Many owners like to share their bedroom with their fave furry friends. Whether your pooch has a bed fit for his own master suite or lounges alongside you in yours, it’s important to be certain that both you and your best canine pal are safe from any hazards that can befall you both. What are some of the most common bedroom dangers for you and your pets and how can you avoid them?
Pet Proofing Your Bedroom for the Ultimate in Safety
If you’re going to allow your pet to sleep in your bedroom, there are some precautions you should take to ensure your pooch doesn’t get up to mischief. Here are some things you can do to keep your pet safe when in your bedroom:
- Keep clothing and shoes in their proper place
Dogs can’t destroy what they don’t have easy access to. Though you may be tempted to leave bras, shoes, underwear, socks, and other items scattered on the floor in an attempt to get into bed a little sooner, these items hold a very strong appeal for dogs. Unfortunately, a lot of dogs don’t simply chew these items; many will actually eat them. Hooks from bras, elastic from underwear, hard pieces of leather, or twisted cloth can cause gastrointestinal distress at the least and an obstruction at the worst, costing time and money but also causing you and your dog significant anguish in the mean time. Everything should have a place, and everything should be in its place when it comes to pet safety in the bedroom.
But it’s not just chewing items that can pose problematic when it comes to protecting your pets. If you leave your shoes in an easy to get to area, your dog may come in contact with harmful chemicals carried in on the soles of your shoes which can be toxic if ingested. For best results, keep your shoes safely stored in your closet where your dog cannot access them.
- Store medications in the bathroom or in a locked drawer
Most human medications are poisonous to dogs. If you take several different drugs to maintain your health and your dog gets into them, it can be difficult to determine how many and what kind of pills your dog has ingested. This can make it nearly impossible for a veterinarian to treat and can lead to serious illness and even death for your dog.
The best way to keep your pet safe from medications is to keep them in a room other than your bedroom. A locked bathroom cabinet is the best option; however, if this is not possible, drugs can be stored in a drawer or shelf in your bedroom where your pet cannot possibly reach them.
- Store cords and unused cables in a different room
Charging cords and cables can be a big attraction for pets. If your dog decides to gnaw on your phone charger while you nap, it will not only destroy the cord; it could also end your dog’s life.
Keep all necessary cords secured to the wall to limit pet access. For the utmost in safety precautions, consider moving to wireless charging options if possible.
- Keep all cleaners and bathroom necessities in a closet or the bathroom
Common cleaners and toiletries can be toxic to pets, and some can cause skin irritations if allowed to come in contact with a dog’s coat or skin. Among the items that should be kept out of the reach of a dog are soaps, cleaners, bath gels, bubble baths, toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash, and makeup items.
- Limit house plants to pet friendly options
Flowers can help make a house feel like a home. However, not all plants are safe for dogs. Some of the most beautiful plants are among the flowers that are the most toxic for pets, and thus, they should be avoided. These include such common house plants as lilies, ivy, dieffenbachia, and aloe vera.
Precautions to Prevent Accidents if You Share Your Bed with Your Dog
When it comes to sharing your bed with your dog, there are strong opinions on both sides of the equation. If you fall firmly in the category of those that welcome their dog to join them during snooze time, you know that making that decision is not without the occasional risk.
Since insidious insects such as fleas and ticks love to attach themselves to a host like a dog, you could unwittingly end up with a flea infestation in your bed simply from inviting Fido to snooze with you. To prevent this from becoming a problem, you will want to be certain that your dog is on a flea and tick preventative.
Here is a list of different precautions you should take to keep you and your dog safe while sharing a bed:
- Consider installing a ramp or set of stairs
If you have a bed that is quite high off the ground, it can be very difficult for your dog to get on and off your sleeping abode without injuring themselves. This can be avoided by installing a ramp by the side of the bed or even a set of stairs.
- Carefully consider all blanket and pillow purchases
Though weighted blankets are a popular choice for many families, the heft these coverings carry can cause your dog to be unable to move and to possibly suffocate from the excess weight placed upon them. Stick to blankets that are light and ensure the number of pillows placed on your bed are limited to ones that you use to prevent your dog from becoming trapped beneath your bedding.
- Choose your own spot
If you’ve ever shared your bed with a dog, you know they will take up as much space as you allow. This can significantly impact the quality of your sleep. Be certain to choose your own space and to insist that your dog respect your boundaries. This will allow you to get the rest you need while still enjoying the close company of your fave furry friend.
- Build your own boundary
Try as you might, you may discover that your dog is going to encroach on your space no matter how forceful you try to be. If that sounds like you, you can use some of your blankets or bulkier pillows to build your very own boundary that helps your dog to understand which areas of the bed belong to him and which belong to you. Some people recommend the use of such items as pool noodles or long body pillows as effective barriers.
- Protect your bed with a mattress pad
Accidents happen, and if you share your bed with a pet, it’s just a matter of time before you end up with urine, feces, or vomit where you sleep. A mattress pad is inexpensive and is easy to remove for quick and efficient laundering. Best of all, it helps to preserve the life of your mattress.
- Purchase extra sheet sets
Having a few extra sets of sheets on hand are a great help in case an accident occurs. However, sheets also need to be changed on a weekly basis. This helps to prevent an accumulation of dander, pet hair, or other allergens that can cause health issues or skin irritations.
- Store bedding that is considered to be irreplaceable
Sleeping with your pet means your bedding will take a beating. Preserve precious bedding such as family quilts, blankets, or pillow cases to ensure they don’t become destroyed from pet use.
- Bath Fido regularly
Bathing your dog on a regular basis helps to keep your bedding as clean as possible for as long as possible.
Enjoy sharing your bedroom with your pet but worry about their safety? Follow our top tips to keep you and your pet protected from common hazards found in the bedroom.
