Bringing a furry friend into your home is a joyous occasion, but it should be taken seriously and approached with care. Ensuring your space is a haven for your four-legged family member requires a little paw-preparedness.
From dodging potential hazards to understanding what plants to keep out of reach, here’s a guide to creating a pet-safe environment that’s both safe and delightful!
Furbaby-Proofing 101: Making Your Home Safe for Dogs
Taking proactive measures, like securing potential hazards and selecting pet-friendly alternatives, you not only safeguard your pets but also create a space where they can flourish and frolic without worry. After all, a pet-safe home is a happy home for both you and your furry friends. Here’s some simple steps you can take:
Hide the Chewable Objects:
Pets, especially puppies and curious cats, love exploring through their mouths. Keep electrical cords, chargers, and other wires out of their reach or hide them safely behind furniture. Investing in cord protectors or covers can help prevent chewing escapades.
Lock Away/ Hide Toxic Products:
Lock cabinets containing cleaning supplies, detergents, pesticides, and medications. These everyday items might seem harmless to us, but they can pose health threats to our pets. Opt for pet-friendly cleaning products for a clean home without the risk.
Rethink How To Take Care of the Trash:
Trash cans are treasure troves for pets, but their contents might be hazardous. Secure bins with tight-fitting lids to prevent access, or place your trash can under your sink.
Secure Doors and Windows for Escape Artists:
Check for any potential escape routes your pet might find, like a broken screen or easily openable door.
These are just a few of the things a new pet owner might want to evaluate in their home before bringing home their new furry bundle of joy. But is there more you can do?
Poisonous Plants are More Hazardous to Dogs than You Think
While plants add greenery to your home, some can be harmful to pets. Here’s a list of plants to be wary of:
Lilies: Beautiful but deadly for cats and dogs! Lilies, including Easter, Asiatic, Tiger, and Daylilies, can cause kidney failure in our feline friends.
Aloe Vera: This succulent might be a soothing skin remedy for us, but for pets, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Pothos: Its vibrant leaves make it a popular choice, but Pothos can lead to oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.
Other common toxic plants include:
- Tulips
- Ivy
- ZZ Plant
- Corn Plant
- Sago Palm
- Asparagus Plant
- Elephant Ear
With all the toxic plants for pets out there, are there any safe alternatives?
Pet-Safe Alternatives for a Green Home
Spider Plant: This easy-to-care-for plant is safe for pets and helps clean the air.
Boston Fern: Known for its air-purifying qualities, Boston Fern is non-toxic and safe for curious critters.
Other pet-safe plants include:
- Baby’s Tears
- Money Plants
- Banana Trees
- Haworthia
- Air Plants
- Prayer Plants
Creating a pet-safe home involves a mix of precaution and pet-proofing. By being mindful of potential hazards and choosing pet-friendly alternatives, you’re creating a space where your furry friends can thrive without worries.
A little extra care and attention go a long way in keeping your home a safe and loving environment for your furry companions!
