Cords & Pets
If you’re a pet owner, keeping your furry friends safe and happy is likely one of your top priorities. While many pet owners take precautions to keep their homes safe for their pets, it’s important not to overlook electrical safety. Electrical hazards can pose a serious risk to animals, who are curious by nature and may not understand the danger of cords or outlets. Whether you’re a new pet owner or an experienced one, keep reading to review three easy ways to keep your furry family members safe from electrical shock.
1. Out of sight, out of mind
Cords are tempting to both dogs and cats, due to their chewy rubber coating and easy-to-grab shape. Keep cords safely tucked behind furniture or in hard to reach places, to limit the access your pet has to them.
Note: Never cover cords with heavy objects, since it may cause them to overheat and become damaged.
2. Keep them occupied
Animals tend to chew on things they aren’t supposed to when they’re under-stimulated, puppies especially. If you catch your pet getting into cords, get their attention with one of their toys. By ensuring that there are plenty of toys in your house, and putting effort into playing with your pets, they’ll soon forget that the cords exist.
Note: Don’t use food or treats to distract your pet from cords! They may begin to associate chewing on cords with getting a treat.
3. Make cords unappealing
If your electrical cords taste bad to your pet, then they’ll think twice before chomping on them. There are products on the market that you can spray on your cords to give them a bitter taste, which works as a great deterrent. Alternatively, you can make your own all-natural deterrent spray out of water and citrus juice, such as lemon. Citrus repels both dogs and cats; and it smells great to us!
Note: These sprays can be safely used on covered wires, however they should never be sprayed on areas that are directly exposed to electricity, such as outlets, surge protectors, or uncovered wires.
Every animal and home environment are different, so the precautions you must take to secure your pets from electrical harm can vary. Remember to do your own research on specifics, and if you can, safe-proof your home before introducing a new pet to your family.