Is Your Garage a Hazard to Your Pet?
Lily and Macy are enjoying some outside time!
In the summer, my garage is open many of the times my dogs are out, allowing them access to anything that it may hold. They often venture in there to cool off and snoop around. Since we never know what our family pets may get into in our garages, it is important to pet proof to ensure their safety! Here are some tips for pet proofing your garage!
1. Keep the floor clear of anything sharp. Secure objects such as sharp tools and nails up high and out of reach of your pets. Make sure to clean up all of those pointy wood fragments after your projects are completed!
2. Make certain your pet cannot get to any chemicals, including lawn and garden chemicals, insecticides, pesticides, cleaners, and automotive products. Remember, an animal’s sharp teeth can easily penetrate most of the packaging and bottles in which these chemicals are stored!
3. Make sure your cars and lawn equipment aren’t leaking chemicals onto the garage floor. Even small amounts of chemicals can be toxic to your pet!
4. Consider switching your antifreeze… According to vetinfo.com, traditional antifreeze contains a chemical called ethylene glycol, which has a sweet taste that is attractive to dogs. It is also highly toxic, with just a teaspoon needed to kill a 7 pound pet! They suggest changing to antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, which is safer for your pets.
5. Remove or tack up any electrical wiring or cords your pet can chew.
6. If you keep your trash in your garage, make sure it is in a container with a secure lid. Animals love to dig in the trash and are likely to come across something that could be harmful!
Remember, neighbors’ garages contain many of these potentially dangerous things, too. So if you are in the habit of letting your cat or dog roam, know that he or she can easily access a nearby open garage! Just like a child, it only takes one unsupervised moment for your pet to get into something that is harmful! Have you taken steps to pet proof your home and garage?
written by Maria, “Mama Dingo”