How To:

1. 1

   Pet-proof your house. Make an effort to keep the wires of your electronics organized and out of reach – a nest of wires is easy to mistake for a chew toy. Also do a quick check of any small spaces that your vacuum cleaner might not reach (like underneath the sofa) but your pet can reach to make sure there aren’t any hazardous items hiding. Also, make sure that any plants you own aren’t harmful to your pet if ingested. For a full list of poisonous plants, read: Plants That Poison.

2. 2

   Pet-proof your yard. The yard is a prime hangout for many pets, so it’s important to make it safe for them! A few common things to look out for are sharp objects, toxic fertilizers and plants, and possible escape routes. For an in-depth guide, read: Pet-Proof Your Yard.

3. 3

   Use pet-friendly floor cleaner. Many store-bought cleaners contain chemicals like bleach and ammonia that are harmful to pets. Since you’ll be spreading cleaning products all over your house, and your pets won’t know to stay away from them, it’s a good idea to use cleaners they can snack on a little bit. To learn how to create a pet-friendly floor cleaner, read: Make Pet-Friendly Floor Cleaner. This is a great option because it will also save you money!

4. 4

   Purchase a pet alert decal. These stickers are available online and should be displayed in a highly visible spot such as a front window. In an emergency, this will let emergency services know there is an animal in the house that needs help!

5. 5

   Avoid incense and air fresheners if you have fish. These types of products smell nice, but they leave a deadly film on the surface of fish tanks. Go with a scented candle instead.

6. 6

   Self-clean your oven with caution. The self-cleaning cycle on ovens can be deadly to many animals including birds and cats. The process emits high levels of carbon dioxide, which is heavier than air, so it flows along the floor. If you’re running a self-cleaning cycle, do so with your pets outside or with your kitchen windows open to maximize ventilation.