D ECEMBER 17, 2016 • U LTIMATE P E T C ARE G UIDE
M AKE
HOMES SAFE FOR PETS
ets require certain comforts to live
long and healthy lives. In addition to
adequate nutrition, exercise, medical
care and mental stimulation, pets need a
safe place to live.
The average home is filled with various
items that can be harmful to pets. Just as
parents baby-proof their homes when wel-
coming new children into their families,
pet owners can take inventory of potential
hazards to pets and take steps to safeguard
their pets from home-related injuries.
According to the American Veterinary
Medical Association, a few simple adjust-
ments around the house can prevent many
pet emergencies.
• Invest in cabinet locks. Cats and dogs
can be curious animals, gaining access to
areas of a home pet owners never would
have imagined possible. If you can’t store
everything beyond pets’ reach, then use
cabinet and drawer latches to prevent
access to areas that are off limits. Lock
doors to basements, garages and storage
sheds as well.
• Cover all garbage cans. Animals have
extraordinary senses of smell, and they
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may be attracted to trash cans around the
house. Pets rooting around in the garbage
can be messy, but this can also make pets
vulnerable to illness. Invest in garbage
cans with locks or tight lids to prevent food
poisoning or choking.
• Use medications wisely. Be mindful of
medications, making sure none of your
pills fall on the floor where they can be
gobbled up by pets.
• Protect belongings. Cats can scale
many objects in the house, gaining access
to areas of the house that dogs cannot
reach. Cats also can be attracted to small
shiny objects, such as jewelry or glass
items, that are choking hazards. Store
potential choking hazards out of sight of
curious cats.
• Clean the furnace. Allergens and poor
indoor air quality is not just a concern for
humans. Pets also can be affected by aller-
gies and health issues that result from
exposure to mold or dirt in a home.
Routinely have your HVAC system rou-
tinely serviced and change indoor air fil-
ters to maintain healthy air quality. When
possible, open windows to let fresh air
inside.
• Secure windows and doors.
Cats and dogs may be distracted by
something outdoors and feel com-
pelled to chase after it. Pets also
can suffer serious injuries if they
fall from windows. Make sure
window screens are secure and
install guards if your pet likes to
hang out by the windows. Exercise
caution when entering and leaving
your home so pets don’t scurry
outside.
• Keep cords and electronic out-
lets secure. Teething puppies or
curious cats may bite or pull on
power cords. Use cord keepers to
cover up electric lines and outlet
A safe home is one
locks to keep plugs where they
way people can care
should be.
for their pets.
• Provide a comfortable indoor
climate. Many pets spend the
COURTESY PHOTO
majority of their days indoors
ture in such areas is comfortable and safe.
where climate and temperature can be con-
Take precautions around the house to
trolled. However, if yours is an outside pet keep pets safe, comfortable and secure. —
or requires a brief stint in the garage or an Metro
uninsulated area, make sure the tempera-
Let us fi nd the perfect home
for you and your fur babies!
Wanda Johnson, Broker
Cell: 541-999-1670
wanda@cbcoast.com
Mike Johnson , Broker
Cell: 541-999-0836
mike@cbcoast.com
“We FOCUS on meeting your Real Estate needs”.
C OAST R EAL E STATE
100 Hwy 101, Florence OR 97439
www.cbcoast.com