I’ll never forget the time my kitten got herself locked in the cabinet under the sink. Her sister sat in front of the cabinet doors until I figured out where she was, and then I panicked. There were cleaners under there! Poisonous things of all kinds! When I got her out she had white powder on her face which, fortunately turned out to be baking soda, the only open container down there. Still, it was an eye-opening moment.
Pets get into everything. Leave the trash accessible? The dog is in it. Leave a cabinet door open? The cat is exploring! Any open bottle of anything? Will get a sniff at least, or worse, a lick. We’ve got a few tips to keep your pet safe when you’re away from home.
Consider baby-proofing
If you have cabinets you don’t want your pets to get into, consider using baby-safe locks / openers for your cabinet doors and even drawers. This way you can still access what’s under the sink, but your cats can’t.
Be sure to keep all medications in cabinets your pets cannot get into, and also off of tables. Again, consider your pets kids and “baby proof” areas by making sure any surface they can reach is free of medicines, cleaners, hair or skin products and vitamins (Vitamin D, for instance, is toxic to dogs.)
Look out for recreationals
While it may be obvious to put away the bleach when you’re done with it, you may not always be as careful with recreational drugs. Alcohol and THC are not good for your pets and should be kept well out of potential reach. Edibles can be especially dangerous for your pets and should not be anywhere your pets might accidentally find them. Keep alcohol, hard liquor, and recreational drugs locked away from pets and kids.
Train your friends
Your friends want to be friends with your pets too. To that end there’s always a chance they’ll use bribery to try to earn your pup’s trust. There’s nothing wrong with that if it’s done with an appropriate dog treat. Don’t let your friends sneak food or candies or anything to your pets without your “okay.” Some candies might include Xyletol, which is toxic for pets, and your friends might not even know that.
The same goes with friends who might think it’s funny to let your cat drink beer or blow pot smoke in your dog’s face. Make sure your friends and family know that your pets are like your kids and they deserve to be treated that way.
We hope these tips will help keep your pets safe when you’re away from home. For more tips and great advice, come see us at 2851 1/2 North Avenue in Grand Junction. J&M Aquatics and Pet Center: your pet professionals!