Sharing your living space with a pet can bring you many hours of companionship and joy. Especially if you live in an apartment, a dog or cat can help you feel less alone. Although they won’t chip in for the rent or utilities, pets are some of the best roommates you can have.
However, part of owning a domestic animal in any environment is taking responsibility for its health and safety. That means it’s important to make your house, condo or apartment as pet-friendly as possible. For all the love and friendship they provide, you owe it to them to protect them and make them as comfortable as you can.
Although your home may be perfectly safe and livable from your perspective, it may not be the same for your four-legged friends. For example, the medications, cosmetics and household cleansers you use every day may pose a serious risk to your pets. Your pets could become curious and try to eat these items, which is why you should always keep these products in a cabinet or another secure place when you’re not using them. Likewise, loose cables and cords that dangle from your desk or entertainment center should be wrapped and kept out of paws’ reach. Your cat or dog could be tempted to bat at the cables or cords, potentially pulling something heavy on top of themselves. They may also want to chew on the cords, which could hurt your pets or your devices.
Keeping your living space friendly for your pets is a crucial part of your responsibilities. For these and many other helpful tips for creating a safe space for animals in your home, take a look at the accompanying infographic. It contains some good advice all pet owners should keep in mind.