Pet Proofing

As a pet owner, you should pet proof your home just as parents ‘childproof’ their homes. Pets are like infants because they are naturally curious and love to explore with their paws, claws and mouth. It is important to make your home safe, because pets don’t know what is dangerous and what is not.

Everywhere in the House

  •  The windows should be screened to protect from falls.
  •  Don’t allow pets out on balconies or high decks.
  •  Keep all types of poisonous plants like Lilies (Lilliaceae family, Dieffenbachia (Dumbcane), Ivy (Various species), Umbrella plant and many others out of reach of pets.
  •  Rat baits are tempting for dogs and can be fatal.
  •  Young kittens and puppies love to chew during teething so keep all electrical cords out of reach.
  •  Fire places or heaters should not be left unattended, when pets are around.
  •  Pets love to play with plastic bags, but they may cause choking and suffocation.
  •  Don’t leave small sharp objects on the ground that can be swallowed easily.

In the Garage

  •  A favourite place for cats to nap is near a warm engine, so be careful and sound the horn before you start your car to make sure the pet is not under the car.
  •  Antifreeze and windscreen washing agents should be kept tightly closed, pets like its taste and smell.
  •  Keep all hazardous substances like paints, petrol and chemicals locked away and out of reach.

In the Kitchen, Laundry and Washroom

  •  Hotplates and irons should be unplugged when not in use. Try not to leave them unattended.
  •  Hazardous chemicals for in-house use like bleach and ammonia should be kept out of reach and stored.
  •  Pets might climb in washing machines and dryers, so keep the lids close at all times.
  •  Keep toilet lids down, because pets may fall in and drown.
  •  Products of daily use and personal care like medicines, shampoos, conditioners and sunscreen lotions can poison and kill your pet, so keep them out of your pet’s reach.

In the Backyard and Garden

  •  Some outdoor plants like Brunfelsia (Yesterday Today & Tomorrow), Lilies, Ivy, Oleander, Azalea, Foxglove, Hydrangea, Morning Glory, Nightshade, Rhododendron, Yew and many others are poisonous to pets. Some of the plants can also cause allergic reactions in your pets.
  •  Cane Toads release venomous toxins if the pets mouth them which could cause cardiac arrest or convulsions.
  •  Keep your pet away from lawns and gardens sprayed with insecticides and snail bait.
  •  Gardening tools, baits, chemicals and all types of insecticides should be kept locked.
  •  Swimming pools, spas and ponds should be kept covered because; your pet might fall in and drown.
  •  Spiders and snakes are not pet friendly, so keep your pet away from them.

How to Avoid Accidents

  •  Objects used as cat toys, yarn, rubber bands, strings and aluminium foil can be dangerous if swallowed.
  •  Cats are fond of sleeping in warm places like cupboards, drawers, trunks, closets and other dim places, so keep them closed to avoid your pet becoming trapped.
  •  A cat with a ribbon around the neck will look cute and adorable, but if it gets caught, it can choke your pet.

Precautions during Celebrations and Festive Seasons

Christmas tree lights and other glass decorations might tempt your pet, but if chewed can be fatal.