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Pet Proofing Your Home

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1301 -- More Projects »
Pet expert Lisa Marie Fortier tells how to make your home safe for a new pet.

  • Take an inventory of your home and consider the ability of the animal to get around and where it will primarily live.
PHOTO

Figure A
  • Barriers are a great way to keep animals out of unwanted areas. You could use a baby gate, exercise pen (figure A) or simply a door.

  • Items that are breakable or could fall and injure the animal should be kept out of reach.
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    Figure B
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    Figure C
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    Figure D
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    Figure E
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    Figure F
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    Figure G
  • Wrap cables and cords (figure B). You can purchase tubing that houses cables, or you may tape them down with electrical tape or with aluminum foil.

  • Scratching on furniture can be a big problem with cats. The best solution is to train kitty to use a scratching post (figure C).

  • Be sure to have lots of chew toys (figure D) around for a dog to deter it from gnawing on household items.

  • You may have to relocate a few items. Poisonous plants (figure E), for example, should be moved to areas that are difficult for the pet to access.

  • The most dangerous foods for pets to ingest are onions and dark baking chocolates. Consider using child-safety locks (figure F) on cupboards to prevent access.

  • All chemical substances (figure G) should be kept in a safe location at all times, even when in use.

  • Keep in mind that most intentional destruction stems from lack of exercise and/or mental stimulation. In addition to proofing your house try incorporating additional playtimes. Tired pets sleep and do not cause damage. There are a variety of toys that you can buy to occupy your animal while you are away as well.
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    Figure H
  • One new product on the market is a pheromone release (figure H) that calms dogs when you are away.
    • Also in this Episode
    TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1301
    •Homemade Caponata
    •Pet Proofing Your Home
    •Household Glue Uses
    •Tip of the Day
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