Bringing a new pet home is exciting, but before letting them explore their new environment, you need to make sure your space is safe. Pets are curious creatures who explore the world with their noses, mouths, and an impressive ability to squeeze into places you didn’t think possible. Creating a pet-safe environment protects your furry, feathered, or scaly friend from household dangers while giving you peace of mind.
At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, we help pet parents prepare for everything from puppy wellness visits to emergencies. We know the best defense against accidents is prevention, and a few simple changes to your home can make a world of difference for your new companion.
6 Ways to Make Your Home Safe for Your New Pet
Creating a safe environment takes some detective work and careful attention, but each step protects your new companion from preventable accidents. The most important areas to address include the following:
Start With the Basics
Try walking through your home at pet level. What looks tempting? What’s within reach? This perspective helps you spot hazards you might miss from standing height.
While you’re doing this, consider addressing the following common household dangers:
- Secure loose wires and cords by tucking them behind furniture or using cord covers. Electrical cords pose serious risks, from burns to electrocution.
- Check the floor for small objects, such as coins, rubber bands, or kids’ toys. These can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.
- Lock away cleaning supplies, medications, and chemicals. Install childproof locks on any cabinet containing potentially toxic items, including laundry detergent pods and essential oils.
Taking these initial steps creates a foundation for a safer home environment.
Create Safe Spaces for Exploration
Consider designating specific rooms or areas where your pet can roam freely while you’re still getting to know their habits. Baby gates work well for keeping dogs and cats contained in pet-proofed areas. For smaller pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, or ferrets, you may want to ensure their enclosures are escape-proof and positioned away from drafts, direct sunlight, and other pets.
You may also want to remove or secure houseplants. Many common plants are toxic to pets, including lilies, pothos, philodendrons, and sago palms. If you’re not sure whether your greenery is safe, move it to a room your pet can’t access or replace it with pet-friendly options. Covering trash cans with secure lids helps, too, because garbage contains sharp objects, spoiled food, and toxic substances.
Focus on the Kitchen and Bathroom
Kitchens and bathrooms can be danger zones for pets. It’s best to keep food items like chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and xylitol-containing products out of reach. These are toxic to many pets and can cause serious health issues.
In the bathroom, you may want to keep the toilet lid closed. Toilet water may contain cleaning chemicals, and small pets can drown in the bowl. Try to secure razors, hair ties, dental floss, and cotton swabs, as these everyday items can cause choking or internal damage if ingested.
Prep Your Outdoor Spaces
If your pet will have outdoor access, it’s worth inspecting your yard for escape routes and hazards. Look for gaps in fences, loose boards, or areas where a determined digger could tunnel under.
You may want to remove toxic plants from your garden, including azaleas, oleander, and foxglove. Consider storing fertilizers, pesticides, and mulch in locked sheds. It’s also a good idea to check your garage for antifreeze, which has a sweet taste pets find appealing but is extremely poisonous. Clean up any spills immediately and consider switching to pet-safe antifreeze products.
If you have a pool, fencing the area helps keep pets safe. Try not to leave your pet unattended near water. Not all dogs are natural swimmers, and even those who are can tire quickly or struggle to find their way out.
Prepare for Common Household Dangers
It’s helpful to make sure window screens are sturdy and secure, especially if you have a cat. Cats are notorious for testing the limits of screens while bird-watching or enjoying a breeze. Reinforced screens or window guards can prevent tragic falls.
You may want to keep reclining furniture upright when not in use. Pets can crawl underneath or into mechanisms and get seriously injured when the furniture moves. Storing batteries safely helps protect your pet, as chewing on them can risk chemical burns and heavy metal poisoning.
Get Professional Guidance
Every pet is different, and some need extra considerations based on their species, breed, or personality. General wellness visits help us understand your pet’s individual needs and provide tailored safety recommendations. We can also discuss preventive care measures like microchipping, which helps reunite lost pets with their families.
Trust Broadway Veterinary Hospital With Your New Pet
Creating a safe home is just the first step in welcoming your new companion. Regular veterinary care helps you stay ahead of potential health issues and ensures your pet thrives in their new environment. Our team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide guidance tailored to your pet’s unique needs.
At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, UC Davis graduates Dr. Sam Varon and Dr. Tyler Baum bring decades of combined experience in companion animal care. From kitten wellness visits to exotic pet care, we treat every patient like family. Contact us today to schedule your new pet’s first visit.
