Creating a Safe Haven for Your New Furry Family Members

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting, but their boundless curiosity can lead to serious accidents if your home isn’t properly prepared. Much like baby-proofing for toddlers, pet-proofing your space is essential for keeping your new furry friend safe. Here are some essential tips for transforming your house into a safe, pet-friendly environment.

Teething puppies and kittens love to chew—and unfortunately, cords and cables are prime targets. Chewing electrical cords can cause painful burns or even deadly shocks.
Pet-proofing tip:

• Use cord covers or conceal wires behind furniture.
• Unplug devices when not in use.
• Provide plenty of safe chew toys as alternatives.
   

Those big eyes at the dinner table can be hard to resist, but many human foods are toxic to pets.
Avoid feeding:

• Chocolate
• Sugar-free gum (xylitol)
• Grapes, raisins
• Cooked bones (especially chicken, turkey, or rib bones)
   

These can lead to choking, digestive issues, or even poisoning. Stick to vet-approved treats!

Garbage is full of tempting smells—but what’s inside can make your pet very sick. From spoiled food to coffee grounds, the trash is a danger zone.
Tip: Use pet-proof or lidded trash cans and secure them out of reach.

Many cleaning supplies and household products are toxic to pets.
Keep out of reach:

• Bleach, ammonia, disinfectants
• Drain and oven cleaners
• Paints, antifreeze, and rodent poisons
   

Bonus tip: Always wipe up antifreeze spills—it has a sweet taste that attracts animals and can be fatal even in tiny amounts.

Some common household plants can be deadly to pets.
Toxic to cats and dogs:

• Lilies 
• Philodendron
• Dieffenbachia
• Azaleas 
• Ivy
• Amaryllis
• Oleander
  (And many more—ask your vet for a full list!)
   

Recently fertilized lawns or pesticide-treated yards are unsafe.
Tip: Keep pets off the grass for at least 24–72 hours after treatment and follow all safety instructions on labels.

“If it fits in their mouth, it’s a hazard.”
Watch out for:

• Rubber bands
• Balloons
• Sewing needles & thread
• Strings, ribbons, yarn
• Socks, underwear, and even plastic bags
   

These items can cause choking or serious internal blockages, often requiring surgery to remove.

Kittens and puppies can suddenly jump or explore places they couldn’t reach yesterday.
Hot zones to avoid:

• Irons and curling wands
• Coffee pots and space heaters
• Fireplaces (use a screen!)
• Wood stoves and potpourri burners
   

Young pets grow fast—what fit yesterday might be too tight today.
Tip: Regularly check collars and harnesses to prevent injuries or skin irritation.

Personal care products and medications are often overlooked but can be lethal.
Keep away:

• Aspirin, acetaminophen, and other meds
• Lotions, shampoos, and creams
• Cosmetics and hair products
  Store all items high or behind latched doors.
   

• Keep needlework supplies in sealed containers—swallowed needles or yarn can be fatal.
• Avoid Styrofoam packing peanuts and plastic wrap.
• Tie up window blind cords to prevent strangulation.
• Never use essential oils or diffusers around cats unless confirmed safe—many are toxic to felines.
   

Crates, pens, or cozy corners give pets a place to rest and feel secure.
Bonus: Crate training helps with travel, vet visits, and grooming sessions.

Holidays are full of potential dangers.
Avoid:

• Tinsel, ornaments, gift wrap string
• Mistletoe and holly
• Candles and electric lights
   

Always supervise pets during holiday decorating and celebrations.

Before reclining a chair or opening a sofa bed, always check for your curious kitten or pup hiding underneath or inside.

Welcoming a puppy or kitten into your life is a joyful experience—but it comes with responsibility. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your pet safe, happy, and healthy. When in doubt, get down on their level and scan the room from a curious pet’s perspective!

For more information on hazards, poisonous plants and safety, please visit

http://www.ovma.org/pet_owners/pet_care/top_hazards.html

http://www.ovma.org/pet_owners/pet_care/poison_safety.html

http://www.ovma.org/pet_owners/pet_care/poisonous_plants.html

http://www.ovma.org/pet_owners/pet_care/holiday_hazards.html