…IDEAL for pet owners with mischievous animals.
Have you ever come home to find the curtains chewed, rugs ripped up and plants scattered on the floor? Whether you have a new puppy or kitten – or have always had a pet – you quickly learn how chaotic life can be living with your furry friend. From curious cats to daring dogs, there are many ways your playful pet can misbehave in a house filled with fun things to explore. But with the help of Itchpet.com’s in-house vet, Zoe Costigan, you can take back a modicum of control. Here’s how; our 5 tips on how to pet proof your home, IDEAL for pet owners with mischievous animals.
DESIGNATED PET PERIMETERS
Your pet likes to feel that they have certain areas for themselves, so it’s always a good idea to create a special place reserved just for them. You can do this by putting their belongings within this space, such as their bed, their favourite blanket and toys. Zoe suggests using a pet crate; however, these should be used to create a place of security and safety – not as a form of punishment. If you’re not using a crate, try deploying a safety gate to reinforce your pet’s designated perimeters when you’re not at home.
ITCH FLEA-FREE YOUR HOME
The last thing anyone wants is a flea-infested home, or a flea-ridden friend darting about, for that matter – it’s unpleasant for both of you, and any visitors of course! But the good news is that you can prevent unwanted visitors hitching a ride from your pet to your carpets with monthly treatments, such as those provided by ITCH Flea. Regular application protects your pet and your home from becoming infested by killing all fleas, eggs and larvae, breaking the flea life cycle at every stage.
TIDY UP TIME
When you have a pet, it helps to keep things as tidy as possible. Shoes, socks and rubbish bins are all oh-so-appealing to an adventurous pet. It’s important, then, to keep things tidy, as small items left around the house can often be choking hazards. Socks, or should we say ‘squidgy fluffy things I can put in my mouth’ in the eyes of the beholder, can be attractive to pets but can also lead to surgery if swallowed. A double edged sword, indeed, and you certainly wouldn’t want to swallow one of those.
Basically, anything that looks chewable needs to be safely stored away. As such, it’s also recommended to make all bins pet proof – as the little rascals can often raid the bins as soon as you leave the house. Make sure there’s no way they can access what’s in the rubbish. It’s also important to store your pets food somewhere cool, dry and out of reach. Airtight containers will prevent air, humidity and pests from getting into the food and spoiling it. Moreover, correct storage is important to stop essential vitamins degrading in pet foods like those from Visionarypet.com.
TACKLE THE TOXIC
Items around the home can be toxic to a pet, so take care. Cleaning solutions are a clear culprit, so make sure to keep them carefully locked away. But essential oils can also be dangerous; think twice before lighting your wellbeing oils around your pet. What’s more, house plants can be poisonous to pups, so do your due diligence prior to any greenifying of your home.
ACCEPT THAT THERE ARE THINGS YOU CAN’T CONTROL
Above all, we have to accept that our lovable pets can sometimes make mistakes – but we still love them for it. Be kind, thoughtful and never lose your temper; a rule for all walks of life surely? Punishing your pet is now widely known to have primarily adverse effects, so remember to think carefully how you treat the situation. On the flipside, using reward behaviour conditioning can teach them right from wrong.
With that said and done, we hope your life together is a harmonious and happy one, full of wonderful memories made and moments shared. Good luck!
