How To Puppy and Kitten Proof Your House
Kittens and puppies are naturally inquisitive which can often lead to serious injury. Here are some tips on how you can make your house safer for the new arrival.
THAT'S SHOCKING - Young animals love to chew when they're teething. Keep electrical wires out of reach, or use a pet repellent spray.
THEY'D DIE FOR SOME CHOCOLATE - Chocolate can be dangerous. It contains theobromine, a powerful stimulant that is toxic to pets. Sweets, cakes and cookies can also upset a young animal's stomach and lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which can be serious. Grapes and onions can also be toxic. See our article on Common Toxic Plants for more plants.
TREATS CAN BE THREATS - Never give turkey, chicken or rib bones as a treat. They can splinter and cause serious injury.
COMMON HOUSEHOLD KILLERS - Cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, paint, gasoline, rat poison. Keep them locked up.
CHECK THE ANTIFREEZE - Pets are attracted to the odor and sweet taste of antifreeze. Store it high and tightly sealed, wiping up any spills on the garage floor. Window - washing solution also contains antifreeze. And remember, engine warmth promotes cat naps, so honk your horn to wake pets under the hood.
KILLER HOUSE PLANTS - Poisonous plants include lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem Cherry and plant bulbs. See our article on Common Toxic Plants for more plants.
KEEP OFF THE GRASS - If you treat your lawn with chemicals, keep pets away. Read and follow label directions carefully.
IT FIT YESTERDAY - Puppies and kittens grow rapidly. Collars and harnesses can be outgrown, leading to serious wounds.
TAKE CARE OF PERSONAL CARE ITEMS AND MEDICATION - Cosmetics, shampoos, skin creams, hair "perm" solutions, depilatories, suntan lotions, antihistamines, aspirin and acetaminophen can all be lethal to pets.
IT’S NOT A TOY - Don’t leave plastic bags out. Inquisitive young animals, especially kittens, can suffocate.
THE HEAT IS ON - Watch out for hot irons, coffee pots and space heaters. Kittens and puppies will suddenly be able to jump to new heights.
A DIP TIP - Keep covers on hot tubs and swimming pools. Kittens and even young puppies can fall in and not be able to get out.
TIS THE SEASON - Keep holly, mistletoe and Christmas tree tinsel out of reach.
COZY UP - Always use a fireplace screen.
DO YOU EAT WITH THAT MOUTH? - Rule of thumb: If any or all of something will fit in a mouth, it’s dangerous. Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbons and, yes, even pantyhose. What goes in must come out, often via surgery.
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