Do you need tips for pet-proofing your apartment? A pet can be great company, and sometimes even your best friend. So, you want to treat them well and create a good living environment for them, whether you have a dog, cat, or something else. If you’re pet-free, but thinking of getting a new pet, it’s a good idea to make sure your apartment is pet-friendly prior to bringing them home. If you already have a pet in your apartment, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve done the things below so that your pet is safe.
5 Things to Do When Pet-Proofing Your Apartment
1 – Remove Choking Hazards
Dogs, especially, love to chew on things. That’s why it’s important to keep clutter at bay and to keep potential choking hazards off the floor and higher up and out of reach. Also, be sure that trash cans have lids so dogs can’t pull out and choke on food and other items you’ve thrown away.
2 – Check Your Plants
If you have house plants, but sure to check to see whether they are toxic to animals. And keep in mind that cats will chew on plants just as well as dogs. If you have toxic plants, consider moving them to a high place where your pet can’t reach them or you may even want to get rid of them altogether if you have a cat, because cats can easily jump up to high places.
3 – Limit the Use of Dangerous Chemicals
Pets like to lick things, from furniture to toilet bowls, so be mindful of the chemicals that you use in your home for cleaning and disinfecting. You may even want to stop using chemicals altogether and switch to safer, natural cleaners.
4 – Keep Cords Hidden
Some pets, especially puppies, are prone to chewing on everything they can get their mouths on. That includes electric cords. If you have such a pet, use cable covers to protect the cords and your pet, or keep cords hidden behind furniture out of reach.
5 – Limit Your Pet’s Space
If there are areas of your apartment where potential hazards exist like the bathroom where a trash can may be uncovered or where you clean with chemicals, consider barring your pet from this space, especially when they’re home alone. It’s perfectly fine to close off a bathroom or bedroom where your pet isn’t allowed or where they’re only allowed when you are home. Also, note that most pets enjoy and find comfort in having a designated space that’s their own so try to set up a pet area with a bed and some toys just for them, if possible.
More About Protecting Your Pet – And Your Apartment!
Remember that every pet is unique, with his or her own personality and tendencies, so you may want to take additional pet-proofing measures based on your own pet’s specific behaviors. Also, keep in mind that the more time you spend with your pet, the less time they’ll have for getting into mischief and the happier they will be. And when you do have to be away for work or other reasons, provide your pet with some toys to play with to keep them occupied. For cats, add a scratching post. Sometimes when you’re away, it’s also helpful to leave on the television or music so your pet doesn’t feel like they’re alone and to muffle outside noises.
When bringing home a new pet that you’re just getting to know, be sure to protect your flooring from stains and scratches with plenty of scatter rugs. Use inexpensive furniture covers or flat sheets of fabric on leather sofas and chairs. You may also want to tape the legs of furniture, especially if you’re bringing home a new puppy or kitten. Also, try to avoid bringing home your new pet and then leaving them right away. It’s always best to spend a day or two at home with them to get to know them and to let them get familiar with their new surroundings while you’re there to keep an eye on them and keep them out of harm’s way.
Good Luck Pet-Proofing Your Apartment!
Located in Waldorf, MD, Adams Crossing offers affordable luxury apartments ranging from two to three bedrooms. Haven’t taken a tour of Adams Crossing yet? Schedule a tour with one of our marketing professionals to see why we’re a 2017 Top Rated apartment community through ApartmentRatings!
