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Household
Dangers for Cats and Dogs
Pets
will investigate the world they find themselves in.
This cannot be and should not be discouraged, but it
can lead any pet into danger. Before acquiring a new
cat-dog or puppy-kitten, it is worth considering what
hazards it will face around your home, and what precautions
may be taken. Such ordinary household items as pans
of boiling water or hot fat, live cables (TV, lamps,
radio or any wire they can reach), toxic cleaners such
as bleach, laundry tablets, glass cleaners etc., are
potential deathtraps and, as such, must be kept well
out of reach.
A particular danger area is the garden, so before
your pet is allowed to run free outside, you should
check the garden for possible hazards and either remove
them or put them behind secure fencing. Cats, even if
they will eventually be let out any time, should not
be allowed out for at least one or two months, and then
only supervised (on a leash if you can) to get to know
its new environment, and the smell of home. Kittens
should not be allowed out until after all initial shots
are completed, and only then supervised, at least until
they are six months of age, so they may learn their
home area, about the outdoors, and be able to protect
themselves or run to safety without getting lost. |
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GATES
must close securely and should be constructed that a puppy
cannot wiggle through or under them. Plastic garden fencing
stapled to the gate framework makes a good barrier which
can be removed when the puppy is too large to get through.
Cats can get around or over all fencing, so can kittens,
unless your cat or kitten is to be an outdoors pet, make
sure they are leashed even in your yard else they may
escape if something startles them. Make sure that children
understand the importance of locking and or closing the
gate securely and that they impress this on their friends.
One way of preventing the gate being left opened is locking
it with a small padlock, making only entry to the backyard
through your home. |
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Check
FENCES AND HEDGES to see that they are
pet-proof. Remember that some pets may dig under fences
and/or chew their way through. Check your yard on a daily
basis if possible to ensure that the fencing or gate is
as it should be. Plastic garden fencing or bricks, even
cement blocks may be used to fill gaps, make sure that
your fencing refinements reach below the grass level
of your lawn by at least six inches to one foot - depending
on the determination of your pet. |
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REMOVE LADDERS or stacked crates/boxes
or other fixtures which give access to flat roofs or balconies.
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Never move your CAR until you know where
your pet is, open the hood of the car before getting in
and honk the horn before starting the engine to frighten
away any cats or squirrels which may be hiding in or under
your car. Dogs and puppies are sometimes excited by car
movements, and may give chase or attempt to capture a
tire. It is best to restrain them until trained, or continue
to keep them leashed or away from cars or street. Always
check your GARAGE to make sure you do
not lock your pet inside / also never leave it open overnight
as along with attracting thieves, raccoons and cats are
often unknowingly locked in garages. |
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Confine your pets to the house or dog run when MOWING
LAWNS, using SNOWBLOWERS, TRIMMING
HEDGES, or using any other type of lawn equipment,
even rakes can poke out an eye (plastic snow shovels may
be an exception). Many pets are frightened by the noise
of the motors, as well some are even sensitive to the
high revs of a small engine. A cat or kitten and even
some dogs and puppies may run away trying to escape the
loud noise which is scaring them. Some dogs and cats have
been known to attack from fright, best to not take any
chances.
** The same goes for any type of fireworks, Keep you pet
inside! |
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Ensure that PESTICIDES and other GARDEN
CHEMICALS are stored out of reach, and that they
are kept out of the pets way when in use. Before using
any such product, read the labels, and if possible only
use products that are pet safe (if it cant hurt your
pets it wont hurt you or your children either). If in
doubt, check with your vet.
We received a tip from one visitor, to try double
sided sticky tape, or sticky putty on cupboard doors to
hold them closed from prying paws. Of course, if your
pet is very determined and you need something stronger,
try some of the safety products for babies. If these don't
work, you'd better hide your wallet. Your pet may be smart
enough to use your credit cards. |
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GARDEN
PONDS or fountains should be temporarily fenced
off while your pet is young. |
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