Pet-Proofing Your Home for Puppies & Kittens

Congratulations-You just brought home a wide-eyed, furry, ready to play and explore, bundle of fun also known as a puppy or a kitten! Your new companion is naturally inquisitive and if you haven’t already, it’s time to look around your home and consider pet proofing. I like to think of pet proofing as being similar to baby proofing except your new furry baby can jump, climb curtains and crawl into unpredictable places (including small holes in the walls).  As you pet proof each room, take a moment and get down to your pet’s level.  It’s amazing what you will suddenly notice from your pet’s point of view. Keep in mind that a cat can jump 7 times their tail length and dogs explore their world by chewing. By removing as many tantalizing sources of danger and being aware of your pet’s natural curiosity your pet will have a safe environment to learn and play.

Removing Temptation

Let’s start with the kitchen and bathrooms. Consider childproof latches to keep curious little paws from opening cabinets. Move medications, cleaners and laundry supplies to latched cabinets or a high shelf. Keep trash cans covered or inside a latched cabinet. Put food away  (including candy).  Some of the food may not be harmful but the wrapper could be.

Living room areas need to have the dangling wires from televisions, VCRs, lamps and telephones out of reach. Put away your knick-knacks until your kitten is older and has the coordination not to knock them over. Move your houseplants that may be poisonous out of reach. Look under furniture and in the corners where the pet can fit and look for tiny objects that could be dangerous such as paper clips, pins, string, buttons… Put away craft notions, children’s toys and sharp objects.

You will want to make sure all air vents have covers, pets are adventuresome.

Bedrooms should have clothing and shoes in the closet with the door shut. Drawstrings and buttons are a big attraction to puppies and kittens and can cause a major problem if swallowed. Check your nightstands for medications, lotions and tiny objects. Again move the electrical cords to prevent chewing.

The garage should have all chemicals and sharp objects out of reach. Clean up any antifreeze that may be on your garage floor. Antifreeze is lethal in even a small taste.

Be Observant!

Make sure your kitten hasn’t jumped into the dryer before you use it, keep toilet lids down to prevent accidental drowning or consumption of cleaning solutions, be careful that you don’t close your kitten into drawers or closets and look for little paws and tails when you close doors.

Reward

Buy pet appropriate toys for kittens and puppies and a scratching post for cats.  Praise good behavior with a treat or a toy and distract them from undesirable behavior.

With love, commitment and proper care, your pet will grow up safe and healthy and be a constant source of joy in your life. May you and your new best friend treasure every moment that you share!

Compliments of West Valley Pet Sitting, Inc
Surprise Arizona
Serving Surprise, Sun City, Sun City West, Peoria, Arizona

Daily Visits, Dog Walking, Vacation Care 
www.westvalleypetsitting.com