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Just as parents
'childproof' their home, so should pet owners 'petproof'
theirs. Four-legged members of the family, like infants and
small children, are naturally curious and love to explore
their environment with their paws, claws and mouths. But they
can't know what is dangerous and what is not... so it's up to
you to make your home a safe haven. The following tips can
help ensure that your pet enjoys a long, happy and
accident-free life in your care. |
- Screen windows to guard against
falls.
- Don't let young pets out on
balconies, upper porches or high decks.
- Many house plants, including
dieffenbachia, elephant ear, spider plants and more are poisonous if
eaten. Remove them or put them out of reach in hanging baskets.
- Puppies and kittens love to
chew when they're teething, so unplug, remove or cover electrical cords.
- Don't leave a room where a fire
is lit, including candles, or a portable heater is being used
unattended.
- Plastic bags may be fun to play
with, but they can suffocate.
- Don't leave small, sharp,
easily swallowed objects lying around.
- Be careful what you leave in
your kitchen sink or on the counters. Dogs will take scissors or knives
that are laying about.
- Be mindful that sewing needles
are out of a dogs reach.
- Dangerous household chemicals
such as bleach and ammonia should be stored out of your pet's reach.
- Close washer and dryer doors -
your pet might climb in and become trapped.
- Keep toilet lids down - small
pets can actually drown, if they fall in.
- Medicines, shampoo, suntan
lotions and other personal care items can kill your pet. Make sure they
can't get hold of them.
- Never leave ovens or irons on
unattended.
Avoiding
catastrophes
- Many objects used as cat toys -
wool, string, rubber bands, aluminium foil - can be extremely harmful if
swallowed.
- Cats love to sleep in warm,
dark places, so close drawers and cupboards - your pet might suffocate
if trapped.
- A cat looks adorable with a
ribbon tied around its neck... but it could get caught and choke your
pet.
Dog-gone disasters
- Eliminate hooks or similar
objects placed at your dog's shoulder height - the collar or harness
could become tangled and he/she could choke.
- A tall perimeter fence around
your property will minimise the risk of your dog running out into
traffic or roaming far from home.
Home for the
holidays
- Tinsel and icicles, Christmas
tree lights and glass ornaments will be sure to tempt your pet's
curiosity - but all could be lethal if chewed or swallowed.
- Poinsettia, holly and mistletoe
are poisonous to your pets.
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