There is nothing like the excitement of getting a new pet. Whether you have been planning for weeks, months, or even years, the moment you bring your new furry friend home is a moment you will never forget. It is critical to pet-proof your home for a variety of reasons. The most obvious reason is to protect your pet from accidentally ingesting something harmful, such as a poisonous plant or a pill that has been dropped on the floor. Another reason is to protect your pet from getting into things that could harm them, such as electrical cords or hazardous chemicals. If you’re not sure where to start, read on for some tips on pet-proofing your home.
How can you pet-proof your home?
There are many things you can do to pet-proof your home and help keep your furry friend safe. For one, you need to block off any areas of your home that are off-limits to your pet. This includes staircases, balconies, and any other areas where your pet could get injured or lost. Look for trash cans that lock or that are designed to prevent pets from gaining access to them. You also need to be sure all electrical cords are out of reach. Pets can be injured or even killed by chewing on electrical cords.
Many common houseplants are toxic to pets and can cause serious health problems if ingested. So before you bring a new pet into your home, do your research and identify any potentially harmful plants. A quick search for “house plants pet friendly” should provide you with some details on which plants are best suited for homes with animals. If you already have a pet and are not sure if your houseplants are safe, it’s a good idea to ask your vet. Your veterinarian can tell you which plants are safe for your pet and which ones to avoid.
If you have a pet with disabilities, you may need to make some adjustments to your home and lifestyle for them. This includes making sure that they have easy access to food, water, and shelter, as well as providing a space where they can rest and feel comfortable. For example, accommodating a cat with disabilities may involve mobility aids or home modifications.
What else should you know about caring for a new pet?
Taking care of your pet’s health needs to be your top priority. You can start by ensuring that your pet is up-to-date on its vaccinations. Take the time to check your pet for ticks and other parasites every so often, particularly if you’ve been spending a lot of time outside. A healthy diet and a physically active lifestyle are essential for almost any type of pet. You can talk to your vet about how much exercise your pet needs and what activities they’re likely to enjoy. Remember to confirm that any products or toys you buy for your furry friend are designed to be pet-safe.
Every pet owner should spay or neuter their pet as soon as possible. For one, spaying and neutering reduce the number of homeless animals. Every year, millions of animals are euthanized in shelters due to overcrowding. Another important reason to spay or neuter your pet is to protect their health. Spaying a female dog or cat can help to prevent them from developing breast cancer and uterine cancer. Neutering a male dog or cat can reduce the likelihood that they develop testicular cancer and prostate cancer.
If you’re like most people, you probably think about your pets as family members, and with good reason! Pets can provide us with years of companionship, love, and loyalty. Before you run to the pet store or pound and adopt the first furry friend that comes your way, make sure you pet-proof your home. Making your home safe for your pet requires some hard work and effort, but it’s definitely worth it. Follow this advice and you’ll be well on your way to having a blast with your new pet.
