May 20, 2025 by OVRS Staff

Bringing home a new dog or a cat is an exciting time in an animal lover’s life. Before you get too excited about the idea of your new furry roommate, it is essential to prepare for their arrival. Pet-proofing your home is a crucial step toward successful pet ownership. Use these tips from your friends at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services to help you prepare for your new pet:

Reduce Potential Hazards

Reducing potential hazards can go a long way toward keeping your new dog or cat safe in your home. It’s essential to spend time eliminating dangerous and toxic items that might be dangerous for pets. It’s easier when they are small, but you will be surprised how enterprising pets can be in getting to something they want. Hazards include items like:

  • Toxic Plants: Many different types of plants are toxic to dogs and cats, so if you have live plants in your home, it’s important to see if they’re safe for animals.
  • Electrical Cords: Curious dogs and cats might think a cord is a toy and play with it or chew it. This can lead to a dangerous situation. Keep your cords hidden or covered to prevent issues.
  • Cleaning Materials, Antifreeze: Always be sure to keep any cleaning materials safely secured from dogs and cats. Animals should never be left alone near cleaning supplies.
  • Medications and Drugs: You don’t want your new pet getting into your prescription drugs, or items such as cannabis or other drugs. Keep these out of their reach at all times.
  • Food, Trash Cans: When you own a pet, you need to find a way to secure food as well as trash to keep curious noses and mouths away from potentially dangerous items. Consider upgrading to a covered trash can. You might even want to use child-proof locks on trash can lids or low-level cabinets. Even consider xylitol gum or chocolate in your purse or a child’s backpack.

Set Up a Designated Pet Area

Bringing home a new pet is an adjustment for you, your family, and for the animal. It sometimes takes a little while for a dog or cat to feel truly comfortable and at-home in a new space. You can help them feel calmer with you by setting up an area just for them. Fill this space with a cozy pet bed, new food and water bowls, and some toys. This pet area can give your new dog or cat a place to take some space when they need a little bit of solo time. Combining this with a crate for a dog can give them a greater sense of security.

Create Some No-Go Zones

It’s a good idea to keep some spaces off-limits to your new pet. Whether you are planning to keep it that way forever or just until your pet adjusts, closing off certain spots makes your home safer. This is especially helpful if you have a room with a lot of valuables, a space you don’t want any pet hair, or other pets in your home who need time to adjust to the new animal.

Go Slowly

One of the most important things to remember when getting a new pet is that it takes time for everyone to adjust. Pet-proofing your home is about creating an environment that allows your pets to feel comfortable in their new space. While much of this revolves around setting up physical things, it also means remembering to be patient with your new pal. Go slowly and follow their lead about how comfortable they feel. If it seems like your dog or cat needs a little space, give it to them. If they want to play and cuddle right away, enjoy!

Follow our tips about pet-proofing your home and you’ll feel much more confident that your new pet will be safe and happy in their new home.

At OVRS, we want to help you and your pets live your best lives together. From helpful resources to top-tier specialty and emergency services, we are always here for you. To learn more about our veterinary services, please call (248) 334-6877.

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Posted in: Senior Pet Care | The Cat's Meow
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