Petproofing Tips: Keeping Your Frisky Buddy Safe

Did you know that poisonings are one of the top reasons for urgent veterinary care visits in the U.S.? However, that isn’t the only way pets can get into trouble. Our animal companions are playful and curious, and they have a way of running headlong into mischief. Puppies and kittens are particularly prone to getting into trouble, but no matter how old your pet is, it’s best to do a bit of petproofing. A local vet offers some insight on this below.

What Is Petproofing?

Petproofing, as the name suggests, is very much like childproofing, but for pets. You’ll need to take a close look around your place, and remove or secure things that could potentially harm your furry friend. 

Let’s go room by room:

Kitchen Petproofing Tips

The kitchen is full of dangers for a curious little furball! Here are a few examples of things you can do in the kitchen. 

• Keep chemicals, such as cleaning agents and drain openers, safely out of paws’ reach. Ideally, these should be stored in high or locked cupboards. Pets don’t need to drink or lick these toxins to get sick: just walking through a spill or getting some on their fur is enough to cause poisonings in many cases, as pets will ingest the toxin by licking their fur or by skin absorption. 
• Be cautious with trash. Garbage may contain things like skewers, bones, can lids, fat trimmings, tin foil, and plastic wrap, none of which are safe for pets. Use a trashcan with a lid.
• Seal openings. Make sure that your pet can’t slip out through a loose screen or a door that doesn’t shut well. 
• If your kitty likes jumping on counters, try putting aluminum foil or cookie sheets on the counter. The noise may startle her enough to make her wary. You can also clap your hands or sound a bike horn.
• Keep dishwashers closed when not in use. (This applies to washers and dryers, too, though they may not be in the kitchen.) 
• If your pet has a habit of getting into cabinets, get childproof locks. 

Bathroom Petproofing Tips

The bathroom can also be a secret danger zone: there are all sorts of things for pets to get into. 

• Keep toilets closed. An adult cat that fell in could escape, but a kitten could get stuck and drown. 
• Cleaning supplies should also be kept in secure cupboards.
• Keep medicines in cabinets or on high shelves.
• Use a trashcan with a lid, particularly if you have a puppy. 
• Hair ties, string, ribbon, and rubber bands can be a serious danger for pets. These can cause serious internal injuries if swallowed. 

Bedroom Petproofing Tips

Many people let their pets sleep in their beds with them. This can be a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, pets really love to snuggle with their humans. This can be great for bonding. It may even help you sleep better. Of course, if your cat is walking over you in the middle of the night or hogging the bed, it may not be helping you get the sleep you need. 

• Keep clothes—particularly small pieces of clothing—off the floor. Dogs often chew on these clothing items. Things like socks, bras, and underwear are not safe for Fido to eat.
• Store shoes in your closet and keep the door closed. 
• Keep chargers and electronics out of paws’ reach. 

Petproofing The Yard

Do you have a yard for your furry pal to play in? That’s great, particularly for people with dogs. Fido will enjoy having a spot where he can safely run and play. 

• If you have a pool, make sure that it is blocked or gated, so that pets cannot access it unsupervised.
• If you are using pesticides or fertilizers, keep pets out of recently treated areas. You’ll also want to water the spots after, so the chemicals seep down into the soil. Opt for non-toxic options when possible. 
• Plants. Many popular plants are toxic to pets. Some of the most dangerous ones include lilies, sago palms, and rhododendrons, but there are many more. The ASPCA has a good list online here. 
• Keep fences in good repair, and patch off any holes. 
• Use a self-latching gate. Many pets have escaped through open gates.
• Keep the yard mowed. Fleas, ticks, and other monsters tend to lurk in tall grasses. 

Living/Family Room

Things like nicnacs and other small objects are often the main dangers in a living room. Here are a few other tips for these areas:

• Keep wires secured. Those that can’t be moved can be treated with a taste deterrent.
• If you have small children, keep their toys and small belongings off the floors, and store them in spots pets can’t reach. 
• Cover vents and ducts. 
• Make sure that all of your plants are non-toxic. 
• If you have a kitten, keep a close eye on little Fluffy. Kittens can get into some very small spots, such as the spaces beneath the armoire or under recliners. 

Garage

Generally, pets should be kept out of garages. Chemicals and tools are the main concerns here. 

• Store chemicals, fertilizers, and rodenticides in cabinets or cupboards that your furry pal cannot get into. 
• Mop up any spills right away. You can also put sand or cat litter down on damp spots. This is particularly important with antifreeze. It’s toxic to pets, but has a sweet taste that many of them love. 
• Store tools, nails, and other sharp objects out of reach. Things like fishing lures, craft kit pieces, and automotive products should also be secured. 

How Does Age Affect Petproofing?

Your pet’s care needs will change as they age. Dog vaccination and cat vaccination schedules change over time. This also comes into play when it comes to petproofing. 

Chewing and escaping tend to be the biggest concerns for puppies. You’ll need to put up anything that little Fido could gnaw on. You may also need to use taste deterrents. For an elderly dog, you would need to make sure that there are soft surfaces and good traction. You may need to set out pet ramps or stairs. Petproofing also goes very well with housebreaking puppies.

This is similar for cats. Kittens tend to be very interested in exploring. Little Fluffy will climb and investigate anything and everything she can. You’ll need to be careful with things like drapes and drape cords, and hanging plants. Seal off small openings behind and beneath your furniture and cabinets, and make sure your windows and screens close securely. For older cats, you’ll want to provide lots of comfy napping spots that are easy for your kitty to get on and off. 

The good news is that once Fluffy is all grown up, she won’t be able to fit under your armoire and will eventually give up trying to climb your drapes or shower curtain. She’ll also eventually lose interest in knocking every plant over or getting into your cupboards. Maybe. 

Keeping Pets Occupied

One way to help keep your pet out of your belongings? Make sure that they have plenty of things to explore and play with. Toys are very important for our furry friends. They not only provide entertainment and stimulation, but also keep pets active, prevent boredom, and provide a healthy outlet for any angst or stress your pets feel. Rotate your furry pal’s playthings out regularly, and 

Make An Appointment At Our Wheat Ridge Pet Clinic

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Does your furry pal need to come in for an exam? Contact us, your local Wheat Ridge pet hospital, any time!

Do you want to learn more about Wadsworth Animal Hospital? As your premier Wheat Ridge, CO, animal hospital, also serving Lakewood, Arvada, and Denver, CO, we offer a complete range of veterinary care services, including wellness and vaccinations, pet dentistry, puppy and kitten care, and more.