How To Dog Proof A Kitchen
Kitchens are one of the most dangerous places in a house for a dog. The temptation to eat food that isnt necessarily healthy for them is always available. And the abundance of electronics makes it even more of a hazard. But even so, many people want their lovable pet to feel 100% a part of the family. And this means dining with the rest of them. But, before you let your little rascal wander the kitchen, there are a few key precautions you should take.
Keep foods in top shelves: Keep food out of your dogs reach. Things that are easy to open like chips, pre-packaged cookies, and cereals should all be kept on top shelves. Keep them off of the counter, where your dog can possibly jump up and grab them. Although most of these foods arent hazardous, they could give your pup a really big tummy ache- and its best to keep that temptation out of reach.
Use back burners if you can: Every year many many dogs and cats visit the vet with burns from the oven and stove top. Stove tops seem to pose the biggest risk. When using the front burners, you give your dog an easier gateway to stepping up and sniffing. Your dog could accidentally place their paw on the burner- or even worse tip over the hot pot onto themselves. This is why we always suggest, when your dog is in the kitchen, that you use back burners. They are out of reach, and this allows them to be less of a possible threat to your dogs well being.
Dont leave things on the edge of the counter: This is a common mistake. Everyone gets busy and accidentally leaves utensils, bowls, pots, and food on the edge of the counter. But this makes them very tempting for our curious pups. Things like knives, heavy pots and pans, and hazardous foods are all dangerous for obvious reasons. But even things like spoons and plastic spatulas can pose a choking risk if your pup gets ahold of them. So be mindful and dont leave things on the edge of the counter. Push them back, its just that simple.
Keep your pets food and dishes away: Keep your dogs dishes in a distant corner of the kitchen- away from where you eat and cook. This will prevent crumbs of hazardous foods from accidentally falling into your pups food dish. It also gives you dog a secluded area where they can eat without risking being tripped over or injured by people moving around the kitchen.
Keep sharp utensils in the top drawer: Dogs, although lacking fingers, can often manage to make their way into cupboards and drawers. Its best to keep sharp utensils, like knives, in top drawers. This ensures they are inaccessible to your dog, and it wont turn that dangerous (yet seemingly fun) knife handle into a chew toy.
Pick up messes right away: If you spill food on the floor- pick it up immediately. Dogs are scavengers by nature and will happily eat any sort of spill. Although most foods are not dangerous for your dogs- some are. And its best to play it safe and not offer your dog the opportunity to eat something that could be dangerous.
