Pets tend to be very inquisitive and curious, and they enjoy snooping around new environments. As a pet owner, safety should always be a priority, and you probably also want to keep your house intact for as long as possible. By pet-proofing your home, you can protect your pad and your beloved pets.
Creative ways to pet-proof your home
If you’re preparing to bring a new puppy or a kitten home, it’s wise to get your house sorted in advance. If you’re not used to sharing your nest with furry friends, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that they will be safe when they arrive and to minimize the risk of damage to your belongings. Here are some simple, creative ways you can provide a safe haven for your pets.
- Plugging holes and filling gaps
If you have a tiny puppy rushing around the house, or you’re counting down the days until you bring your new kitten home, it’s advisable to plug holes and gaps as soon as possible. Kittens and puppies are nosy, they like to explore, and when they’re still very small, they can get stuck very easily. Look out for spaces between appliances in your kitchen, fill gaps under the doors, and look for holes in cabinets and cupboards.
- Tidying wires
A wire, especially one that moves from time to time, might seem like a really fun toy to your cat or dog, but it can actually be extremely dangerous. Before you bring your new companion home, tidy wires away and ensure that they’re not accessible. It’s not always easy to get rid of wires in this day and age, but there are some really innovative and creative gadgets and solutions you can use to hide cables and leads.
- Cover furniture
As a new pet owner, you’ll probably learn that pets like furniture very quickly. From chewed table legs to scratched couch cushions, it’s beneficial to take steps to protect your furniture. Use covers to shield sofas and chairs and keep them free from fur.
- Secure drawers and cupboards
Using child locks is a great way to keep your pets away from harmful chemicals, medicines, and anything else that you don’t want to be detected by an eager snout, for example, kitten or puppy food and treats.
- Take care with plants
House plants look fabulous, and they can also provide health benefits, but not all plants are suitable for households with pets. Make sure you get rid of any plants that are poisonous to pets before you welcome your new addition.
- Pet-free zones
We all love our pets, but there may be areas of your home that you’d like to keep clean, tidy, and tranquil. If you don’t want your dog to reside in your bedrooms, for example, you can use child gates to block off the stairs.
Bringing a pet home is incredibly exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking. Just as you have to child-proof a house for a newborn baby or a toddler, it’s advisable to take steps to ensure your home is a safe haven for pets.
