Pet-Proofing Your Home: 14 Household Items That Could Be Dangerous to Your Furry Friends
I love animals, and I honestly don’t think there will ever be a time when I won’t have a pet. At one point, we had three dogs and a cat under one roof, and there certainly was no shortage of chaos.
Over the years, I dealt with quite a few pet-fueled mishaps. My Bichon figured out how to open the cabinet where we stowed the garbage. Another time, my cat caught her claw in the rug when she decided it was her scratching pad.
The thing about pets is that even things in your home that seem harmless can pose risks to curious kitties and pups. Luckily, I’ve been writing about dogs and cats for over five years and learned many ways to pet-proof a house.
Let’s face it: pets get into mischief, which is why keeping your home safe is critical. Between my writing and being a proud pet parent for over three decades, I’ve learned a lot over the years. Here are 14 household items that could be dangerous for your furry friends if you don’t take precautions.
1. Electrical Wires and Cords
Keep cords out of reach or covered. The first dog I got on my own, a Bichon named Beau Jacques, never seemed interested in cords. Therefore, I figured they weren’t a big deal.
But my second pup, a Min Pin-Chihuahua mix named Scooby “Dooby” Doo, proved me wrong. My parents and I were traveling together in a camper and put Dooby in his crate (near the TV) during a grocery run. We returned to find the television wire pulled inside the crate and partially chewed. Fortunately, we discovered it in time to avoid a shocking ordeal.
2. Medications and Vitamins
Keeping medication out of reach is important. But you also need to use caution when taking medicine. People know their pets shouldn’t have these things. But it’s easy for mistakes to happen, especially if you take medication every day.
For example, I take medicine before I go to bed at night. The other day, I found a pill in my bed. Apparently, when I got my medicine, an extra one fell out, and I didn’t realize it. It was a wake-up call that I was not as careful as I thought. I sort my meds at the counter now.
3. Cleaning Products
Many cleaning products have enticing smells that pets find appealing. They don’t know the difference between something they can eat and a fruity-smelling floor cleaner.
Keep all of your household cleaners in a closed cabinet or closet. Likewise, block off areas where you use these products until they’re safe. For example, if you’re mopping, wait until the floors are dry.
4. Batteries
Batteries are bad news for pets. Alkaline batteries could leak and burn your pet’s mouth and throat.
Small disc batteries catch in your pet’s esophagus and cause burns, even if they aren’t leaking. If your dog or cat swallows a battery, it can obstruct their intestines, requiring emergency surgery.
If we need to change out batteries, I make sure the old ones go straight into a closed container for recycling, which is also kept inside a cabinet. (Our current pup, thankfully, doesn’t open cabinet doors like my other dog used to.)
5. Small Toys and Items
When my pets were puppies and a kitten, I felt like I was scanning the floor constantly for choking hazards. Young pets are very much like babies, putting everything in their mouths to figure things out. But older pets aren’t immune.
If something tastes or smells good, your pet’s going to eat it. My dog tried to eat the container my son’s food came in simply because it smelled like French fries. Teach kids to pick up their toys and help keep the house clean so their furry friend stays safe.
6. Certain Foods
Many foods that are safe for humans are deadly for dogs and cats. Some foods, like grapes, may not even cause problems until it’s too late.
Zoey got a hold of a grape about two years ago. Luckily, I knew from my writing that grapes were highly toxic for some dogs. However, by the time they show symptoms, it’s too late, so you can’t wait and see.
I rushed her to the vet immediately. In this case, being knowledgeable about unsafe foods could save your pet’s life. If you’re unsure, check out this list of toxic foods for pets.
7. Pulls for Window Treatments
The cords you use to adjust and open your window blinds and shades are tempting playthings for cats and feisty pups. But they’re anything but fun when pets get tangled up in the strings. Your fur pal can end up choking if they’re unable to break free.
Opt for window treatments that don’t use cords. If that isn’t possible, tie the cords up so they don’t tempt your furry friend.
8. Various Flowers and Plants
Plants and flowers are beautiful, but they can also be deadly to pets. Many houseplants and various shrubs, flowers, and greenery in your yard and garden can cause lots of problems for dogs and cats.
Before you plan your flowerbed or bring home a pretty fern, check out this list of toxic plants. Also, stay on alert when you receive plants as gifts. For example, poinsettias are popular presents during the holidays, but they can make your dog or cat sick.
9. Gardening and Yard Care Supplies
Plants and flowers aren’t the only things to be wary of in your yard. It’s also important to take care when using various products like pesticides and weed killers.
Gardening tools also present a danger. They can cut or poke your pet if left lying about. Properly store all of your tools and equipment and keep products tightly sealed and in a closed cabinet or shed.
10. Crafting and DIY Supplies
My friend loves to craft and has supplies scattered everywhere. Luckily, she doesn’t have pets. I’m not saying if you love to DIY and craft you shouldn’t have a dog or cat, but you do need to keep your creation station tidy.
We keep our supplies in organizers that all stay out of sight inside a cabinet. Adhesives, paints, and sealers also stay up and away.
A handy tip is to use a tray underneath your current project. You can easily move it and all related supplies when you’re not working on it without having to reset everything.
11. Bathroom Hazards
The bathroom is a veritable danger zone for dogs and cats. Some toothpastes are highly toxic for pets, as are items like shampoos, make-up, and lotions. I had to rush Beau to the animal emergency hospital once because he ingested soap that had gotten onto one of his toys.
These things seem harmless since we use them daily on our bodies, but they wreak havoc on our fur babies. Also, drain the tub and keep the toilet lid closed. Besides preventing a drowning accident, it keeps pets from drinking water that could contain harmful elements.
12. Essential Oils, Diffusers, and Potpourri
Essential oils can be dangerous for pets. Dogs and cats find some fragrances appealing and want a closer look. Other scents, like citronella and citrus, tend to deter them, but you should still use caution.
Some essential oils are toxic, while others simply irritate. They are especially harmful in their concentrated form.
In the case of potpourri, your pet may mistake it for something tasty and eat it, leading to poisoning or a blockage. Keep these products out of your pet’s reach, including diffusers.
13. Tall Furniture
Have you ever assembled a tall bookcase or dresser and ignored the hardware kit to secure it to the wall? I used to skip this step until I had my son. Then, visions of him trying to climb shelves and them tipping over on top of him made me pay attention.
The same fate could happen to your pet, especially if you have a larger or heavier dog or cat that adores climbing. Attach tall furniture to the wall. Likewise, secure any heavy objects that could fall from a significant height to avoid them crashing down onto your pet.
14. Small Appliances
Think about your pets like toddlers who want to push, pull, and poke every button and lever. When pets are curious, they investigate, leading to injuries.
The tasty smells coming from the crock pot lead to burns. Getting too close to the mist from the humidifier causes it to topple onto your pet’s head.
A cold kitten tries to get warm by climbing into the dryer or getting too close to a space heater. Always keep appliances shut and secure small appliances out of reach. (And don’t forget to cover those cords.)
