Making your apartment safe for your pet
Having a furry friend around can result in a lasting and unique bond, but it’s also a big responsibility! The last thing you want to do is put your pet in danger. You might think your apartment is totally safe for your pet, and it very well could be! Regardless, you should take the following precautions to ensure your rental is a safe environment for your favorite four-legged friend.
Store poisonous foods and chemicals out of reach. Sure, you may want to keep a chocolate bar within arm’s reach in case of an emergency craving, but it’s probably not a great idea if you want to keep Rover safe. Certain “people” foods are poisonous to dogs, no matter how delicious. So do your best to keep chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, sugar-free products, and other dangerous human foods away from your dog. The same goes for medicines and chemicals. Outfit your cabinets with childproof latches, and clear your counters and shelves of any potentially hazardous or harmful items. It is worth going the extra mile in this case to ensure your pet’s safety.
Ensure your house plants are safe for pets. Plants, particularly those that are commonly used as house plants, can be poisonous to dogs and cats. Seemingly harmless plants like lilies and mums can cause organ failure in animals if ingested. Being that you can’t keep an eye on your pet every minute, it’s wise to remove any such plants from your apartment. Not sure if your plant is harmful to pets? Peep this helpful guide from the good folks at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to determine if your plants are toxic or non-toxic.
Identify choking hazards. You may know to avoid them, but dangling wires and cords can pose a real threat to your pet. Keep wires and cords tied up or unplugged when possible. Also, keep things like plastic bags away from your pet, as they can result in choking or suffocation.
Screen your windows. The sad fact is that pets can and do fall out of open windows. Leaving your windows closed at all times is not a realistic solution, so invest in some sturdy window screens. They’ll keep your pet inside, safe and sound. As an added bonus, it keeps insects out while maintaining airflow—great for keeping you and your pet comfortable.
How to Make Your Home Pet Friendly [This Old House]
How To Make Your Apartment Safe For Your Pet [Apartment Ratings]