As any parent will testify, there is a “babyproofing” stage that most of us go through before our little one arrives.
Well, the same occurs with dogs. With communication with our canine friends even more difficult, making sure your home is as safe as possible is absolutely crucial.
Sure, you can arm yourself with a subscription to your local vet clinic, obtain the necessary insurance (and get a deal when insuring multiple pets), but sometimes it is the basics which you really need to pay attention to.
Through today’s article, we’ll now look at some of these fundamentals in-detail.
Make extra effort with the temperature
Granted, in some climates, this is easier than others. However, wherever you are in the world, try and make sure that you keep a close eye on the temperature – particularly in the summer months. Let’s not forget that this is the period of the year which can pose a real threat to dogs and overheating is unfortunately common.
We’re by no means suggesting that you should invest in a modern air conditioning unit (unless you reside in a truly exotic environment of course). Instead, it’s more about the little things; making sure you draw the curtains on warm days to stop the sun beaming in, whilst also keeping them out of rooms such as the conservatory which are utter heat magnets.
Be vigilant with food
Dogs will pretty much eat anything – and we mean anything. Even the most well-trained dog can be tempted by the odd scrap on the floor, so it is crucial that you are vigilant at all times.
This means not leaving food out in the open, being careful with what/where you dispose of your own food waste and also being mindful of what visitors to your home may do. It is often the case that well-meaning friends and family will want to give your dog a treat, but not all human food is good for them.
Even something as seemingly innocuous as a chocolate bar can be dangerous, so make sure you educate your guests on what they can and can’t give to your pet.
Know your plants
Again, this is something which can seem like a small thing, but it is crucial nonetheless. Many common household plants are poisonous to dogs, so it is important that you either remove them from your property or make sure they are out of reach.
The list of poisonous plants is extensive, but some of the most common include lilies, daffodils, azaleas and rhododendrons. For a full list, we recommend heading over to the RSPCA website which has a comprehensive guide.
Keep cleaning products out of reach
Cleaning products are another potential hazard for dogs. It is absolutely essential that you keep them out of reach at all times – even if that means investing in a higher shelf for them!
Keep an eye on those open windows
We’ve all been there; it’s a lovely sunny day and we just want to let some fresh air into the house. However, it is vital that you keep an eye on open windows – particularly if you live in a high-rise building.
Accidents do happen and particularly if you have a dog that tends to get overly excited, the risks naturally intensify.