Keeping Your Pets Safe from Electrical Hazards

Is your pet sticking its nose in places it shouldn’t?  

 Pets – we all love them. We treat them as our own and constantly worry about their safety. However, it is all too often that we suddenly find them chewing on a lighting cord or messing with electric outlets. 

However cute the chewed-up cord in their mouth plus matching puppy dog eyes seem, it definitely isn’t a laughing matter. A seemingly harmless mistake like that can be fatal for your pets. Electricity is one of the main sources of danger in a home, especially as a pet owner. It makes them susceptible to electrocution, fires, and other injuries.  

While it’s impossible to give our pets 24/7 surveillance, we listed a few ways on how you can keep your pets safe from electrical hazards.

*I want to say I wasn’t thinking about chewing these...

Having an Electrical-Hazard-Free Home

When it comes to protecting our furry friends, here are steps you can take to have a hazard-free home.

1. Store Power Cables In A Safe Place

When storing electrical cables and wires, make sure that they’re stored in hard-to-reach places such as inside drawers or on high surfaces – NOT dangling off a table or counter. Who knew an iPhone cord could be dangerous to a pet?

If this is not completely doable, it is advisable to wrap plastic tubing around them. This pet-proofs the wires, making it safer in case they are bitten or chewed.

2. Avoid Leaving Your Appliances Unattended

Make sure to always unplug and store your appliances and devices. Leaving appliances running invites trouble, especially if you’re not home. Your dog could trip over a cord and send your instant pot flying across the kitchen, or your cat can tip over your brand-new flatscreen TV.

It is important not just to unplug your appliances, but also to make sure they’re in a secure spot (ie. bolted to the wall). This tip is a win-win for both parties, and it helps you save electricity, too!

3. Never Mix Water And Electricity 

Water bowls shouldn’t be placed near appliances or outlets. Water and electrical don’t mix!  

 Having a designated area for freshwater can help train your pets to stay in safer parts of the home, minimizing the risk of electrocution or shock.  

You may also want to keep pet beds and toy storage away from outlets and surge protectors too. You never know when your dog or cat may decide to get curious.  

 
4. Have No-Go Areas  

Like training your pet to drink water in one place, it would be helpful to have off-limits areas where your pets aren’t allowed in alone. Just like you child-proof your home, for some overly inquisitive pets, you need to pet-proof too.  

If after some time, they aren’t getting the hint to avoid those areas, then you may want to consider outlet covers or tamper-proof outlets that protect pets and children alike.  

 
5. Invest in Fencing 

It’s no secret that pets love the outdoors. However, without proper fencing, they may be exposed to the dangers of various wiring, lighting, heaters, and more outside.  

Barricading areas pets shouldn’t go in helps to ensure their safety at all times and makes sure they won’t be getting into something they shouldn’t (and end up chewing through your AC or pool/hot tub wiring) ... 

6. Maintain a code-compliant electrical infrastructure 

Outdated electric infrastructure in your home can be a source of power outages and fluctuations. This poses a risk to both you and your pet, which is why it’s important to have regular inspections done by experts. If you have outdated or unsafe wiring, you’ll want to address that to help keep both two- and four-legged family members safe. What benefits your pet also benefits you, because we protect the ones we love, after all. 

Protect Your Pets with Axiom Power 

Putting yourself in your pets’ shoes gives a fresh perspective. Minor changes you make in your home can truly make all the difference. Take the steps now to make your home a safe home!  

 Not sure if your space is up-to-code? Contact our local electrical experts to make sure your electrical is up to snuff. Schedule a consultation with Axiom Power for your home (or pet-friendly office). You can trust us with all your residential and commercial electrical needs. Call (813) 308-9328 today!