If you’re thinking of bringing a new pet into the home – such as a cat or dog – you must aim to cater to their exact needs. Young puppies and kittens get into everything when eyes are turned and cause all sorts of chaos. Some of the better-known health hazards for pets are typically food and harmful chemicals; however, there are a vast number of other dangers in the home which aren’t always obvious. The goods news is that it’s extremely easy to take care of some of these potential threats yourself. It would never be a good idea to bring your new four-legged friend into the home without carrying out a full investigation first. What’s more, you should also aim to keep your property pet-friendly to ensure they’re content and comfortable in their new home. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind:
1. Outside space
Your new pet is likely to be spending a lot of time outside, so your yard should be pet-proofed before they arrive. For dogs, the garden will need to be enclosed to prevent your pooch from escaping or potentially being stolen from passers-by. Also, pay attention to any gaps in fences and certain spots where they may be able to dig and get underneath fixtures. You should also aim to remove any dangerous objects and plants from the garden which could pose a hazard to your pets.
You’ll likely be spending a large amount of time at work during the day, so cats and dogs should always have the option to get outdoors should they wish to, to do their business, or get the exercise they need. You can purchase an automatic pet sliding door from evoproducts.com to allow your pet to have freedom of access to the yard without having to leave your back door open all day.
2.Kids
If you have children, they’ll likely be wanting to spend a lot of time with the new pet, so it would be wise to have a discussion with the youngsters about how to keep the new arrival safe. Ensure their bedroom is pet-friendly (should they be allowed to roam upstairs) by packing away tiny objects and toys that could be chewed and educate them on the most common hazards to be aware of to keep their pet safe.
3. Lock away cleaning products
Cleaning products are often stored under the sink, but when your pets go exploring, they may become exposed to harmful chemicals if they attempt to jump in a cupboard or climb onto surfaces. These chemicals can be deadly, so the bathroom and kitchen products must be stored in a location that your pets will never be able to gain access to.
4. Hide wiring
Puppies and rabbits in particular love to chew, and wiring can be extremely enticing to nibble. Sometimes, you may need to treat your pet as you would a baby when it comes to their safety. If wiring is in reach, aim to re-position it as high as possible or use sturdy cable covers to prevent sharp teeth gnawing through.