Bringing a pet into your home means seeing your space through their eyes. Dogs and cats explore with paws and mouths, which means everyday household items can become dangerous. This guide will walk you room by room through the most common hazards, with easy fixes you can put in place today.
Kitchen Safety
Trash cans: Secure with locking lids or keep behind doors. Old food, bones, and packaging can all cause blockages or poisoning.
Countertops: Keep chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and xylitol products out of reach — all are toxic to pets (ASPCA).
Cleaning supplies: Store under lock or in high cabinets. Even small spills can be harmful.
Living Room Safety
Cords and cables: Use covers, cord organizers, or pet-safe deterrent sprays. Chewing can cause burns or electric shock.
Small items: Socks, batteries, coins, hair ties, and kids’ toys are common choking hazards.
Candles: Open flames can easily be knocked over by a wagging tail or curious paw.
Bedroom & Laundry Safety
Laundry baskets: Keep socks, underwear, and dryer sheets out of reach — all common causes of intestinal blockages.
Medications: Store human and pet meds in drawers or high cabinets. Even one pill can be toxic.
Bathroom Safety
Toilet lids: Keep lids closed to prevent pets from drinking chemically treated water.
Personal care items: Store floss, cotton swabs, and razors where pets cannot reach.
Plants & Greenery
Many common houseplants are dangerous to pets.
Toxic plants: Lilies, sago palm, aloe, philodendron.
Safe alternatives: Spider plant, areca palm, Boston fern.
Check the ASPCA toxic plant list before bringing new plants home.
Outdoor & Yard Safety
Fencing: Check for gaps or weak spots where pets could escape.
Garage storage: Keep antifreeze, rodenticides, and fertilizers locked away. Even a small spill of antifreeze can be deadly.
Pools: Use covers or gates — not every dog is a natural swimmer.
Tried & Trusted Products
(Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy through our links at no extra cost to you.)
Pet-Safe Trash Can Lock — Keeps curious noses out of danger.
Bitter Apple Spray for Cords — A proven deterrent for chewing.
Cord Covers — Budget-friendly protection for living room and office setups.
FAQ: Pet Home Safety
What are the most common household hazards for pets?
Trash, toxic foods, medications, cords, and plants top the list.
Do I really need to swap plants?
Yes — lilies alone are extremely toxic to cats, even in small amounts.
How often should I check my home for hazards?
A weekly “floor sweep” at your pet’s level helps catch new risks before they turn into emergencies.
From the Pack
Sam, a PawsNBlogs reader, shared: “My puppy chewed through a lamp cord. Thankfully he was okay but now every wire in my living room has a cover. It is a lifesaver.”
Final Word
A safe home is a happier home. By making small adjustments in each room, you protect your pets from hidden dangers and save yourself from costly emergencies. Walk through your home at their level — curious paws and noses will always find what you miss.
