How to Pet Proof a House

It is natural for your pet to explore his surroundings. Try not to discourage this instinct, but take precautions to protect your pet and your home. This is especially important for animals left alone for long periods; they can become bored and may find inappropriate ways to fill the time while you are away.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Barrier gates
• Childproof latches

1. Place barrier gates at the entrances to rooms that may be more likely to pose a threat to your pet. This is also a good way to protect important furniture and special belongings from your mischievous pet.
2. Secure cleansers, disinfectants, insecticides, antifreeze, fertilizers, perfumes and makeup. These items can be deadly to animals if ingested.
3. Use childproof cabinet latches to keep dangerous items away from curious animals. Cats and even some dogs can open cabinets.
4. Lock up medications. A rattling prescription bottle can seem like a toy to your pet.
5. Keep dangerous food away from animals. A dish of chocolates set out for your guests can be deadly if ingested by your pet. Visit the ASPCA Poison Control Center for a complete list of food off-limits to your pet (see Resources below).
6. Keep hobby supplies (paint, glue, needles, etc.) away from animals. These items can be deadly if ingested by your pet.
7. Use mothballs only in areas inaccessible to animals. Mothballs can be dangerous if ingested.
8. Keep a secure lid on trashcans. Bones, foil, batteries and certain foods can be harmful to pets.
9. Keep poisonous plants away from pets. The ASPCA Poison Control Center has a full list of these plants (see Resources below).
10. Put away children's toys or games that could pose a choking hazard if a pet ingests a small object.
11. Look for and cover any small spaces or holes in cabinets or behind appliances that could be accessed by a small pet. Curious pets could crawl into these areas and then be unable to find a way out.
12. Keep laundry or shoes in a closed closet. Loose buttons can pose a choking hazard.
13. Move electrical and phone wires out of reach to prevent chewing.
14. Clean fluids, especially antifreeze, off the garage floor or driveway. These can be lethal to animals even in small doses.
15. Get down on your animal's level when attempting to pet proof your house. Crawl along the floor and move or secure anything you find that could choke, poison, suffocate or cause other harm to your pet. Proof all areas of your home including the garage, patio and yard. Survey the area outside your house to make sure your fence and gate are secure.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your pet's safety in mind every day, not just on the day you pet proof your house.