For the past three years, pet adoptions have increased significantly, and shelters are happy to report fewer homes returning adopted pets. It’s no mystery that people are spending more time at home, but people are also more conscientious of how they spend their time and spend more time with their pets.
With the increase in new pet ownership and more time spent with pets, even seasoned and newly initiated pet parents might benefit from a refresher on electrical safety and inside and outside hazards for your non-human family members.
Get Down to Their Level
To prevent potential problems, try and think like your pet. Get down to the floor level and look around. Are there brightly colored cords hanging off expensive electrical equipment that might tempt your puppy to play tug-of-war with your cellphone, computer, or TV?
Would your cat like to battle the tail end of a cord to something that might fall and injure them? Would a teething pet seek comfort by chewing on a rubbery coating for a gaming system or e-reader? The first step to protecting your pets is to see what items are easiest to store out of their reach.
Protect Cords and Outlets
Once expensive and potentially dangerous items are stored securely, it’s time to think about more important things and room configurations that will take more steps to make pet friendly. Outlet and cord covers are excellent safety measures that keep curious paws and noses safe. If you need an immediate fix, you can spray cords with vinegar or lemon juice to deter gnawing. Rooms with lots of cords should be organized or kept off-limits by closing doors or using pet-safe barriers.
Offer Stimulation
If your pet is highly energetic and curious, it may need more stimulation to keep them occupied and prevent them from turning its boredom toward dangerous and destructive activities. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, an extra walk, or 15 more minutes of catch can keep pets stimulated and engaged, so that cord destruction is less appealing.
Create a Safe Space
If you have a high-tech lifestyle, share your living quarters, or can’t put many of these practices into place, perhaps a better choice is to create a safe space for your pet to roam when you don’t need to supervise them actively. An electricity-free area is ideal, although you may not be able to achieve that goal.
Always keep your pet’s physical and emotional needs in mind, including water, warmth, and entertainment. You and your pet will be happier if you consider what they need and how you can best deliver those creature comforts.
Protect your pet’s food and water
Keep your pet’s food and water away from electrical equipment. Space is a natural (and easy) way to avoid dangerous spills that can hurt your pet and lead to expensive repairs and replacements.
In addition, electricity creates warmth, so ensure that vents, heaters, extension cords, and other hot electrical areas are not accessible to your pets. Create a cozy, safe place for them that’s far away from those dangers.
Give your pet options
Bored pets create their entertainment. For example, they might play with blinds, open cupboards, or knock items off counters and shelves when bored. Make sure to switch out the toys you keep for your pet’s free-roaming activities; that way, boredom will be less of an issue.
What more can you do?
You may have a pet you can train to avoid those dangerous areas. It takes time and effort, but keeping them safe and healthy is essential. You can take your pet on regular walks and trips to the park to prevent boredom and the chance that they’ll be looking for trouble. If you notice your pet is suddenly chewing on more items than usual, check with your veterinarian to see if they may be experiencing tooth pain.
Even when you take every possible precaution, you could still face an emergency with your pet and electricity. Your pet might panic when they encounter an electricity injury or accident. So stay diligent and take special care as you quickly transport them to an emergency vet.
What about outside?
Inside isn’t the only place electrical dangers lurk; if you have pets prone to digging, find out the location of your underground lines and make sure they are inaccessible. Also, avoid high voltage areas and metal drain covers when taking your pets on walks around the neighborhood or to the park, especially when it’s rainy or snowy.
Reach Out to SPS Electric to Get Help with Electrical Hazards
For more information on electrical safety, or if you notice lines that you want more secure, contact us at SPS Electric today! Protect the ones you love, including your pets, from electrical dangers.
