Electricity and Pets - Keeping it safe
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Pets can be even worse than children when it comes to getting themselves into trouble. Pet proof your home and electrical appliances to keep them out of harm's way.
Are you planning on introducing a new puppy or kitten into your home? Then you might want to ensure it's pet-proof. Kittens and puppies can be overly curious and while that can be harmless, for instance when they start nibbling your shoes or getting into your sock drawer, it can also become quite dangerous if they start playing with electrical appliances.
So it's important to do what you can to prevent your pets from being at risk to electric shock. Hopefully the following advice will help make your home safer for pets.
Pet-proof your home with the following advice:
Ensure you've got Safety Switches installed. Safety switches save lives by cutting off the power if they detect a leak in current. They can also save the lives of your pets.
Keep wires unplugged or out of sight.If you have to leave your pet unattended, unplug any wires that they might be tempted to chew on or tuck them away out of sight.
Stop pets from chewing on wires. If you've noticed that your pet has a fondness for chewing on wires and cables, it could be worth coating the wires with an 'anti-pet' detterent that tastes bad. If that isn't enough, you can encase the cords in a flexible cable or even purchase 'pet-proof' cords. Remember to check the wires frequently to ensure your pet hasn't damaged them with their teeth.
Don't leave electrical appliances near basins or bathtubs. If your pet likes to get up on the kitchen bench or bathroom sink, then make sure you never leave any appliances such as hair driers or electric hand beaters where your pet might knock them into the water. If you must leave them in those places, then ensure they're unplugged.
Discourage pets from sleeping behind computers, tvs or other electrical hot spots.Pets, especially cats, love finding warm places to sleep and sometimes the spot behind your computer or tv can get very tempting. Unfortunately these places can also put your pet at risk of electric shock, so discourage your pets from sleeping in these spots. If your pet wants a warm sleeping place then purchase an electric pet bed for them.
Ensure outside areas are free from underground wires or cables that your pets might unintentionally dig up.If your dog enjoys digging, then make sure you know what's in the ground that he might unintentionally dig up. All underground wiring and cabling should be at a depth that your pet won't find it with his paws.
Bring pets inside during electrical storms.Pets can be struck by lightning and in any event they rarely enjoy being alone during storms.
Discourage pets from playing with lamps.Lamps with exposed bulbs, in particular halogens, can get very hot and become a potential burn or fire risk if your pet starts playing and knocks the lamp over.
Ensure plugs are plugged in all the way.Dogs will sometimes lick at power points and if the plugs aren't plugged in all the way then they can get their lips or tongue between the plug and metal prongs.
Take extra precautions during festive seasons. Often during parties or christmas we'll set up decorative fairy lights and have extension leads running all over the place. Don't let this become an additional risk to your pet - take extra care to ensure that all cords are pet proof and all lighting displays have a safety switch installed. Portable safety switches are ideal for these circumstances as they simply slot in between your power point and the cord for the decorative lights.
If you suspect your pet has been electrocuted...
Approach with care. You do not want to be shocked by whatever has hurt your pet. Nor do you want to be bitten by an upset or injured animal. Take your pet to appropriate veterinary care immediately and hire a certified electrician to inspect the wiring or appliance that may have been the cause.
If your pet has damaged wires or an appliance...
The appliance or wire should be unplugged immediately and a certified electrician hired to either repair or replace the damaged item. Do not attempt to make any repairs yourself and do not make the mistake of thinking "she'll be right" and ignoring it. Wire damage can lead to electric shock and fires, which in turn can be fatal for you, your family and your pets.
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