According to the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey, 68% of U.S. households own a pet, which represents over 85 million families. Having a pet can add more joy and love to your house, but it requires responsibility. Similarly to children, pets need to be constantly supervised—especially if they’re young animals, like puppies and kittens. When it comes to safety, electrical hazards are particularly concerning because electrical shocks are life-threatening. If you have a pet, check out these tips to protect your furry friend from electrical hazards:
- Small mammals and birds have a habit of gnawing on things, which might include exposed electrical cords. Try to block access to these cords by strategically placing your furniture so pets can’t reach them.
- Sometimes it’s hard to hide every wire, so you should consider wrapping or encasing them. Most hardware stores sell flexible safety cables and PVC. Aesthetically speaking, it’s not the best solution, but safety comes first.
- Do you know how kids hate certain foods because of how they taste? Pets are the same! You can purchase a pet deterrent spray from a pet shop and coat your electrical cords to discourage chewing.
- Christmas tree lights are a fact of life in December. Pets may feel tempted to gnaw or play with them because they draw attention. Be extra vigilant!
- Electrical shock is not the only issue with wires. If you have multiple cables close to each other, your pet might get tangled up and injured.
- Give your pet toys to play with. Some dog and cat breeds have more energy, so make sure you understand your pet’s needs.
- This last tip demands patience, but if you don’t have it, maybe pets are not for you: Train them! You can train a dog to stop chewing the couch, you can train a cat to keep it off the counters, and you can train your pet to stay away from wires.
In case the worst happens, visit a veterinarian immediately. Remember that electrical shocks are life-threatening and should be treated as an emergency. Some symptoms aren’t easy to detect just by looking at your pet.
Let us help you protect your beloved pet from electrical hazards! At JDP Electric, we have a skilled team ready to assist you and answer your questions. You can contact us by visiting our website or by calling 701-232-1991.