Whether you’re welcoming your first pet into your apartment or are a veteran with animal care, safety needs to be a top priority for any size and species of pet you bring in. Not only will it protect them, but it will also offer you peace of mind knowing there won’t be unforeseen expenses or trips to the vet. Let’s discuss some practical tips that will help you strategically pet-proof your apartment.
Secure Hazardous Items
You may not realize it, but there are numerous things around your house that could be dangerous to your free-roaming pets. Take any choking hazards or toxic items and either put it behind locked doors and cabinets or put them out of reach – even if they do happen to climb furniture. This could be plants, trash cans, cleaning supplies, breakable or sharp objects, electrical cords and anything small that could be swallowed.
Hide Any Cords and Wires
Some pets love to chew on things and if it has an electrical current, this could lead to some dangerous results. If you have any exposed wires or cords in your house from devices or appliances, tuck them away. Some options to assist with this are cord protectors that can be attached to the wall, tape or simply placing them behind hard-to-move furniture.
Look Into Pet-Friendly Furniture Solutions
As a pet gets comfortable in their new home, accidents are bound to arise. Instead of having to replace furniture – which can get expensive – use pre-emptive measures to deter damages. There are some pet-friendly furniture options, like washable rugs, that can withstand chewing, scratching or the occasional incident with any bodily fluids. Leather and microfiber are specific fabrics that can help make furniture pet friendly. If your couches or chairs aren’t made of these materials, you can also look into slipcovers, couch protectors and anti-scratch tape to help fight off destruction.
Block Off Areas with Gates
Whether you have a space you want to keep pet-free or a storage room for all pet-dangerous items, try putting up a gate to block it off. Before purchasing, consider how tall it needs to be in comparison to your pet and how high they can jump. Also, consider how durable it must be as some pets are more prone to chewing and knocking things over due to their larger size.
Choose Non-Toxic Cleaning Supplies
Chemicals can be harmful to everyone. However, since most free-roaming pets clean themselves orally, there is a risk of them ingesting some residue. To avoid this, use cleaners that are free of ammonia, bleach and other toxic ingredients that can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems or other internal damage from consumption.
Offer Incentives
To deter bad behaviour, use treats or toys to distract your pet and reinforce them positively. If you do opt to use toys over food, make sure they are safe. Some pets can destroy toys easier which could potentially expose them to harmful materials. Keep track of your pets’ toys and their durability, replacing them as soon as needed.