How to Pet-Proof Your Home

Dog drinking from toilet

Tips for Pet-Proofing Your Home

Could hazards in your home injure or sicken your pet? Unfortunately, the very things that make your house or apartment comfortable for you could pose dangers to your dog, cat, bird, or small animal. Although it may not be possible to prevent all accidents, following these pet-proofing tips will reduce your pet's risk of injury.

Cover Electrical Cords

A teething puppy or a curious rabbit, cat, or small animal could end up with a life-threatening shock after gnawing on a plugged-in electrical cord. For safety's sake, place cords in chew-proof covers or protectors. Homemade cord protectors can be made by splitting a length of hose or PVC pipe and placing cords inside. Pet supply companies also sell ready-made cord protectors in a variety of sizes and colors.

Put Breakable or Easily Damaged Items Out of Reach

Your favorite vase or souvenir may not survive if your pet knocks it over, bats it around, or chews on it. Finding secure places for your cherished possessions not only prevents mishaps but also protects your pet. Sharp glass fragments could cut your dog or cat's paws, while spilled perfume or other liquids might contain harmful substances that could sicken pets.

Eliminate Temptation

Your pet will be less likely to get hurt or make a mess if you:

  • Install safety latches on bathroom and kitchen cabinets
  • Use baby gates to keep your pet out of certain areas of your home
  • Make sure the lids on your kitchen and bathroom trash can close securely
  • Keep toilet lids closed
  • Don't use dissolvable cleaning tablets in toilets (pets can be poisoned by drinking water that contains cleaning products)
  • Put cleaning products, laundry detergent, cosmetics, and medication on shelves or cabinets that your pet can't reach
  • Close washer and dryer lids immediately after emptying the machines
  • Urge your children to put their toys away after they use them - a very important tip if your pet is a chewer
  • Keep kitchen counters clean (your pet could choke on ties, string, and other food packaging materials left on your counter)

You'll be amazed at how many hazards you'll find when you view the rooms in your home from your pet's perspective. In fact, it's much easier to spot potential hazards when you're sitting on the floor.

Buy Safe Plants

Your lily plant or the tulip bulbs you've been meaning to plant may not seem appetizing to you, but your dog or cat may think they look tasty. Depending on the type of plant consumed, your pet may experience symptoms ranging from diarrhea or an upset stomach to death. If you're not sure which plants are safe for your pet, check out the ASPCA Animal Poison Control website. You can also call the helpline at (888) 426-4435 if you're worried that a plant, food, or medication that your pet ate may be poisonous.

Keep These Foods Out of Reach of Your Pets

In 2019, stomach ailments were the top reason that dogs insured by Healthy Paws Pet Insurance visited the veterinarian. Although some visits were due to illnesses, eating something dangerous or toxic was a common reason that pets were rushed to veterinary offices. According to The Humane Society of the United States, foods that could sicken or kill pets include:

  • Chocolate
  • Onions (in addition to onion powder and onion flakes)
  • Garlic
  • Raisins
  • Grapes
  • Potato and tomato stems and leaves
  • Coffee grounds and beans
  • Alcohol
  • Yeast dough
  • Foods, beverages, candy, and gum sweetened with xylitol
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Walnuts
  • Apple seeds
  • Apricot, cherry, and peach pits
  • Avocado

Make Your Home Safe for Your Bird

Birds are particularly susceptible to toxic fumes and injuries. If you have a bird:

  • Avoid cooking with Teflon-coated pans or cleaning your oven when your bird is in the house
  • Repair holes in screens promptly
  • Don't operate ceiling fans or other equipment with moving parts when your bird is out of its cage
  • Don't light candles (they may contain toxic ingredients)
  • Remove your bird before using products that can produce fumes, like paint and strong cleaners

Unfortunately, accidents can still happen no matter how diligently you pet-proof your home. Give us a call immediately if your pet is injured or has eaten a potentially toxic food or substance.

Sources:

ASPCA: Animal Poison Control

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance and Foundation: Top 10 Conditions in Dogs

The Humane Society of the United States: Foods That Can Be Poisonous to Pets

Best Friends: Bird Proofing Your Home

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

Open 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month. Closed 2nd & 4th Saturdays of each month.

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "We have a new 8 week Boston Terrier that we took to Springfield Vet yesterday for the first time. Absolutely pleased with the service, attitudes and genuine care shown to our little boy. The whole team was so professional, but took time to talk to you and explain everything. Dr Cynthia Wiseman is so wonderful, she sat in the floor did Logan's exam and played with him. What bedside manners. I will continue to use them, I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a caring and professional vet."
    Roi W.
  • "We absolutely love this vet clinic and the staff! The facilities are modern and always clean. Everyone is always so friendly and genuinely care for you and your animal- they make you feel as if you are apart of their family.

    Our boy, Samson, is a Rottie (and quite the problem child). We are usually in the clinic almost every other month for something and they are always so helpful and show great care and love for our pup! We are very picky/protective puppy parents, so we were very grateful to have found both Dr. Cynthia and Dr. Heath shortly after getting Samson.

    We have definitely found our "home" in the vet world, and would highly recommend to anyone who is currently looking!"
    Machaelie H.
  • "I have taken my dog here since he was a puppy. The staff are so friendly and caring, a very clean place and they always get us in quickly. When we come in no one passes us without greeting my dog and I and they're never in a rush to get us out of there."
    ShealynR.
  • "We decided to start taking our new kitty here this past fall and we love it! He was not on his best behavior (to say the least) for his first appointment, and the staff was so patient and was still able to safely run his bloodwork and give him his vaccinations. Every service has been reasonably priced, and they did everything they possibly could to make sure that our little guy was off to a healthy start after we adopted him. What I love is that they really seem to focus on the small details, too, like trimming our cat's nails after remembering that I had expressed interest in doing so at a previous appointment, or supplementing his flea treatment with something to safely speed up the process. We will definitely keep coming here as long as we live in Springfield!"
    Megan J.
  • "I have been taking my dog to SVC since 2012 and when I adopted my cat in 2015. I have never had a bad experience. We have seen Drs. Heath & Cynthia Wiseman and I love them both. Always professional, always take their time when looking my pets over, asking questions, and answering mine."
    Katherine P.
  • "We’ve been taking our Moose there for a few years now. After swallowing a toy when he was a puppy, getting fixed, having surgery on his eyelids a couple times, and most recently having a breed specific illness; I can I say I would recommend everyone to go here. They’ve taken the best care of our boy time and time again and went above and beyond."
    Ashley J.
  • "We’ve been taking our Moose there for a few years now. After swallowing a toy when he was a puppy, getting fixed, having surgery on his eyelids a couple times, and most recently having a breed specific illness; I can I say I would recommend everyone to go here. They’ve taken the best care of our boy time and time again and went above and beyond."
    Ashley J.
  • "Pleasant staff.,very informative. Great environment for your pets, including own room for cats to play so as they aren't stressed out."
    Cheryl K.
  • "Dr. Cynthia Wiseman has helped my little Shiba dog with chronic hip problems tremendously with consistent acupuncture therapy! So thankful for this practice and the high quality of care they offer my pets!"
    Lacey M.