Originally published February 26 2006
Seattle Times provides tips on pet-proofing your home
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
One of the most vital responsibilities in owning a pet is pet-proofing your home, and Vanessa Casavant of the Seattle Times provides tips on doing so.
After months of searching, you've finally chosen the perfect pet.
You've taken online pet-soulmate quizzes, consulted friends and family, and visited local animal shelters and breeders.
You might be ready for a pet, but is your home?
While most pet owners are familiar with potential poisonous hazards, such as chocolate and anti-freeze, many probably don't know that grapes and raisins can be deadly for dogs, and that almost all lilies can be toxic for cats.
Dr. John Sheppard, a veterinary consult for PetProTech pet safety products, says the most common pet emergencies veterinarians see are fractures, intestinal blockage, ingestion of household chemicals, lacerations and soft-tissue trauma - all of which can result from accidents at home.
Pet-proofing your home is a simple and inexpensive way to keep your furry family member safe and happy.
Survey each room of your home by getting down on your hands and knees, the same way you would to prepare for a toddler.
"The little things that kids can get themselves in trouble with are the same for a puppy or new animal," said Dana Farbman of the ASPCA Poison Control Center in Urbana, Ill.
Do a Web search for "pet resistant screens" to find out more.
- For houses and lofts with open staircases that are almost impossible to block off, use extra supervision and play with your pet only on the bottom level.
- Sheppard recommends granular pesticides over pellet-size ones because pets are less likely to eat them.
Pesticides should be placed in areas inaccessible to your pet.
Use extra caution with products containing metaldehyde, zinc phosphide or methomyl.
- Dogs love to dig, and if the fence isn't deep enough, they can get out.
Burying chicken wire under a layer of dirt around the fence is a good digging deterrent.
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