You may read blogs that relate to safety in the home or might have asked local tradesmen, such as your plumber, electrician, or gas engineer, for advice on such matters. One question that electricians get asked frequently is how to keep children safe from electrical hazards. However, there is another member of the family for whom you should be asking the same question, and that is your family pet.

Whether you have a dog or cat, given that they are both inquisitive creatures and they can also be energetic and playful, there are a number of reasons electrical hazards create a risk to their well-being. Whilst we are not in any way suggesting that concerns for a pet’s safety should take precedence over a child’s, nevertheless, we are sure you love your pet and want them to be kept out of harm’s way.

With that in mind, here are five safety tips that should help ensure that electrical sockets, cables, and appliances around your home are not a threat to the health, or the life, of your pet.

Do Not Leave Appliances Which Generate Heat Unattended

One of the most common injuries vets have to deal with is pet burns from electrical devices and appliances. The usual chain of events is that an electrical appliance that generates heat has been left on and unattended. This problem continues with the pet coming into contact with the hot surface whilst playing, jumping up onto something, or when trying to lie down for a nap. Known culprits include toasters, irons, heaters, curling irons, and certain light bulbs.

Ensure They Are Dried Properly If They Are Wet

This applies more to dogs, given that cats have an aversion to getting wet. If your dog has been out in wet weather, or been swimming in the sea, before allowing them to come anywhere near electrical appliances, ensure that they have been dried properly. As you may know, water conducts electricity, and if they are dripping wet and come close to power sockets and exposed electrical cable, the risk of them being electrocuted is high.

Unplug Electrical Cords And Cables When Not In Use

One of the biggest risks to pets in the home is electrical cables. Not only can they pull something heavy down on top of themselves if they get tangled in a cord, but there are risks of electrocution and fire if they accidentally pull a cord, and it exposes live electrical connections or wires. Unplug cords when not in use and try to tidy them and tuck them away so they are not dangling.

Create A Space For Your Pet Which Is Electricity-Free

We all need our own little bit of personal space sometimes, and your pet is no different. Rather them having to find random spots around your home to lay down, provide them with a bed, blanket, or cushion that they know is their own. Crucially you want this to be in an area where there are no electrical cords or appliances anywhere nearby.

Train Them Properly

Ensuring your pet is safe in your home can be enormously helped by you training them properly to know what is and what is not safe behaviour. Within this, you should train them to avoid going near certain electrical appliances, to not run close to where electrical cords might be located, and that instead of lying down for a nap wherever they please, they should instead go to their own electrical-free place that you have created for them.