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How to Pet-Proof Your Home
Before adopting a pet, make your home safe for them to live in
Before adopting a pet, you will need to pet-proof your home. Although they may be shy at first, pets are curious creatures — if they can get their paws on something, they will.
Upon entering your home for the first time, a pet will not be aware of what behavior is expected from them, and they will be intrigued by their new environment. Leaving hazards around your house can be harmful (and even fatal) to your pet and can damage your home/belongings as well. Pets can be trained, but you never know what they will get into when you’re not looking.
I have had quite a few pets in my life so far (and fostered some, too), and they all had a knack for trouble when they first arrived at my house. My dog growing up would chew on any toys I accidentally left out, and the cat I later adopted loved to mess with the blinds. As they have grown older, they have fortunately calmed down and no longer have these issues.
I cannot say the same for the dog I most recently adopted; he may not get into as much trouble as he used to a couple of years ago, but if he sees the opportunity, he will take it.
There are slight differences in pet-proof your home based on pet species, but the general idea is the same. While dogs are more prone to chewing and cats to scratching, they can get into trouble with both. Dogs may be larger and able to reach more, but cats are great climbers. Pet-proofing your house is needed even for smaller species like rabbits and guinea pigs.
The best way I found to do this is to think like your pet. If you were their size, what could you get into?
What can they reach?
You will have to consider what your pet has access to. Is there a table that your dog can jump onto, or a counter that your cat can access? If pets can reach certain surfaces, they can eat or knock over anything left on them. As most dogs cannot climb, this is more of an issue with cats.
If you like to open your windows, you will also have to make sure you do not open them wide enough for your pet to escape. Some pets may break through screens, so always supervise your pet when your windows are open.
To prevent pets from climbing into hazardous areas, try to keep objects away that they can use as steps to tables or counters. If you are doing laundry or opening drawers, you should also make sure that your pet (especially your cat) does not get trapped inside. Make sure to close drawers and toilet seats that you do not want your pets to get into.
If you have a smaller pet, you should be wary of any floor vents or small spaces that your pet can squeeze into. You don’t want to end up losing your pet in your home, so think of potential hiding places before your pet finds them first.
Pet-proofing your outdoor space should also be considered if you intend to let your pets out in the yard. Are there any opportunities for them to escape? Ensure that chained leashes are strong enough and that fences are high enough that your pet cannot jump or climb over. You should also be aware of any outdoor pesticides or chemicals, as they can harm your pet.
What can they eat?
Some pets will eat anything, so you need to hide away anything that they can consume. Any object can be harmful if it gets lodged in your pet’s digestive system, but it’s essential to keep away items that are toxic to pets. This can include plants, medications, chemicals, essential oils, or food.
In addition, make sure that your trash can not be knocked over or ripped open by your pet. You do not want them to have access to toxic products or spoiled food that you are throwing away.
While toxic items are important to keep away from your pet, you should also be mindful of where you store your pet’s food. If you leave a bag of dog food on the floor, your pet may be tempted to tear it open. This might not make them sick (aside from overeating), but it can create a mess.
It is also critical to ensure there is nothing that your pet can chew on. As mentioned previously, anything can cause choking or digestive issues with your pet, but heavy chewers can wreak havoc on your home as well. Pets may go after:
- Curtains/blinds (including the cords, which can also be a strangulation hazard)
- Furniture
- Wires (this can also be an electrocution hazard, so keep these out of reach)
- Any other miscellaneous objects (shoes, bags, toys, sharp objects, etc.)
To prevent pets from eating things they shouldn’t, keep hazardous items in impenetrable, out-of-reach areas. Some pets might be able to open cabinets; in this case, you might want to invest in child-proof latches to deter your pet.
If your pet is eager to chew an item that cannot be moved out of its reach (blinds, for example), you might want to check out some bitter spray that may help train your pet to stop chewing that item. If the pet associates the item with a bitter taste, they will hopefully stop chewing on it.
What can they scratch?
Most pets have nails that can be destructive to your house. This is primarily an issue with cats, but dogs can also harm wood floors or furniture, depending on how large they are. Cats like to scratch and climb, so they can scratch walls, furniture, curtains, and anything they have access to.
If your pet is inclined to scratch, try to purchase scratching pads or cat trees that your pet can use instead. You can also purchase furniture covers and rugs if you are concerned about ruining your furniture/floors. You should also keep your pet’s nails trimmed to prevent scratching and to keep your pet healthy.
When you first adopt a pet, it is a good idea to keep them contained in one area when you are not actively supervising them. You might crate them when you leave the house or leave them in a contained, pet-proofed space. This might be a room closed off by a door, or you can invest in a pet gate or pen.
When you are available to supervise, you can start letting your pet explore around the house. This will allow you to train them on how to interact with the house. Once your pet becomes more comfortable in your home, you should continue to keep a pet-proof home. This way, both you and your pet can continue to thrive in a safe and happy environment.
If you live with anyone else or have frequent company, make sure they are aware of the precautions you take to pet-proof your home. Your pet may not know any better when they see a bottle of pills lying on the floor, but you do. Prevent a costly trip to the vet that may not have a happy ending; keep your pet safe.
Pet-proofing can be time-consuming (and sometimes expensive), but in the end, it protects your pet and your belongings. Owning a pet is a huge responsibility, so you have to put in the work. Eliminating hazards early on will make things easier for you in the future. Older pets may not have as much energy to get into trouble, but it’s always a good idea to be on the safe side.
Besides, who doesn’t want to keep their home decluttered and organized? Pets provide excellent motivation for maintaining a clean (and happy!) home.
