How do we protect our pets in and around our homes?

So you’ve decided to add JOY to your life with a four legged friend. Maybe even saved a precious life by adopting a puppy or kitten from a shelter.

But you know when you let a pet into your home…they’ll creep right into your heart. So how do we protect our fur babies in and around our homes and make life easier for all of us?

The first few weeks with a new pet can be challenging, but with a little preparation, your new life can be a breeze and hassle free. First step is identifying any potential hazardous areas, so let’s make it easy and take you step by step through your home to protect you and the latest addition to the family.

Check Outside

Your pet is going to need some space to play, sniff and use the bathroom!

Some plants can be toxic to animals. So do a little research on which flowers or bulbs are potentially hazardous. And keep fertilizers and poisons out of reach from those curious noses. Remember, dogs love stinky things – even poisoned rats pose potential danger. It is important to use only products that are safe for pets.

If balconies are your only option, you will need to secure them thoroughly, as smaller pets can get stuck or slip through railings.

Check your daily walking areas too. Broken bottles are never nice for those eager little feet. It’s a cool idea to take an extra recycled bag on walks for those unwanted rubbish surprises and we like the idea of Take 3 For The Sea. Take 3 pieces of rubbish when you leave the beach, waterway or…anywhere! Safer for the family, the community and a great way to high five the environment.

Gathering Areas

Outdoor patios, living rooms or play areas – are usually family friendly already. So take a quick look around to assess any areas a curious pet may find adventure. Cheeky pups love to chew on cords and wires – risking electrocution and kitties loves to tug on them, pulling down your sound system. Yikes! So ensure all wires and cords are safely tucked away.

Firescreens are essential and a simple solution for all fireplace areas. And keep all frequently opened windows screened, as some pets are renowned for being great escape artists.

GlassNow’s Pet Doors make a simple solution for easy access for your pets. They are great asset from puppy training through to old age. Plus the simple peace of mind for you whether you are home or away and 24/7 independence for them – what a relief for the whole family. Do you live on the Gold Coast and need a pet door? Fill the form below and ask us how we can help you.

Kitchen

Food is their weakness and probably your biggest area of concern in the kitchen. As much as our dogs love leftovers, some foods are hazardous for their health. Don’t feed them anything that’s out of date either. We think they have tougher stomachs than us, but each animal is different. If it’s gone off, it’s for the compost.

And even though the Belgians swear by chocolate as treats, Australian Vets say this is definitely toxic for our pets. But did you know caffeine, garlic, avocado, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts and onions are off the menu too? So a simple solution is to keep your pets out of the kitchen and away from potential cooking dangers with a baby gate.

Also remember – cover those bins!

Protect Yourself

As much as our pets become apart of the family, it’s important to remember to protect yourself from harmful germs. Always wash your hands after playing with your pets and before touching food. Wash all pet bedding regularly to avoid fleas, itchy skin and irritants for the family. If you have small children, create a safe place for the pet to take rest if it needs it. It is important for our pets to feel they can hide if they feel stressed. We all need a break sometimes 😉 And have your favourite Vet’s details written on the fridge or saved in your phone for emergencies. Better to be safe than sorry.

So with a little planning, your new pet for life will be a great addition to the family and the source of a lot of love and happiness. Here’s to a healthy and happy life ahead for all. Do you need a pet door in Brisbane? Fill the form below and ask us how we can help you.