Pets often chew as part of exploration and play, which is perfectly normal. But chewing on electrical cords or batteries could cause severe burns – or even fatality!
Spiral cord wraps provide an inexpensive solution that prevents pets from chewing cords. Their citrus scent and bitter flavor act as proactive deterrents against chewing while covering protects from injury risk.
Plants
Even though plants may look beautiful, some species can be toxic to pets if eaten. Keep plants away from curious little paws and opt for potted plants instead of hanging them from the ceiling. It’s also wise to regularly inspect outdoor spaces for unexpected plants that have suddenly sprouted unexpectedly or been planted inappropriately; similarly inspect outdoor equipment and lawn chemicals which could potentially be eaten up by your furry friends as these substances could easily absorb through their skins and into their systems.
Most pet owners know to keep electrical cords away from outlets or plugged devices, but it can be easy to forget those hiding behind furniture or entertainment centers. Unprotected cables pose a serious hazard to curious, chewing pets who could get shocked or spark a fire by touching exposed prongs. Cord concealers or wraps offer quick solutions, while full proofing may require multiple layers of protection; for instance a cord leading from an outlet to lamp may require concealers along the wall, spiral wrap protection in front of the outlet, and tubes near both plug and plug locations.
Although most electrical cords run inside walls, it’s sometimes impossible to block their access. When possible, close off cord-heavy rooms with baby gates or closed doors; otherwise use temporary barriers made of plexiglass panels or thick plywood as temporary barriers. Proper fencing in a yard helps keep animals away from landscape lights and underground wires as well as protects them from potential stray voltage found in puddles and wet sidewalks.
Boredom in pets can make for some mischief-making! Chewing on cords and household objects is a natural coping mechanism to relieve anxiety or boredom, so providing daily mental and physical stimulation to avoid destructive chewing behaviors like cord chewing. Apple wood sticks provide great alternative to traditional pet toys for teething pets as they’re non-toxic to chew on!
Small Hazards
Pets can be inquisitive creatures that love exploring every corner of their environment, which puts them at risk from electrical hazards. Electrical shock, accidental fires and toxic chemical exposure may result from fiddling with frayed wires, faulty outlets or other electrical equipment.
Make sure that dangerous items such as batteries, coins and toys are out of reach of your pet – these could pose a choking hazard or lead to internal injuries that could even prove fatal – store them away safely or use bitter spray to discourage your pet from playing with them.
Make sure that all cords and wires are hidden or secured to prevent chewing by young puppies and kitties, who could bite through these cords to cause serious injuries. Securing cords behind furniture or using cord covers could help ensure their safekeeping. Furthermore, it is wise not to plug too many devices into one outlet as overloading could overload it and present safety hazards; when connecting extension cords make sure they’re plugged into surge protectors with appropriate wattage ratings for whatever appliance you are connecting them to.
Food, cleaning products and medications all pose potential threats to your pet’s health if ingested or licked by them. Be sure to secure all trash bins, keep personal care products like razors or hair ties out of reach as well as medications/soaps in a locked cabinet – these could potentially harm them as well!
Certain plants such as azaleas and sago palms can be harmful to pets, while lilies and poinsettias could potentially be toxic if consumed. Before planting any outdoor plants or houseplants indoors, always consult your landscaping company or veterinarian first.
Cords
Small pets use their mouths to explore their environments through exploration. Their curiosity and need to chew are an entertaining and healthy pastime, but can become dangerous if they come in contact with exposed wires that could result in electrical shocks or internal injuries for both themselves and other household members. Damaged wires also present fire risks and pose dangers that pose a threat both directly to them and everyone around.
To limit temptation for cord chewing, make sure all dangling wires are out of sight and mind – this may require moving your electronics, hiding them behind furniture or using a cord management system. If your equipment cannot be moved, cord-proofing products like spiral wraps and flexible tubing may help protect its cord-like form from being nibbled by small teeth. These solutions look more like the cord itself while being more difficult to chew through than cords themselves. Make sure to overlap the spirals when wrapping to ensure there are no gaps for your pet to access the wires. If these methods fail, try placing cords inside of PVC pipe for additional security – this will provide them with a harder-to-chew surface while also preventing your pets from chewing the ends of the pipes, which would allow their wires to protrude outward.
As well as covering and securing any exposed cords, you should also train your pets not to chew on them – this will prevent electrical injuries as well as saving money on costly veterinary bills. Positive reinforcement training or bitter sprays are effective ways of teaching pets not to play with wires hanging down from above them.
Pet proofing involves more than simply hiding cords, appliances and plants from pets – it involves spending quality time with them! Regular exercise and mental stimulation will strengthen your bond while relieving their stress levels; toys are an excellent way of keeping pets busy without getting them near electrical devices or cords! Wilcox Electric can conduct a safety evaluation to identify any potential hazards in your home – call now and set up an appointment!
Chargers
Modern comforts such as power cords and electronics provide convenience, but they present serious dangers to pets. Both cords and electronics can be tempting targets for chewing due to their soft yet pliable feel, making them easy for pets to reach. A chewed-up cord may lead to broken devices or even electrical fires in the household putting all occupants at risk from burns and smoke inhalation. Furthermore, certain electronic equipment contains components like transformers or electrochemical cells which release toxic chemicals when damaged and can cause acute or chronic health problems for household pets in both households and households alike.
An easy way to pet-proof a home is by covering outlets with plastic outlet covers available at most hardware stores and big box retailers. Also unplugging devices when not in use reduces the risk of pets being shocked by live wires as well as accidental activation by paw or nose contact.
Some electrical safety tips are straightforward, such as tying or hiding loose cords. Other strategies require more intensive training techniques. If your pet tends to chew wires, replace them with sturdy cords such as PVC pipe that are chew-proof. You may also purchase spiral cord wraps designed specifically to organize cables without providing an opportunity for chewing; positive reinforcement techniques often work well when encouraging pets not to play with electrical cords.
An important electrical safety tip is to always check the wattage rating of any extension cord you plan on using, in order to prevent overloading your home circuit with too many appliances. Furthermore, keep small heaters or fans out of reach of animals so they won’t accidentally knocked over and cause burns or injuries.
Assuring your pet’s safety requires proactive inspection and regular maintenance. New gadgets, furniture rearrangement changes and visiting guests all pose potential electrical hazards that may present safety issues; to keep up with them consistently throughout the year. Dog proofing measures must remain constant.
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