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