Pet Proof Your Home

Dogs, cats, bunnies, ferrets, birds and other pets are curious by nature. That’s why it’s so important that you make sure your house is “pet-proofed” before bringing home your new family member. Dr. Mark Verdino, VP and Chief of Veterinary Staff at North Shore Animal League America, advises taking a “whole-house” approach. “There are potential dangers to your pet in every room, but you can keep them safe with some careful planning,” he says.

Your first step, according to Dr. Verdino: Start by getting down on your hands and knees so you can view each room from your pet’s eye level. Of course, most animals can find a way to get into higher places, but surveying their world from ground level might alert you to unseen hazards like candy wrappers, coins, dropped pills and game pieces.

While most people have heard that chocolate is a no-no for pets (it’s true), other foods to avoid include onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, Xylitol (in sugar free gums), Macadamia nuts, coffee grounds and alcohol. Cigarettes are also bad for pets (no surprise), and though they’re not likely to smoke them, they could be tempted to eat them (not to mention what the second-hand smoke does to their little lungs . . . ).

Many common household products contain chemicals and other toxic substances. As you would for children, lock these materials away from your pets:
* Pesticides (try to use natural products, which are better for you, your pets and the planet)
* Antifreeze
* Rat, mouse and insect poisons (there are better natural alternatives for this . . . )
* Mothballs (again . . . there are more natural alternatives, such as cedar balls or blocks, as well as some herbs)
* Fabric softener sheets
* Medications (both prescription and over-the-counter)
* Cosmetics
* Potpourri oils
* Batteries
* Paints, glues and varnishes

Even certain household plants can be hazardous if ingested. Some of the more common ones to avoid:

* Aloe Vera
* Boston Ivy
* Poinsettia
* Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
* Peace or Easter Lily
* English and German Ivy
* India Rubber Plant
* Mistletoe
* Philodendron
* Chrysanthemum

Puppies, kittens, bunnies and ferrets and even birds love to chew everything in sight, so keep electrical wires, dangling blind cords and all sharp objects out of reach, Dr. Verdino adds.

Finally, be sure to keep an Emergency Pet First Aid Kit handy in case your pets have an accident, and call your Vet immediately if you suspect they’ve been injured or exposed to a toxic material.

P.S. Here's a handy checklist to get you started!

http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/safety/pet-proofing-your-home.html

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com