Tips on Puppy Proofing and Kitty Proofing Your Austin House

At Dessau Veterinary Clinic, we want pet owners and their pets to enjoy long and happy lives together. If you have recently adopted a puppy or kitten, we have some tips from our veterinarian on making sure your home is safe for your new addition.

Take a walk around your house and look for dangerous things that might prove tempting. Protect breakable objects until your pet is trained, and be sure to store all harmful cleaners, pest poisons and dangerous plants safely out of reach. Keep all medications out of sight.

Tie up or enclose any electrical cords to avoid chewing.  Cover trash cans so your new pets can't eat something harmful. Be aware of any easily accessible small items that might prove to be a choking hazard.

Screen all windows to prevent escape. Look at any cords from window coverings and tie them up or cut the ends so your new animal can't strangle themselves accidentally.

Look outside to be sure it's safe, too. Dangerous areas should be screened off. Gasoline or fertilizers should be stored in the garage or shed.

Look for any dangerous plants or mulch which can be toxic. If you use compost or coffee grounds for fertilizer, the garden area should also be screened off from your pet.Keep your pets away from any outdoor heat sources. 

If your new puppy or kitten should encounter any dangerous situation, contact our Pflugerville and Austin veterinarian as soon as possible for advice on the next steps you should take.

Wellness Care at our Animal Clinic

Once you have pet proofed your home, set up appointments at our animal clinic for vaccinations and regular wellness examinations to keep your pet feeling healthy. Regular dog grooming at our clinic can help keep your growing dog looking his best. If you're concerned about your pet's safety while you're away, consider our cat boarding service.

And if you haven't found the perfect animal companion yet, consider some of the lovable pets available in our adoption center.

What steps have you taken to pet proof your home that we forgot to list?