cover image: https://unsplash.com/photos/4BfnsOmM8z0

Keeping your pet safe and comfortable is one of the main responsibilities when owning a pet. Our pets are counting on us to give them the right environment in which they can thrive. 

However, dogs and cats are naturally curious and adventurous animals. Like human children, they’re prone to getting into places and things that aren’t safe for them. 

Pet-proofing your home is one of the first tasks you’ll have as a pet owner, and it happens before your new furry friend ever arrives. Not only will it keep your pet safe and happy, it’ll also protect your belongings from unwanted chewing and scratching. 

Most Australian dog breeders and cat breeders will generally have some similar tips for new owners, which we have collected for your convenience.

How to Pet Proof Your Home

The first thing to do is to get down low and try to spot anything that is likely to be a danger to our pets. 

When we walk through our own homes, we often don’t see the hazards that our pets will encounter every day. However, when we go down to the eye level of our pets, we can quickly see that the world is a veritable smorgasbord of things to chew, scratch, swallow or dig. 

Many dogs and cats can develop these behaviours when they are adapting to a new space and exploring their surroundings. 

Anything from exposed electrical cables to errant hair ties could end up in your pet’s mouth or stomach. Secure these items away and the rest of the steps to pet proofing your home will be much easier.

Pet Proofing Each Room

Each room has its own challenges, so let’s go through each type and see how we can make each space safe for our pets. 

Kitchen

This is one of the most attractive rooms for pets, as there’s often the smell of food, and their owners are likely to spend time here. However, a kitchen is also rife with pet hazards.

• Sharp objects such as knives should be safely stowed away in drawers 

• All rubbish bins should have a lid that cannot be easily knocked off or removed

• Cover up any gaps between walls and appliances or cabinets so that pets can’t get trapped

• Keep cabinets and drawers closed at all times when not in use

• Appliances such as ovens and dishwashers should also be kept closed

• Food and cooking ingredients should be kept in a closed cupboard or on high shelves 

You may optionally install a pet gate to keep your pets out of harm’s way while you’re busy cooking. 

Bathroom or Laundry Room

While there’s not much chance of your pet causing major damage to the bathroom or laundry, they can still find themselves in trouble if they get into the medicine cabinet or start drinking toxic chemicals. 

• Keep toilet lids closed, and install a baby-proof toilet lock if necessary

• Store medications, cleaners, laundry supplies, spare soaps and shampoos on high shelves or in secure cabinets

• All rubbish bins should have a lid that cannot be easily knocked off or removed

• Stow away bath toys and loofahs or sponges in a cabinet or high shelf when not using them

• Consider using an enclosed toilet paper holder

Some pets may also think of bathroom mats as the ideal place to go potty, so you may need to put those away until your pet is fully house trained. 

Bedroom

Some pet parents prefer to let their pets sleep beside them, while others will keep the bedroom a pet-free zone. Regardless of which one you are, it’s still a good idea to watch out for the common pet hazards.

• Closet doors should be kept closed at all times

• Extension cords and chargers should be kept high off the ground, or concealed with durable cord covers 

• Keep clothes and pillows off the floor

• Medications, lotions, cosmetics and other potential toxins should be kept in drawers, not on top of a nightstand

Any plants should also be kept high off the ground, especially if they’re known to be toxic to dogs or cats. 

Living Room

This is typically where we pet parents will spend most of our time hanging out with our pets, so the bulk of your preparation may be in this space. 

• Block the fireplace with a baby gate or fireplace screen

• Make sure all HVAC vents have covers

• Cover or hide electrical cords

• Place dangling wires from lights and appliances out of reach

• Store knick knacks in glass cabinets or on high shelves

• Put away any children’s toys in bins with lids  

• Keep windows closed at all times, and curtains drawn when pets are left at home

It may also be a good idea to remove any rugs while your pet is still being house trained. Pet potty training mats may also be used to redirect your pet when they need to go to the toilet. 

Additional Tips:

It helps to have designated areas for your pet. Giving your dog a crate where they can play freely in or a sturdy dog house will help give him a sense of security and give you peace of mind. Consider giving him a comfortable dog bed if he loves getting on your bed and on the couch. On the other hand, cats love sleeping in elevated places and would benefit from a cat tower where they can hide away and rest. 

Bio:

Hubert is a pet trainer who has been freelance writing for the last 5 years. He loves animals and nature and enjoys hiking and camping during his free time.