Is your home electrically safe for your furry friend? Electrical safety is vital for pets. Unlike you, they don’t understand how to recognize and save themselves from electrical hazards. They are curious souls who want to touch and chew everything that comes their way.
So you need to double-check whether the electrical fitting, including electrical wires and cables of your home, are in good condition or not.
5 Ways to Ensure Electric Safety at Your Home for Your Pets
Cover the Open Electrical Wiring & Cords
Leaving your cords open and lying around is an electrical hazard for everyone. But it is riskier for your pets. If they are in reach of your pets or children, they are for sure to pull and play with them. You don’t need to be informed how risky this can get. Open electrical wires and cables are not suitable for your house aesthetically also. It doesn't make it look well-organized.
Tuck away these cords and use protective covers until you are foolproof in your electrical fitting by calling a licensed electrician.
Unplug Every Electronic Equipment When Not in Use
In the beginning, it may seem like a hassle to unplug every electronic device after use. But it won’t seem like such a task once you get habitual. You never know when your four-legged friend wants to pull and play with a wire. Only the wire and the equipment will be damaged if that is not plugged in. But if the equipment is plugged in, it’s a serious electrical hazard for your pet.
So invest some time in getting habitual of unplugging all the devices after use. Encourage others in your family to do so by explaining the logic behind it.
Conduit or Tape All Chewed & Flared Wires
Chewed or flared wires are a serious electrical hazard if you have pets. Make sure to look for these and take proper precautions. Conduit fittings can help protect your home from electrical fires caused by chewed or flared wires. Make sure to properly tape or install conduit around any exposed wires.
You can help keep your family and pets safe by timely repairing any flaw related to electrical fittings. Your pet might’ve chewed a wire if it shows signs like difficulty in breathing, drooling, vomiting, pain, and distress. Rush them to a veterinarian immediately.
Train Your Pets & Set Boundaries for Them
As mischievous and unpredictable pets seem training can tame their actions up to a significant extent. Set their boundaries regarding the places they can roam around in your house. Otherwise, they will be tempted to hide behind refrigerators or washing machines as they find these places cozy.
But these places are full of electrical wires and cables, sometimes open or plugged in. So restrict them from entering there. You can spray these areas with the fragrances that repeal your pets. You can also treat them if they move away from the restricted area.
Keep Your Yard Secured and Properly Fenced
To ensure your yard is electrically safe for your pets, check the condition of your fence regularly. Look for gaps or holes that your pet could squeeze through. An underground electrical system must be adequately fenced off so that pets can't dig underneath and reach the wiring.
Keep an eye on HVAC system wiring. Make sure it's properly insulated and out of reach of curious pets.
In Case of an Emergency
An unwanted incident can happen despite you taking all the precautions. It’s beneficial to be aware of what to do in such circumstances. Here are a few tips:-
- Immediately unplug or remove the electrical device that probably is the cause of shock to prevent further damage. Do it with a wooden object or stick.
- Check the breathing of your pet and give CPR if necessary.
- Apply a cold compress if you notice any burns on the skin.
- Call the vet immediately.
- Monitor their health closely for the next 1-2 days.
Pets are a part of the family, and their safety is essential. These 5 valuable tips will ensure your pets’ electric safety at your home. May you enjoy a great time with your four-legged companion for as long as possible.
About the Author:
Jeson Pitt works with the marketing department of D&F Liquidators and regularly writes to share his knowledge while enlightening people about electrical products and solving their electrical dilemmas. He’s got the industry insights that you can count on along with years of experience in the field.