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.

(more…)