How to Pet-Proof your Home
Just as parents ‘childproof’ their home, so should pet owners ‘petproof’ theirs. Four-legged members of the family 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 space. The following tips can help ensure that your pet enjoys a long, happy and accident-free life in your care.
Around The House
- Screen windows to guard against falls.
- Don’t let young pets out on balconies or high decks.
- Many house plants or floral arrangements, including Lilies/Liliaceae family, Dieffenbachia (dumbcane), Philodendrons, Ivy (various species), Creeping Charlie, Umbrella Plant and many more are extremely poisonous if eaten. Remove them or put them out of reach in hanging baskets.
- Rat bait is extremely tempting for dogs to eat, yet is highly poisonous and potentially fatal, and should not be accessible at any time.
- 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 or a space heater is being used unattended.
- Plastic bags may be fun to play with, but they can suffocate.
- If your pet can put something in their mouth, they probably will. Don’t leave small, sharp, easily swallowed objects lying around.
Toxic Foods
When it comes to food there are some human foods such as chocolate, alcohol, corn on the cob, grapes, some nuts, onions and avocados can be very harmful to your pet. Take a read through our blog post on toxic foods for pets and never hesitate to seek assistance from The Village Vet if you suspect your pet is suffering from toxic poisoning.
The Garage
Cats enjoy naps near a warm engine so, before you drive off, honk your horn and make sure your pet is not under or near the car. Also Pets like the smell and taste of antifreeze and windscreen washer, so make sure you tightly cover their containers and wipe up any spills. Paint, petrol and other dangerous chemicals should be stored out of reach for pets just as they are for children.
The Kitchen, Laundry and Bathroom
- Never leave hotplates or irons on unattended.
- Dangerous household chemicals such as bleach and ammonia should be stored out of your pet’s reach.
- Close washing machine and dryer lids – your pet might climb in and become trapped.
- Keep toilet lids down – small pets can actually drown if they fall in.
- Medicines, shampoo, sunscreen and other personal care items can kill your pet. Make sure they can’t get hold of them.
The Pool & Yard
There are some outdoor plants, like Brunfelsia (Yesterday Today & Tomorrow), Lilies, Ivy, Oleander, Azalea, Foxglove, Hydrangea, Morning Glory, Nightshade, Rhododendron, Yew and many more which can be poisonous to pets. There are also many plants which can be responsible for setting off allergies in our pets. If you live in areas where Cane toads in habity these creatures are very poisonous; the toxin they secrete, which usually occurs when your pet mouths the toad, can potentially cause convulsions and cardiac arrest.
Outdoor Dangers
- Keep pets away from lawns and gardens treated with snail bait or chemicals.
- Store garden tools, baits, fertilisers and chemicals securely. Keep garden sheds locked.
- Cover swimming pools, spas and ponds – your pet might fall in and not be able to get out.
- Keep pets away from spiders and snakes
Festive Dangers
There are many dangers around festival times. These come in many forms:
- Toxic food
- Presents with string
- Decorations
- Salty meats
- Candles & BBQs
Keep your pets safe through this years festivities by keeping easy to swallow and toxic items out of their reach at all times.
Seek assistance from The Village Vet immediately if you suspect your pet is suffering from toxic poisoning. And always remember that prevention is better than a cure.
Contact Us
Book online or call The Village Vet Pymble 9499 4010 or Killara 8350 5678 directly.
