Are you getting a new pet? Here’s how to make it a safe place.
If you have never owned a furry pet with four legs, your home might not be completely equipped to keep new pets out of trouble. Thankfully, keeping a pet and a clean, safe home is not so hard. These tips to pet-proof your home will help get you started.
Barr Your Pet from Hazardous and Fragile Items
Anything you want to keep your pet from getting into should be either barred off or out of reach. You don’t have to bullet-proof your jewelry or lock up your glassware, but you can take measures such as the following:
- Keep small, poisonous, and fragile items out of reach or in drawers.
- Use electric cord protectors.
- Avoid window treatments that puddle on the floor.
- Use a pet-proof garbage can in the kitchen.
- Avoid having houseplants hazardous to pets if your pet likes to chew them.
Use a Baby Gate or Crate Training
Limiting your pet’s access to the rest of the house is a good way to help a new pet adjust to a new home. It can also be useful if you want to keep your pet (especially a dog) out of trouble when you are not at home. Think of it positively. You are not limiting your pet’s access to the house but giving it its own personal safe space when you are home or away. If you crate-train your dog, do not keep it contained longer than is appropriate.
Provide for Its Chewing or Scratching Needs
Dogs and cats do need to chew or scratch things from time to time. Provide them with chew toys or scratching posts so they can meet their needs rather than let your furniture become up for grabs. Plenty of playtime in general will prevent destructive behavior.
Furnish Your Home with Durable, Clean Materials
If you purchase new furniture or linens, let them be durable enough to withstand your pet’s contact with them and easy to clean. You can have these criteria in mind for home renovations as well.
Invest in Superb Cleaning Tools
Pets and people are dirty. Invest in a robust vacuum cleaner, dusters, and wet mops for removing pet hair, dander, dust, and potential stains. A clean house is a healthy house!
If you would like to see how to pet-proof your home by room, read here next.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!