Before bringing your new pet home, you should walk through your house and take note of anything that may be dangerous for an animal to get into. Pet-proofing your home before your pet’s arrival will help you make sure he is safe and comfortable in his new environment. Here are some helpful tips for pet-proofing your home for a new pet.
Lock Away Anything Toxic
Make sure you know which items are dangerous or toxic to your pet. Then, lock away anything your pet could get into, like chemicals, medications, cleaning supplies, antifreeze, alcohol, and any foods that are toxic to pets. Make sure none of your plants are toxic to pets. If they are, it’s better to just get rid of them than to try to keep them out of your pet’s reach.
Pick Up After Yourself
Go through each room and pick up any laundry, toys, and breakable items that you don’t want your pet to have access to. Small items like bobby pins, hair ties, twist ties, rubber bands, Legos, and more can be a choking hazard for pets and can also cause bowel obstructions. You should also make sure that any cords or electrical wires are out of reach of your pet.
Use a Crate, Doggy Gate, or Block Off Access
Until your pet gets more acclimated to his environment, you should block off escape routes or access to dangerous areas using a doggy gate or by closing doors. You can also put your pet in a crate when you aren’t home, just to be sure he can’t get into anything while you’re out of the house. Make sure your pet can’t get out of the house, locked away in a cupboard or crawl space, or closed up in a washer, dryer, or car.
If your new pet has injured himself or seems ill and you think he may have gotten into something he shouldn’t have, take him to your local veterinary hospital right away. For more tips on pet-proofing your home for the arrival of a new pet, contact your veterinarian.
