The Best Ways to Protect Your Home From Pets When You Leave Them Alone
As much as we want to stay at home with our pets or take them with us wherever we go, there are times when we have to leave them alone and unattended. This leaves them plenty of opportunities to get into trouble, intentional or not, unless normal household hazards are kept to a minimum.
If it wasn’t for it being packed when we leave the house, my smart and curious Border Collie would quickly find a job that would inevitably damage both him and our space. Even when we are at home, we have taken certain pet protection steps to minimize the risk of them getting into trouble when we are not looking.
Whether you leave your pet unattended for a few hours or all day, you can take precautions to keep it safe.
Domestic Dangers for Pets
Our homes are full of items that can cause injury, suffocation, poisoning, or just plain mess if available to our pets:
- trash cans
- Detergents
- Cosmetics
- Medication
- Food
- Plants and flowers
- wires
- Small items (children’s toys, jewelry, headphones, hair ties, etc.)
- Clothing (such as underwear and socks)
These puzzle toys will keep your pet busy:
- Nina Ottosson dog cube with 3 treat compartments.
- This treat feeder has two different levels of difficulty.
- This interactive chase toy is perfect for small dogs.
- Classic Kong treat dispenser
How to protect your home from pets
Walk around your home to make a list of common hazards. Kitchens and bathrooms are especially rife with the opportunity for pets to get into trouble, but clutter in living and sleeping areas can also put pets at risk.
Arrange food in drawers or cabinets
Keep cleaning products, detergents, medicines, cosmetics, and other chemicals in drawers or cabinets (ideally that can be secured with a child lock). As a last resort, you can put these items on very high shelves, although cats can knock them over if they are open.
Remove food and plants
Similarly, don’t leave food on counters or tables—if possible, find space in the refrigerator, pantries, or bins with lids for groceries, pastries, and packaged foods. Even if the food is not toxic to your pet, it probably doesn’t need to be eaten.
While you’re at it, make sure you know which plants and flowers in your home are poisonous to your pet when eaten and which are safe for pets . Put the first one out of reach or out of reach of your pet.
Lock or remove trash cans
Always use trash cans with lids, ideally with a lock. Otherwise, place your smaller containers in a closet (such as a bathroom) or in a room that you can’t access.
Close or cover vents, doors and covers
Pets can get into small spaces where they can get stuck or just make a mess. Close toilet lids, close and lock washer and dryer doors, make sure vent covers are secure, and lock cabinets that are within reach.
Tidy up your living quarters
Remove small items that pose a choking hazard, such as children’s toys, jewelry, hair ties, and hairpins. Make sure wires, chargers, and cords are tied up or put away in a drawer or trash can when not in use. Wash socks, shoes, and any clothing that your pet likes to chew on. Make sure the knives are securely fastened.
Block access to parts of your home
Even if your pet is allowed to roam while you are away, consider closing the doors to certain rooms, such as the bathroom, to minimize safety hazards. Some pets may also be kept in the part of your home with a baby gate.
Prepare your pet for being left at home
Make sure your pet has water (and food if needed) available, as well as something to keep him occupied – he’ll be less likely to get into trouble if he’s not bored. Toys and puzzles with treats can be good options. Make sure they go to the toilet and exercise before leaving them for long periods of time.
Of course, leaving your pet alone may also require some preparation for both you and him . This may include learning how long they can be left out before they need to go outside, whether they are comfortable in a cage, and how much stimulation they need to not be destructive.