On Pets

Puppy and Kitten Proofing Your Home

You recognize the hazards of letting a baby have "freedom to roam," but you also should realize that a puppy or kitten can get into trouble anywhere. What can you do to prevent accidents in your home that might endanger your new young pet's life? Hazards can be divided into two groups: things that they can get into and things that can get into them.

There are many things a puppy or kitten might chew on or swallow that an adult pet would never touch. Thumbtacks, nails, pins, needles, paper clips, aluminum foil, buttons, string, yarn, thread, tinsel, or rubber bands (to name a few) can damage or block the gastrointestinal tract or airway passages. Electric cord or wire is especially dangerous when chewed on. Poisonous cleansers kept in bathroom and kitchen cabinets can be knocked over and the resultant spill can be licked up. The same is true for pesticides, kerosene, gasoline, or antifreeze stored in the basement or garage.

There are also many places your puppy or kitten can crawl into that can pose a significant risk to them. Many houses or apartments have small holes or spaces that a curious youngster might discover and investigate. Kittens might even jump into an open oven, refrigerator, clothes dryer, or heating duct. Recliners and sofa beds are also very hazardous. Always slowly open or close these items to permit a kitten or puppy to escape.

If you think of your puppy or kitten in terms of a crawling baby, it will help you complete the task of puppy and kitten proofing your home. Pick up anything loose from the floor, couches and chairs. Put childproof latches on kitchen and bathroom cabinets and keep windows and doors closed that might pose a temptation for escape. Most important of all, just keep a close eye on your new pet. No home can be completely free of all hazards, but if you go from room to room, looking for dangers that could threaten your new puppy or kitten, you should be able to minimize the risks.

The writers are Dr. Steven B. Holzman, Dr. William R. Haagenson and Dr. Kathleen Tapley. They are associated with Nassau-Suffolk Veterinary Hospital of Farmingdale.