#GreenLiving is a major tool for families who are choosing to create a sustainable lifestyle! Do you need tips for pet-proofing your apartment? A pet can be great company but also come with a lot of responsibility. So you want to treat them well and create a good living environment fir them, whether you have a dog, cat or even a fish! If you're pet-free, but thinking of getting a new pet, it's a good idea to make sure your apartment is pet-friendly prior to bringing them home. If you already have a pet in your apartment, you'll want to ensure that you've done the things below so that your pet is safe.
Check Your Plants. If you have house plants, be sure to check whether they are toxic to animals. And keep in mind that cats will chew on plants just as well as dogs. If you have toxic plants, consider moving them to a high place where your pet can't reach them or you may even want to get rid of them altogether if you have a cat, because cats can easily jump up to high places.
Limit the Use of Dangerous Chemicals. Pets like to lick things, from furniture to toilet bowls, so be mindful of the chemicals that you use in your home for cleaning and disinfecting. You may even want to switch over to safer and natural cleaners!
Keep Cords Hidden. Some pets, especially puppies, are prone to chewing on everything they can get their mouths on. That includes electric cords. If you have such a pet, use cable covers to protect the cords and your pet, or keep cords hidden behind furniture out of reach.
Limit Your Pets Space. If there are areas of your apartment where potential hazards exist like the bathroom where a trash can may be uncovered or where you clean with chemicals, consider barring your pet from this space, especially when they're home alone. It's perfectly fine to close off a bathroom or bedroom where your pet isn't allowed or where they're only allowed when you are home. Also, note that most pets enjoy and find comfort in having a designated space that's their own so try to set up a pet area with a bed and some toys just for them, if possible.
Always remember: Your pet is unique, with his or her own personality and tendencies, so your may want to take additional pet-proofing measures bases on your own pet's specific behaviors. Also, keep in mind that the more time you spend with your pet, the less time they'll have for getting into mischief around the house and the happier they will be. And when you do have to be away for work or other reasons, provide your pet with some toys to play with to keep them occupied. For cats, add scratching posts. Sometimes when you're away it's helpful to leave on some music so your pet doesn't feel like they're alone.
When bringing home a new pet that you're just getting to know, be sure to protect your flooring from stains and scratches with plenty of scatter rugs. Use inexpensive furniture covers or flats sheets of fabric on leather sofas and chairs. You may also want to tape the legs of furniture, especially if you're bringing home a new puppy or kitten. Also, try to avoid bringing home your new pet and then leaving them right away. It's always best to spend a day or two at home with them to get to know them and to let them get familiar with their new surroundings while you're there to keep an eye on them and keep them out of harm's way.
Good luck pet-proofing your apartment!
