Pet Health Articles 
Pet Health & Behavior
Pet proofing your home
Home Improvement
We’re all familiar with the need to “babyproof” our homes to ensure the safety of young children. In fact, animals, especially kittens and puppies, are also at risk for serious harm in a house that is not “pet-proofed.” Here are some tips for making your home safer for your pets.
- Just as you would with a small child, you should plug up all electrical outlets with plastic safety seals. Little paws can get into big trouble, especially when they belong to a curious kitten or puppy.
- To initially limit the pet’s space, install baby gates that you can move to gradually expand your pet’s horizons.
- If you have an older pet, or one with limited mobility, consider a raised water and food bowl set so that the animal doesn’t have to bend its head to the floor. These useful bowls are available at pet supply stores and through catalogs. If cost is an issue, simply prop the traditional bowls on a stool so that they’ll be easier for the pet to reach.
- Don’t give your pet any small toys that can be swallowed. Keep small desk items like rubber bands, paper clips, thumbtacks, etc. out of reach. An animal that ingests such an object can wind up in the vet emergency room with life-threatening problems. This advice is particularly important during the winter holidays, when Christmas tree decorations, electric candles, and other ornaments can pose hazards for pets.
- You needn’t spend a fortune to supply your pet with safe, enjoyable toys. For example, shower curtain rings, empty thread spools (remove all thread), ping pong balls, a tied sock filled with catnip, paper bags (with handles removed)—all make good toys for kittens and playful adult cats. Rope toys, nylabones, and tennis balls are usually fine for dogs. And, of course, for many animals the favorite toy is the human companion, so try to regularly spend some quality time with your pet.
The list of dos and don’ts could go on and on, but basically it comes down to a common sense approach to creating a safe environment for your pet.
