How to Create a Safer Home for Pets

Pets are usually curious creatures that are unable to judge the potential dangers of living within our homes. Their mischief can often land them into trouble that can injure them or even be fatal for them in some circumstances.

In many HOAs or condominiums, pets play a big role in the community.  In Associations it is particularly important to not let your pet out of your control. Since Associations inherently have other people living nearby your pet could be in danger if roaming into a neighbor’s property. Not only might the neighbor not welcome your pet but the neighbor may not have taken safety precautions.

If you are concerned about the safety of your pets or if you are thinking about adopting a pet.  Consider the list of items given below that you need to safety proof to ensure that your home is safe for your feline or canine friends.

Random Small Objects
In general, no matter what you leave lying around the floor of your home, if its small enough to be swallowed by your pet, it most definitely will end up inside its stomach. Items such as cigarette butts, rubber bands, sewing needles, balloons, ribbons, strings, etc; are all susceptible to being swallowed by your furry friend, so keep your floors clean from these items as they can be life threatening to your pet if swallowed.

Electric Sockets and Appliances
Just as you protect your children from electric shocks and keep them away from sharp objects; similarly, you need to prevent your pets from accessing all such potentially dangerous zones. Cover up your trash bins and keep your kitchen appliances and electrical cords out of reach of inquisitive pets.

Plastic Bags
A hazard that also litters our oceans, plastics bags, can choke your pets and cause death or suffocation. Make sure you do not leave any lying around your home.

Hot Items
Whether it’s an electric kettle, or heated cook top or an iron, it can burn your pet and cause serious injury if you are not careful. Keep heated appliances away from your pets.  If you have a fireplace in your home, install a grill in front of it so that your pets do not end up getting burnt.

Chemicals
All chemicals and cleaning agents should be kept locked away in cabinets until use and even while using them, be careful that your pet does not ingest any of it as it can cause instant death for many small pets. These chemicals also include cosmetics or lotions that might be placed within your room.

Medical Supplies
Medical supplies should be kept under lock and key, especially if you have small children and pets within your home. An excessive dosage of any medicine that might get ingested by your pet can cause severe health issues and even death.

Plants
Most pet owners are oblivious to the fact that some plants are actually poisonous for their pets. Azaleas, lilies, daffodils, oleander, and milkweed are just some of the deadly plants that people commonly have in their homes without being aware of the dangers these plants can pose for the health of their pets.

Human Food
Although it’s best to avoid feeding your food to your pets.  Even if you wish to do so, limit the quantity of consumption because an excessive amount of snacks and human food can have adverse effects on the health of your pets and make them ill.

Chocolate
As tasty as this treat is for you and your family, it can actually be deadly for your pet.  Avoid giving them access to chocolate and remember that the darker the chocolate, the higher the health risks involved.

Grapes and Raisins
Did you know that grapes and raisins contain toxins that can cause kidney failures in your pets? Avoid feeding them these fruits at all costs to keep them safe and healthy within your home.

Seasonal Changes
Provide proper warm beds for your pets during the winter months and a cool shady spot with plenty of water in the summer months. Your pets can die of cold or become dehydrated just like humans, so care for them just like you care for your children.  As you may know, most City Ordinances and Homeowners Associations do not allow for pets to be outside unattended on a regular basis.

If you make sure that your pets do not have access to the above given items, your home will become a safer abode for them. However, if you notice any medical issues with your pets, contact a vet immediately and always keep an eye out to avoid unfortunate incidents for your pets due to an unsafe residence.