Living with fur babies might be one of the greatest dreams a fur parent can be in. Of course, you will be spending the rest of your days with a being that all it gives are immeasurable love and warm hugs! However, a fur parent must make sure that the space is safe for them to dwell or round around any time. Their safety, then, must be one of your priorities, especially when you will be living in a vertical community such as in affordable condo properties.
There are two aspects that you need to consider to keep your dog safe inside and outside of the condo unit.
Keeping your Dog Safe Inside your Condo Unit
Whether you are living in a Studio, 1-Bedroom, or 2-Bedroom Unit, every space should still be safe for your dog’s well-being. Here are some of the ways you can do to secure their safety.
Step 1: Evaluate the Surroundings
Before bringing your fur baby into your new home, you need to inspect the surroundings in your unit first. In this way, you will know what spots will be a dangerous area for him or her. For instance, it will be very dangerous if your pet dog is near the balcony or window door because they might jump anytime or run and fall from the unit anytime. This is actually very important if you are living in a condo unit that is above third floor.
As a fur parent, do not compromise your fur baby’s safety. It is in your responsibility to keep them secured at all times.
What are the few things you need to look for as you inspect the surroundings?
First, you need to look out for any toenails on the sides and corners of your unit. It will be dangerous for your doggo if toe nails are left protruding in your condo unit. Since dogs are curious beings, they might see toe nails either as a food or a toy; thus, leaving them vulnerable to injury once they have touched it.
Second, you need to look for any broken tiles or walls that your pet could easily scratch or dig any time. Apart from making the flaws worse, it can actually put your fur baby in danger, especially when he or she will touch a live wire in those broken fixtures.
Finally, you need to make sure that the hanging lamps in your condo unit are sturdy enough that an earthquake will not let it fall haphazardly. Hanging fixtures that are not well-built could put your pet’s safety at risk.
Step 2: Remove any Harmful Substances
If your condo unit is ready for move-in, which means that place is all set with furniture and fixture, then the next thing you need to do is to remove any harmful substances away from your fur baby. Since most fur babies are giddy and do the zoomies, it is best to keep them away from things that will harm them.
There are a few things you can do to remove such substances depending on the are where you are in:
In the Living Room
If you are in a living room with your pet, then you need to secure any dangling wires from lights, VCRs, televisions, stereos, or telephones. Next, all sewing and craft supplies, especially thread, should be put away.
On the other hand, the common home plants that are toxic should be kept out of reach. Hanging plants, which can be leapt upon from neighboring surfaces should also be considered.
In the Cooking and Wash Area
The kitchen and bathrooms can also be a dangerous place for your fur baby. Therefore, you need to protect his or her small claws from prying open the cabinets. In this regard, you are ought to use childproof locks. The other things that you can do include putting medicines, cleansers, chemicals, and laundry materials on the highest shelves possible and covering garbage cans or storing them in a locked cupboard.
Inside cupboards or behind washer/dryer units, look for and block any tiny gaps, crannies, or holes. Before you turn on the dryer, make sure your kitty hasn't gotten in. Foods should be kept out of reach (even if the item itself isn't hazardous, the wrapper may be).
In the Sleeping Corner
Clothes and shoes should be kept behind closed doors (drawstrings and buttons can cause major problems if swallowed). Furthermore, any medicines, lotions, or cosmetics should be kept away from easily accessible surfaces (like the bedside table).
Likewise, you need to remove electricity and phone cables from chewing areas. Make sure your dog does not become trapped in closets or dresser drawers.
Step 3: Designate a Furry Space
The best practice would be assigning an area where your fur baby will rest, eat, and play. In this way, you do not need to worry every single time whenever your fur baby goes around your condo unit.
If you are busy doing something, then it will be best to install a play fence to envelope the space for your fur baby. Bring in his or her toys to keep him occupied while you are working or away from home.
Step 4: Train your Doggo
Finally, you need to equip your dog with the right amount of knowledge and training so you will be comforted by the fact that you do not need to supervise him or her 24/7.
You can start training him or her with the basic commands. Once he or she learned them, you can start teaching him or her the complicated behavioral actions.
Indeed, living with your fur baby in your new home is an exciting chapter you could ever have as a fur parent. However, there are a lot of things to consider before moving in. One of these is their safety and security inside your home.
Pet-proofing your home might take a lot of time and effort, but it is not a hassle on your part, especially if this for the safety of your beloved pooch.