Pets are a lot like curious toddlers, and mischievous cats and dogs can get themselves into trouble while exploring their environment. Your pet spends much of their time at home, and pet-proofing is critical to keep them safe and your treasured belongings intact. Follow our Stanton Pet Hospital team’s tips to identify and protect your pet from common household dangers.

Store food out of your pet’s reach

The kitchen poses innumerable temptations for a food-motivated pet, and many human foods can be toxic to your furry pal if they snatch them from the table or gobble up scraps that are dropped on the floor. Common foods that are toxic to pets include:

  • Chocolate 
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Xylitol 
  • Alcohol 
  • Onions, garlic, and chives 

To keep your pet safe, avoid sharing your food with them, clear the table of all food and beverages immediately after a meal, and keep your trash tightly covered or secured behind a door fitted with a childproof latch.

Choose pet-friendly plants

Plants and flower arrangements add beauty to your home, but many contain harmful properties that make pets sick and can cause life-threatening organ damage. Dangerous plants include lilies, azalea, cyclamen, daffodils, dieffenbachia, oleander, sago palm, hyacinth, tulips, and chrysanthemums. If you’re not sure which plants are safe for your pet, consult the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list. 

Keep the floors clear

Pets like to explore their environment with their mouths and will pick up and chew nearly anything you leave on the floor. Remove clutter that could harm your pet, by following these tips:

  • Hang up purses, jackets, and backpacks — Many small items are often stashed in purses, jacket pockets, or backpacks. Your pet may sniff out hair ties and clips, coins, and other potential choking hazards, so hang up your purse, coat, or backpack when not in use.
  • Store toys and games — When toys and game pieces are not in use, put them away to ensure your pet doesn’t ingest a stray item. 
  • Secure cords — Cover electrical cords to prevent your pet from chewing them, and secure window cords to ensure your pet doesn’t get tangled.

Use gates to block pet access 

Pet gates can keep your furry friend safe by restricting their access to potentially dangerous areas in your home, such as the kitchen, staircases, or front door. Consider these factors when selecting a pet gate:

  • Type — Pet gates come in various styles to suit different needs. Options include:
    • Pressure-mounted gates — Pressure-mounted gates are secured in place by the pressure of the wall and do not require drilling holes.
    • Hardware-mounted gates— Like the name suggests, hardware-mounted gates can be permanently attached to walls and doorframes using screws or mounting hardware. While these gates typically require the most work to install, they are also the most secure.
    • Freestanding gates — Freestanding gates are easy to place and move around the home but they are less secure than other options.
    • Retractable gates — Retractable gates can be pulled across an opening and then easily retracted when not in use.  
  • Size — Before purchasing a pet gate, measure the width of the area you need to block. Most gates are adjustable to fit various opening sizes, but you must ensure a proper fit to prevent gaps through which your pet could squeeze. The gate should be at least as tall as your pet when they stand on their hind legs to prevent them from jumping over it.
  • Features — Many pet gates offer unique features to meet your pet’s needs and your home layout. These features include:
    • Weather resistance — If you plan to use a gate outdoors or in areas exposed to the elements, choose a gate that is weather-resistant and designed to withstand outdoor conditions.
    • Swinging door — Pet gates with a swinging door allow you to pass through without stepping over or removing the gate.
    • Cat door — Some pet gates have a small cat door built in to allow them to come and go.  

Pet-proofing is the best way to help ensure your pet remains safe while at home. However, despite your best pet-proofing efforts, accidents can occur. If your pet has a household mishap and needs medical attention, contact our Stanton Pet Hospital team for guidance.