Is Your Home Pet Proof?

We child proof our homes for children but do we pet proof our homes for pets? There could be dangers lurking in your home that could harm or even kill your pets. Do you know what they are? Have you even considered the possibility of the dangers?

Here are a few of the things I have done to pet proof my home. Keep in mind that puppies are going to require more drastic measures than the older dog. Puppies are teething and will chew to help bring their teeth in. DANGER:Electrical Cords--Make sure you do not have any electrical cords that a pet can get their mouth on. One way to find problems is to crawl around your home at your pets eye level and see what your pet can get their mouth on. DANGER:Plants--Make sure that your house plants in your home are not poisonous to pets. DANGER:Blind Cords--Make sure the cords on your blinds do not hang down. Tie them up high. I had a friend loose her dog. She jumped up at the window and her collar got caught on the cord. She hung herself while my friend was in the shower. It was so tragic.

These days our furniture can cause harm to our pets. DANGER:Your Recliner-- My sectional has four recliners in it. Always make sure your pet is not under you when you close the recliner. Watch your visitors who would not think twice about an animal being under them. DANGER:Your Bed--Our beds these days are very tall. If you have a pet that sleeps with you, make sure you have pet stairs or ramp for them to get off the bed. Jumping from the bed is NOT good for small breeds. It really jars their little bodies and could give your pet back, leg and hip problems. Broken bones could occur. This is probably not an issue with the larger dogs.

Do not forget to pet proof outside where your pet goes. DANGER:Plants--make sure that your yard plants are not poisonous to pets. I always get rid of the mushrooms that grow in my yard even if I do not see my yorkie Graycee going around them. DANGER:Pesticides--read the warnings on what ever outdoor poison you use. Some are safe for the pet after a few hours. I never let Graycee outside after my husband has sprayed. DANGER:Holes in the fence--make sure to walk the entire perimeter of the yard for any places your pet can get out. DANGER:Hidden Dangers--walk your yard and LOOK for dangers. A puppy could drown in any item that holds water. Always make sure that your pet has a fresh bowl of water outside even if your pet is an inside dog. Your pet depends on you to give them the best care that they deserve so it is up to you to do your part. Love your pets!