Pet Proofing Your Home: Three Quick & Easy Tips For Every New Pet Owner

It is easy to think of all the fun accessories from collars to toys and even a food bowl, but preparing a home for your new pet requires more than picking out treats. While the measures you take in preparing and pet proofing your new addition’s home will vary greatly depending upon the pet, its needs and even its size. There are a few things most every pet owner will need to cover – sometimes literally – before inviting home their dog, cat, mouse or canary.

Creating a Corner (and other boundaries)

It doesn’t matter if you are considering and indoor versus outdoor pet, or a crate versus couch critter, he still needs a place to retreat to that is all his own. In most cases, this will also be where your pet sleeps or even eats. He should know where he can go to get water and rest. While playtime with his humans is welcomed fun, your pet should be able to claim his corner of the house as his home.

And just as important as knowing which areas belong to him, your pet needs to know where he is not allowed, too. If your hamster is to be confined to his cage and hamster ball, then don’t try to play in a setting that could lead to an escape. If your kitten is not to be permitted on the furniture, then make sure there are alternative toys to climb and claw. If Fido is not to be allowed to beg, then keep him out of the kitchen during food preparations and mealtime.

Paws, teeth and claws… oh my!

Animals can cause havoc on a home simply by being themselves. A puppy chews and a kitten scratches; they can’t help it. So be ready and get your home, car and yard ready too. From protecting your leather car seats and sofa, to installing an invisible fence to keep Fido from digging out or chasing cars, there are many ways that you’ll be safe guarding your pet and your home before bringing your new pet home.

In the case of a puppy, if you don’t want it chewed keep it out of reach. It doesn’t have to be edible to become edible. Kittens and puppies will delight in toys and plenty of exercise; this will help prevent destructive behaviors, too

Poison Patrol

The most common household poisons include:

• Household cleaners
• Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
• Poisonous plants (this will vary depending on your pet)
• Pesticides (seek out pet safe lawn products)

Maybe you already thought to pick up your favorite rug, cover the couch and hide the cords, but remember that most pets are also very curious critters. Just because something is in the garbage can, or tucked away under the kitchen sink doesn’t mean a nose won’t sniff it out.

But with these three pet-proofing projects complete, you’re ready to welcome home your new puppy, kitten, gerbil, bunny or bird into a safe home!

Dr. Susan Wright, DMV is a practicing veterinarian of more than 10 years. Susan is the staff expert on dog containment systems at Dog Fence DIY.