharp utensils
- Small items and other choking hazards
If your pets get a hold of any of these items, they can cause serious health issues. Keep chemicals, cleaners, and other hazardous materials out of reach of your animals. Always wash your hands after using chemicals or potentially hazardous materials and before touching or handling your pet.
Also, consider airborne toxins. Many homeowners burn candles, and incents, or use essential oil diffusers to help eliminate unpleasant pet odors. Learn more about which ones are safe and which are potentially hazardous for pets.
Food Safety Tips for Pet Owners
Just because a certain food is safe for you to consume doesn’t mean it’s okay for your pet. Animals have sensitive digestive systems that can’t handle certain ingredients.
Feeding your animals table food can cause a myriad of health complications, depending on the type of food and the type of animal. Here’s a general list of foods that can potentially make your pet sick.
- Chocolate
- Raw meat, bones, and eggs
- Mushrooms, onions, and garlic
- Fat trimmings
- Grapes
- Avocados
- Alcohol and coffee
Pet-Proofing Your Home
Protecting your pet from digesting hazardous materials is only one step in ensuring animal safety. There are areas of your home that could pose a risk for your beloved pet.
Dogs and cats spend a lot of time roaming the house, so consider the potential risks in these common meeting areas.
Kitchen
- Garbage can (lock your garbage or store it in a cabinet)
- Cabinets (lock cabinets that contain chemicals and other toxic materials)
Living Room and Bedrooms
- Electrical cords (chewing hazard for small animals and rodents — keep all cords off the ground and out of reach)
- Chocking hazards (keep the floor free from all debris and small items)
Bathroom
- Toilet water (animals can get sick from drinking toilet water so be sure to always keep the lid down and securely shut)
Outdoor Hazards
- Escape (install a fence or other protective barrier to prevent dogs, cats, and other mobile animals from escaping)
- Pesticides and fertilizers (choose pet-friendly products that won’t harm your pet if they accidentally ingest them)
- Poisonous plants (learn more about what plants are toxic to animals and avoid adding these to your garden)
Make Animal Safety a Priority
Being a pet owner shouldn’t be taken lightly. Before you bring a new pet into your home, you need to consider these animal safety tips.
Certain animals require more care and consideration than others based on their size, breed, and type of enclosure. While caged animals like hamsters and reptiles spend little time on the ground, dogs and cats can find their way into anywhere and anything in your home.
Create a safe environment for your new addition so you can focus your time and attention on enjoying them and watching them grow. Be sure to browse the rest of our blog for more useful tips on designing your home, sports, tech, or travel.