The modern house boasts the epitome of comfort and luxury with the advent of electricity. However, the same amenities that make your life easier can prove to be a hazard for your beloved pet if you do not take appropriate measures to keep them safe. We go about our daily life unbeknownst to the simple electrical hazards that can turn deadly for our small friends.
That is why we have compiled the most common electrical hazards around your house and how to avoid them to keep your pet sound and healthy.
1. Don’t Encourage Playtime With Cords
Most pets have a habit of chewing, and nothing makes a more delectable chew toy than cables lying around. Cords tend to resemble strings and can entertain pets. That is why you must store away all cords out of reach, not only to protect your pets but yourself from tripping.
Ideally, you should tuck in cords behind your appliances or use proper wiring to install them behind walls. You can also make your room look neater while keeping your pets safe by installing appliances within the walls. Electrical safety is easily attainable by hiring a professional. It is an ideal measure to help keep your home’s electrical system reliable and up-to-date.
If, by chance, your pet does find a cord, quickly remove the cord to avoid any attachment between the cord and playtime. In addition, if you are unable to hide the cords, then invest in some cord covers to keep them out of sight. If you live in Florida, we suggest the best electrician in Miami, Florida, to make electrical upgrades in your home.
2. Block Off Spaces In Your Walls & Ceiling
Nearly all older houses are likely to have holes in drywalls or even missing boards providing direct access for pets. Most pets, especially cats, are curious by nature, and these holes and gaps around the house make for natural hiding spots for them.
Unfortunately, it is very likely for your cat to become trapped in these tiny spaces and come in contact with exposed wiring. So, if you cannot spend on maintenance projects, at least block off any spaces to keep your furry friends safe.
3. Pet-proof Your Home
Pets are similar to small children- inquisitive, playful, and always looking for trouble. Imagine your pets as toddlers and make all the changes you would make in a house to keep them safe. Some examples include:
- Board off unsafe areas.
- Keep appliances away from water.
- Use UL-listed LED lights instead of hot light bulbs.
- Use GFCI outlets instead of regular ones.
4. Upgrade To Hardwired Smoke Detectors
Electrical fires are uncommon, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. Pets are likely to detect a fire but may not be able to communicate the danger properly. A hardwired smoke detector will quickly alert you in the incident of a fire and can be easily installed by an electrician.
5. Keep Pets Off Portable Heaters Unattended
Electrical appliances can attract your pets to stay warm, especially during winter months. Your furry friend may want to take a snooze near the warm, cozy spot at home. This may seem like a cute moment, but it can be dangerous to let your pets be near electrical appliances.
Your pet can knock off portable heaters and get burned by the hot temperature. Instead, raise the thermostat temperature and use blankets to keep your pets warm.
6. Don’t Leave Electronic Devices and Appliances Near Water
This should be done even if you don’t have pets for safety reasons. Water is a good conductor of electricity and can be a major hazard near electrical appliances.
Kittens, puppies, or even playful pets can knock down curling irons, cellphones, or portable charges in the water and set off an electric fire. This further reinforces the importance of unplugging your devices when not in use.
7. Don’t Forget About Maintaining a Safe Play Area Outdoors
Safety does not mean that you need to compromise your pet having fun. A healthy and safe environment for your pet can be easily made to keep your pet entertained and happy.
If your pet loves playing outdoors, set up an electrical or traditional fence to keep them inside. Moreover, keep the walkways free from wires and clear away any HVAC wiring, underground wiring, or decorative lighting away from pets.
8. Train your pets
You cannot prepare for every situation or account for every wire in the house. This is why you should train your pet through reinforcement and treats so that they will not make a bad decision when you are not around.
Moreover, you should also train pets to act safely when they are outside, especially when you are out on walks. Keep them a safe distance from any electrical work and avoid street equipment like metal maintenance hole covers and storm drains. Additionally, lead them away from puddles or make them wear protective rubber-soled booties for added protection.
9. Know What To do in an Emergency
All of these tips were compiled to prevent the worst-case scenario, but in the unfortunate event that it does happen, it is best to be prepared. You should also consult your vet for more details and keep emergency contacts.
- Immediately unplug and remove the item from the pet’s vicinity, such as a chewed cord.
- Contact the emergency vet and get instructions on what to do next.
- Check your pet’s vitals and monitor them until emergency services arrive.
- If there is any burn, apply a cold compress to the area.
Conclusion
Understanding the possible electrical hazards and tackling them head-on will keep your pet safe and prevent any accidents.
Introducing and integrating the new furry member of your family is a journey of trial and error with many laughs along the way. Hopefully, these tips will protect your new family from any harm.