1. Toss the Toxins
Stopping your dog from drinking antifreeze might seem obvious, but there are actually more toxins in the average house than you might know. While keeping your pet indoors is generally a good idea when you want to protect them from the unknown dangers of outside, there are various risks that they could be exposed to behind closed doors, including everyday products and items like food, cleaning chemicals, and even decorations. Take the time to wander around your house and remove or secure any item that might seem toxic, including:- Cleaning supplies
- Automotive chemicals
- Fertilizers
2. Stay Secure with a Home Safe
When it comes to running a secure household, a home safe isn't just useful for keeping your valuables out of the hands of burglars, and away from the threat of fire. Since many household items can be lethal to your pets, you might choose to lock some of the biggest dangers away. After all, dogs and cats can be particularly crafty when it comes to tracking down and opening things they're not supposed to have. Medications are one of the items that you could benefit from storing in a safe - particularly as pets are quick to snatch pills from nightstands and counters. According to the AVMA, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as antidepressants, ibuprofen, and antidiabetics are the most dangerous. It's also worth using your safe to protect small, valuable items that could become a choking hazard to your pets. Jewelry, tiny keepsakes, and more can easily become lodged in an animal's throat. Simply take a visual inventory of everything in your living space that may be a risk, then determine whether you had best store it in your safe, or somewhere else.3. Pick Appropriate Plant Life
Most of us enjoy using plants as a way to spruce up an interior space, or access clean, fresh air. Unfortunately, some of these blooms can be poisonous to our pets, meaning that it's important to evaluate your options before you go shopping for greenery. While cats in particular enjoy nibbling on plants, other animals can be just as prone to this behavior, so determining which are toxic is essential. For instance, ingesting even a tiny amount of Easter Lily can be enough to cause kidney failure in cats. Other dangerous options include:- English Ivy
- Oleander
- Narcissus Bulbs
- Tulips
- Azalea