How to Pet-Proof Your New Home

Posted on

Moving to a new Arizona home is exciting for all family members, even pets. However, dogs and cats can really get themselves into trouble during this time due to their inquisitive nature.

A smiling woman with her pet cats and dogs

Because of their innate curiosity about the world, your pets may chew on more than just your slippers. In addition to proper training, good housekeeping is essential for your pets' well-being. Your pets' inquisitiveness will be through the roof as they explore their new home. So, before bringing your pet into the new place, follow this guide to ensure you know how to pet-proof your new home.

Create a safe space for your pet

This is crucial to remember when getting your new pet to adjust to the new surroundings. It's the job of every responsible pet owner to help their pets accommodate. This can also lessen the destruction your puppy or kitten might cause while you're not at home. Get a crate for your dog, where they'll feel safe and secure, or a safe point for your cat. Don't overburden them with freedom until they've settled in and been housebroken, but do allow them a certain amount of space. Slowly but surely, they'll take control of the situation!

Be aware of hazards

The moving process itself can be pretty hazardous for your furry friend. They could get hurt in the chaos, a box could fall onto them, or they may even go out and get lost while your movers go in and out of your new Arizona home. When it comes to long-distance moving, it's best to engage experts if you have pets and kids. However, it's your job to keep the little ones safe. Either leave your pets with a family member or a friend or take them for a long walk while the movers bring everything in.

Once you come back, pay attention to areas such as those behind your washer and dryer. If your pet is smaller, they can easily get stuck in there. If you are not at home and this happens, they could get scared and hurt themselves in all sorts of ways. You must also ensure that your heating and air conditioning vents have covers on them. Install screens on your windows to have fresh air all the time, and your pet stays inside.

Keep track of your pet, then pet-proof where you need

Pet gates help keep a dog in a designated area, but cats can be more challenging to keep under control. When you enter and exit your home, shut the door behind you so that your pet can't flee. Close the doors to any rooms you don't want your pet to enter, and make sure you do the same with the toilet lid. Install safety locks on your kitchen cupboards, much like you would to deter a child from looking for sweets!

When your pet is exploring its new surroundings, be on the lookout for any potentially dangerous gaps and take steps to shut them off so they cannot get stuck or hurt. All of this, combined with some training, can teach your pet to stay out of trouble. It can also promote good communication with your pet, which will be a fruitful investment for the future. With some care, you will successfully pet-proof your home.

A room-by-room guide to pet-proofing your home

Here are some ways to pet-proof your new home room-by-room for maximum efficiency and safety!

The living room

Even though the living room is a safe, cozy haven for you, it still contains potential dangers for your pets.

  • Cables- Most of us have TVs in our living rooms. And as we all know, it’s not unusual to find a tangle of wires behind a TV. Cats and dogs alike will find these suitable for gnawing on, which is a considerable hazard. These high-voltage items can be avoided by using puppy-proof cable covers and organizers.
  • Diffusers- If you have an oil diffuser, you must take special care of your pets around them. Cats especially like to play around them, and if the oils spill, your cat can get all dirty, spread the oil all over your home, and even suffer from an allergic reaction. It would be best to keep oil diffusers out of your pet's reach.

The bathroom

The bathroom is the place where your pet can find the most dangerous things to chew on. Ensuring they can't get to any hazardous chemicals in your bathroom is one of the most critical ways to pet-proof your home. For example, chemicals like antifreeze and rodenticide should be stored out of reach or in a locked cabinet.

As for plants you have around the house, you must research which ones are safe for your pets. Pet poisoning is a genuine danger that you can prevent with relative ease.  

The backyard

When it comes to a pet-proofed home, most of us forget our yards. Pets should never be left unattended in the backyard, but make sure the area is secure if you decide to let yours out. When your pet is bored, they can easily find a way out through holes, loose posts, and open gates. So, check to see if the fence is in good working order and the right height for the property.

You must also make sure that all plants in your yard are safe for pets and include gardening equipment in the list of items to be removed from the lawn. These are a hazard, especially if they're rusty. Finally, prevent falls by blocking access to balconies and steps that are too high. You don’t want your energetic friend tumbling down and hurting themselves!

The kitchen

Pets should avoid the kitchen at all costs. They can easily access kitchen trash cans and food on the table, which can be a choking hazard. Moreover, curious animals, such as cats, may scurry under and around the refrigerator or oven, while others may get into an open dishwasher. You could trap them inside, and who knows what could happen next. Therefore, do not utilize garbage cans without lids and ensure they are always closed well. Make it difficult for your pets to get behind the refrigerator or other equipment by obstructing access to narrow locations.

Pet-proof your new home and help your pet adapt

Pets can quickly adapt to a new home, especially with our help. If you do your best to pet-proof your new home, you will ensure your pets' happiness and security even when you are not there. Keep all the things we listed in mind, and your pet will feel right at home quickly in your new space. Happy moving!

 

✍🏼 Article by Natalie Taylor


Share this post



← Older Post Newer Post →


Leave a comment