Many pet owners see their furry, feathered, or scaled companions as important members of the family. Especially now, in a time where social interaction must be kept to a minimum, our pets can be our saving grace. They have the capability to keep us entertained, motivated, and always on our toes. Keeping these creatures safe is key to being a responsible pet owner. In this week’s article, we are going to explore some different ways to keep your companion animals safe from electrical hazards.
For some animals, cords look like the perfect chew toy. Puppies, kittens, bunnies, and budgies are just a few different pets that may consider chomping down on loose electrical components. To minimize the temptation, always ensure that cords are organized neatly and tucked away. Out of sight for animals almost always means out of mind. For more adventurous critters like ferrets or cats, consider pet-proofing the cords by spraying them with a bitter deterrent.
Outlets can pose a risk to animals in a number of ways. If your pet seems drawn to poking around empty receptacles, simply put outlet covers on them to protect them from accidental shock. Furthermore, make sure everything is unplugged when you are not in the house. Leaving electronic devices plugged in could overheat and cause an electrical fire while you’re gone. An unattended fire could be disastrous to your companion animals.
Cats, lizards, and other animals who love warm surfaces may look adorable curled up on your laptop but resist the urge to let them get settled. They could be blocking vital air vents on your electronic appliances and end up making the device overheat. Allowing your animal to creep behind your television or dryer for warmth could pose even more problems. They could get caught up in cords, stuck, or even shocked.
Other Forms of Risk Management
In addition to all of these considerations, there are some other important steps all pet owners should take to keep their companions safe: supervision and training. If your puppy likes to chew on cords, consider crate training or confining him to one room while you’re gone for the day. Most animals can be trained to an extent. For those that can’t, like snakes, simply don’t put them in harm’s way and always keep an eye on them when they are out of their enclosure.
Having a pet can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but pet ownership does come with the responsibility to keep them safe. Follow the tips above to help mitigate any electrical hazards you may have in your home. For more ideas on how to manage electrical risk in your home, contact the experts at 4-Star Electric today!