Whether you consider your dog your best friend, a family member, or the best employee you’ve ever had, it’s important to keep them safe. Unfortunately, many homes aren’t as safe for our furry friends as we might like, but you can take steps to remedy that.
Remove Harmful Items
One of the main ways to make your home safer for your four-legged best friend is to prevent the ingestion of harmful items. These can range from cleaning products to plants to food that isn’t dog-safe to non-food items that can cause an obstruction. Making food and water available doesn’t guarantee that your dog won’t want to sample something else. So make sure that all household chemicals are safely out of reach of your pup, put away food when you’re not actively watching it, and choose a secure trash can to start. Research plant toxicity before bringing one into your home and which human foods are safe for dogs before sharing.
Provide Entertainment Options
Keeping your dog entertained can be a crucial component to ensuring their safety because bored dogs may chew on or get into unsafe things out of boredom–and even stress. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of exercising with a dog who has little interest in damaging your furniture. Plus, treats and puzzle toys can distract your dog from anything they should not eat.
Ensure Rugs Don’t Move
While you might not think of a rug or mat as a safety precaution for your dog, it can be, especially if your dog is older or has issues with walking and you have a hard floor. Increasing traction decreases slips, falls, and the potential for injury. Most low rugs with non-skid backs will do the trick. You can also add traction tape to stairs and other surfaces where rugs are not an appropriate solution.
Replace the Roof
Once your floors are covered, you might want to look up. Sure, you won’t immediately think of your roof as critical to your pet’s safety. But you’ll change your tune if your dog becomes ill from lapping standing water from a leak or when the ceiling crashes in. Of course, replacing your home’s roof will have all sorts of benefits for you and your loved ones!
Prepare for Fireworks
If you’re an American, you’re probably aware of the number of dogs who go missing every July 4th after being spooked by fireworks despite seeming to be safe in their own yards. Even if your dog is normally bold, loud noises such as fireworks or machinery can make them anxious! Limit exposure to such sounds by bringing your pup inside or removing them from the source of the noise. Ideally, your dog will have a safe space, such as a crate, to retire whenever they need a break. Covering it with a blanket further blocks out noises and sounds. It might even become your dog’s favorite spot!
Finally, consider adopting technology to watch your dog and track its location when you’re separated. Even if the worst never happens, GPS trackers and pet cameras can provide intense peace of mind!