Take Our Survey!

We want your feedback! Complete Survey 3 – Notification Preference by April 30 at 11:59 PM and include your contact info to enter a drawing for a $75 bill credit. Three members will be randomly selected. Help us improve how we connect and share updates with you!
Take the Survey

Pet Safety

Year-Round Pet Safety Tips for Home Decorating

Pets are naturally curious about new decorations in your home—whether it’s twinkling lights, seasonal centerpieces, or festive displays. While decorations can bring joy, they can also pose risks to our furry friends. Taking a few precautions can help prevent pet-related accidents and keep your whole family safe.

Wires and Cords

Hanging lights, decorative displays, and electronic decorations often mean extra wires and cords throughout your home. Pets, especially playful kittens and puppies, may chew on or become entangled in them, leading to burns, electrocution, or strangulation.

  • Secure electrical wires out of reach and avoid leaving loose loops that curious paws could snag.
  • Use flexible electrical safety covers or PVC conduit to protect exposed cords. Most hardware stores carry these pet-friendly solutions.
  • Apply pet-safe deterrent sprays to electrical cords to discourage chewing.
  • Consider battery-powered LED lights for tabletop displays—they eliminate the need for power cords and stay cooler to the touch.

Electric Shock Awareness

If your pet chews on an electrical cord, they could suffer a serious or even fatal electric shock. Signs of electrical burns or shock include:

  • White or seared areas on the tongue or lips
  • Excessive drooling or difficulty eating
  • Tremors, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness

If you suspect your pet has been shocked, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Electric shock is a life-threatening emergency that requires prompt attention.

From everyday home décor to seasonal displays, staying mindful of pet safety can prevent accidents and keep your furry friends out of harm’s way. A little preparation goes a long way in making your home both festive and pet-friendly all year long!

Keep your pets safe from electrical dangers 

  • Ensure all plugs are fully inserted into wall sockets.
  • Regularly check cords for fraying and replace damaged ones immediately.
  • Use GFCI-protected outlets near water sources to prevent shocks.
  • Keep pets away from exposed bulbs and lamps to avoid burns or fires.
  • Prevent pets from hiding behind TVs or computers where wires are clustered.
  • Create drip loops on aquarium cords to keep water away from outlets.
  • Check for buried electrical lines in outdoor pet areas, especially if your dog digs.

Source: wagthedoguk.com, verawaterandpower.com/pet-safety

What to do if your pet is shocked!

If you think your dog has suffered from an electric shock, approach it with caution and care. It is already going to feel stressed and you don’t want to startle your pet. Also, if the wire is still live, you don’t want to be exposed to the source.

Take your pet to your veterinarian or pet emergency center as soon as possible to see if treatment is needed.

If your pet becomes tangled in cords, again try to keep it calm. You may need help from another person to gently remove the cords and keep it still.

Source: wagthedoguk.com