The holidays are popular time for families to adopt a new pet, whether it be a dog, cat, lizard or other fluffy or scaly creature. It makes sense to prepare for a new pet by purchasing bedding, toys, food and other necessities and accessories, but it’s important to not forget to protect one of the family’s most valuable investments, the home. Pet-proofing a home can mean the difference between a happy pet/owner relationship and one filled with frustration or even regret. Even for people looking to buy new homes for sale, proper preparation is important and inevitable.Here’s a few tips on keeping the newest family member safe, while limiting damage to the home.
- Regardless of the animal, cords can be an enticing chew toy, especially for young pets, like puppies or kittens. Make sure cords are tucked away or safely covered.
- If the home has a fireplace, purchase a sturdy screen to keep animals out of potentially dangerous situations.
- Be aware of the types of plants in and around the home, and make sure they are not toxic to your pet. Aloe vera, poinsettias, jade plants and daylilies are all toxic to pets, to name a few.
- If the pet is younger or never lived in a home, consider creating a barrier around the Christmas tree to prevent accidents or unwanted tree climbing.
- Pets love food and are experts at begging. The list of foods that are toxic to pets is surprising. Keep chocolate, onions, avocados and other popular foods out of reach in the kitchen, pantry and on tables. Avoid leaving sweets and large plates of food unattended and within easy reach of long snoots or paws.
- Buy a trash can with a lid and try to not throw food in trash bins without a cover. This can prevent pets from eating foods they shouldn’t or cutting their mouths on the lids of cans or other objects.
- Certain breeds of dogs and cats, enjoy burrowing and making themselves a nest to sleep. Give the pet a designated bed with plenty of blankets and fabric to build a nest so they’re not tempted to tear up the couch or human bed.
- Puppies love to chew. Have ample chew toys available to limit any damage to cabinet corners or baseboards, which seem to be popular choices among teething puppies.
Bringing a pet into the home is fun and exciting, but it can also lead to headaches if the family is not prepared. Pet-proofing the home allows the pet a safe place to live, while keeping the house from significant damage. Potential buyers can tell if a home has pets, and keeping the windows, floors, walls and landscaping pet-friendly and safe will go a long way in selling the property down the road.