Keeping your pet safe around the home is just
like childproofing the house. You don’t want to make yourself a nervous wreck,
but using common sense and thinking ahead can prevent unnecessary pain and
suffering for your pet. Here are some pet-proofing tips:
Garbage. Put garbage cans in a cupboard or
closet so the dog cannot eat or chew something harmful. If you prefer not to put
the cans away, make sure that they have lids your dog cannot open. (Most dogs
are not deterred by the swinging lids of the average kitchen trash can.)
Food. Don’t leave food out to defrost or in
preparation for a meal unless you are sure that your dog cannot reach
it. Even if the particular food is not harmful to him, if a dog gorges on it he
can make himself sick. Some foods, such as chocolate, moldy cheese, and onions,
can be toxic to dogs. Chicken, fish, and pork have small bones that can splinter
or lodge in the dog’s throat. Keep all of these food items in the
refrigerator.
Cleaning supplies. Store all cleaning supplies
in tightly closed containers in closed cupboards or closets. Don’t rely on
your dog to abstain. Some dogs will eat anything, regardless of its
taste or smell.
Small appliances. Make sure toasters, irons,
coffee makers, blenders, and so on sit well out of reach on sturdy counters or
tables. Nothing that wobbles, please! If the dog can reach it or its cord,
there’s a chance that he can pull it or knock it down on himself.
Pots and pans. Don’t leave the stove burners
on if you are not nearby. When cooking, turn the handles of pots and pans away
from you; do not leave them sticking out over the edge of the stove. In fact, a
good rule of thumb is to keep small creatures, whether dogs, cats, or humans,
out of the kitchen when someone is cooking. Accidents happen all too
quickly.
Lamps. Make sure lamps have sturdy bases and
will not tip over easily. Keep cords out of the dog’s reach, especially if he
likes to chew, to avoid electric shock.
Shades. Some venetian blinds and draperies have
long pull cords. Put a cup hook up high on the wall and loop the cord length
around that to prevent it from hanging down at pet level.
Pins and needles. Put away pincushions,
needles, straight pins, and safety pins in a sewing box or drawer. Always close
safety pins. If a pet should swallow one, it will do less damage to his throat
and intestines if it is closed.
Tools. Tools and craft supplies should be
securely stored away or pushed back away from the edge of the work surface when
you are using them. Do not leave them lying on the floor or on the edge of a table or counter where they could fall or be knocked off. Electric
tools should be unplugged when not in use.
Toys. Keep toys, especially those made of
breakable plastic, soft materials, or small pieces, out of the dog’s reach.
Any large toys or sports equipment, such as bikes, skis, and so on, should be
either stowed securely or shut away in a closet or an area where the dog can’t
get to them.
Various chemicals. Gasoline, paint thinner,
paints or paintbrushes with wet or dried paint on them, garden chemicals,
antifreeze, wind-shield washer fluid, car-cleaning supplies, laundry detergent,
bleach, and so on should be stored out of reach.