Laurie Bauer | Business Development Manager , TW Insurance Brokers

As the colder months approach , many people are looking for a furry companion to brighten up the dark winter days . Before you bring home a new dog or cat , do a thorough inspection of your home and ensure all harmful objects and chemicals are out of reach for a curious pet . Follow these seven steps to create a safe environment for your new family member .

1 . Safely stow all chemicals and foods that could harm your pet Many common household goods can be harmful to pets , such as cleaners , detergents , mothballs , pesticides , antifreeze , pest poisons , medications , cosmetics , and more . Make sure these chemicals are stored out of reach or behind child-proof latches .

There are also several common human foods that can be poisonous to pets , such as chocolate , avocados , grapes and raisins , macadamia nuts , onions , garlic , coffee , and alcohol — make sure these are also securely stored . Look up a full list of human foods and products that could harm your pet or make them sick prior to bringing your pet home .

2 . Keep electrical cords out of sight When chewed on , electrical cords can give a pet a nasty shock . Cover your electrical cords , chargers , and power cables or tuck them away so they ’ re not tempting to your pet . You can also consider using deterrent sprays to prevent your pet from chewing on cords .

3 . Stash your trash Lots of harmful things can end up in a trash can , so get garbage cans that lock or store them behind cupboard doors with child-proof locks .

4 . Check your houseplants Many common houseplants can be dangerous to cats and dogs when ingested . Examples include lilies , aloe vera , jade , dumb cane , elephant ear , devil ’ s ivy , ZZ plant , asparagus fern , and cyclamen . If you ’ re not sure what kind of plants you have , try searching the database on houseplant411 . com to identify them .

5 . Remove choking hazards Curious pets can sometimes choke on small objects such as twist ties , hair elastics , rubber bands , small toys , or puzzle pieces . Ingesting foreign objects can also cause bowel obstructions and result in a pricey veterinary bill , or possibly worse . When you ’ re not around to monitor your pet , make sure these objects remain tidied up and out of reach .

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