We all love our furry friends. They are no less than kids who bring liveliness and joy to our families. As pet parents, we do our best to protect them and keep them safe. However, they often end up getting in some sort of trouble or accident. No matter how alert we are or what precautions we take, there are some situations we can’t expect or avoid.
These little four-legged friends don’t understand the potential hazards and risks around the home, especially due to wires and electrical gadgets. Out of curiosity or just for fun, they chew remotes, wires, electrical appliances, get entangled in cords, and whatnot. Many times, even we become a bit ignorant and leave our phone plugged overnight, forget to turn a switch off, etc. In short, there are always chances of severe accidents that can endanger our pets.
Fortunately, there are a few easy and effective steps that we can take to avoid electrical hazards and ensure the safety of our pets.
- Keep cords out of their reach
Hanging cords can pose a great threat to pets, especially if they are fond of playing with or chewing them. This playful act can lead to electrocution, burns, and shock. Hence, the first step to pet-proof your home is to keep all electrical wires and cables out of their sight and reach. The conduit fittings should be proper and wires properly organized so your pooch or cat couldn’t reach them.
- Be careful with appliances
Because lamps, fans, and heaters remain switched on most of the time, we easily forget to turn them off when not in use. This can be dangerous if you leave the room or house without disconnecting them from the power source. If you leave electrical appliances turned on, they may cause an accident. A device can fall off or your pet can trip on the wire, causing damage or fire. So, before leaving your home, take a look around and switch off all the electricals to avoid serious consequences.
- Train them from the beginning
Pets have free access to most areas of our house because we want them to have fun without feeling restricted. However, just like kids, our cats and dogs should also know that some things are off-limits. Let them know what’s right and wrong to help them make wiser decisions even when you are not around. To train your pets for electrical safety, understand their nature. For example, cats respond better to negative stimuli like sprays and poor-tasting flavors. On the other hand, dogs are more responsive to positive stimuli like praise and treats.
- Invest in quality electrical infrastructure
When buying extension cords or other products for electronics, don’t skimp. We agree that paying a premium for something so insignificant as a charger wire can add a financial burden. But cheaper quality wires are likely to create sparks or overheat and if your furry friend goes anywhere near faulty cables, it can cause an injury. Investing in an upgraded code-compliant electrical infrastructure can help you in the long run and ensure the safety of your beloved pets.
- Steer clear of water
We all know that water and electricity are not an ideal combination. So, never leave loose wires or electricals close to places with water, such as sinks, bathtubs, or floors. Serve fresh water to your cats and dogs every now and then so they don’t have to roam around in search of it. A little bit of awareness can go a long way for you and your pets.
- Pay heed to outdoor electricals
If your dogs, cats, or rabbits are fond of playing outside, then make sure there are no electricals or open wires in that area. They like digging so keep checking that they are nowhere around cable lines or underground wires. Secure all cords, cover the outlets, unplug unused appliances, and ensure that cords are buried deep enough before letting the pet out.
- Respond instantly in an emergency
We genuinely hope that you never have to face such a situation but it is always better to plan and be prepared for any unforeseen situation. In case your pet gets hurt or electrocuted, take appropriate measures:
- Unplug the wire that has caused the accident. Remove it from the area immediately.
- Check the pulse and breathing of your pet to know how severe the accident is.
- Call on an emergency number or nearby vet asap and ask what you should do until the help arrives.
- Apply a cold compress on burns.
- Constantly monitor the health of the pet.
- Once the situation is under control, check the entire house for any more damage.
Conclusion
We all love our pets and take every possible measure to provide them with a safety net. Managing your house and electrical infrastructure is one such step that you must take to ensure your pet’s safety and minimize risks associated with electrical power. Be aware, alert, and cautious to keep them secure, healthy, and happy. We understand that it demands more effort and time but- better safe than sorry.
Author Bio:
Jeson Pitt works with the marketing department of D&F Liquidators and regularly writes to share his knowledge while enlightening people about electrical products and solving their electrical dilemmas. He’s got the industry insights that you can count on along with years of experience in the field.
