Close to 95% of the total number of Americans who own pets think of them as family members. This comes as no surprise because pet owners often make a substantial investment, specifically $ 50 billion annually, in purchasing toys, food and taking care of health costs to ensure their companion's lives are happy.

This amount is far beyond what is spent on bottled water and coffee combined! But even though pet owners spend all this money to keep their companions happy and fulfilled, most don't think about the risk their pets face in their own homes.

Spending all that money on your pet won't matter if the space they live in could potentially harm them. So, what can you do to make your home more pet-friendly? Well, read on below to find more about the answers to this question and many more you may have regarding pet safety at home.

Get Your Pet Toys Made For Them

Apart from getting your pet the "Shop Dog Playpens," they also need to play. Many domesticated animals are pretty intelligent, and they need some form of entertainment or stimulation to thrive.

Giving your pet toys is part of improving their overall well-being, including safety. Toys meant for your pets stimulate them and engage their curiosity while preventing boredom. This means they won't get into any sticky situations that may pose a threat to them. Some pet toys may also become a favourite and be a source of comfort.

Common Households Have Several Dangers for Pets

Typical households are choke-full of regular items that could potentially be a danger to your pet. For instance, if you dispose of old razors in your bathroom trash can, your pet may get curious and end up with cuts.

If you leave chocolate lying around haphazardly around the house, your dog may be visiting the vet sooner than you'd scheduled. Do you get the gist?

Owning a pet is taking care of life and doing all you can to preserve that life. You have a responsibility and a hard one, for that matter. Take your time and understand what items may pose a threat to your pet and what could hurt them.

These items may include batteries, fertilizers, insecticides, detergents, rat traps and poisons, mothballs, and any items that may be a choking hazard. These are some of the everyday things we use around the house to ensure they're out of your pet's reach.

Pet Food Safety Is Important

We all love giving out pet treats. Who could resist those wide puppy eyes they make when they want a treat or a little snack from your plate during dinnertime? Most of the time, we'll all end up falling for their "sad act" and pass them a little something.

But all these acts of kindness may be detrimental to your pet's health. You see, most pets can't properly digest the food, similar to how we do it. Some foods can cause sickness, and unfortunately, lead to death after they ingest them.

Most of these foods may lead to vomiting, stomach upsets, and diarrhea. There are some foods that you should not feed your cat or dog ultimately. Doing so will require you to make a trip to the vet or worse.

Pet-Proof Your Home

Pet proofing your home depends on the pet you own and your home's layout, and if you want a more bespoke solution that suits your needs and protects your pet, it may be wise to have a chat with the professionals.

But before you do that, you can try our simple yet effective approach by going room-by-room and identifying the hazards, then dealing with them.

First, the kitchen is the most dangerous room in your home—both for you and your pet. At least you may have an idea of what things to avoid, but you're a pet, not so much. They won't see the risk a hot stove presents to their life or how a sharp knife can impale them without hesitation.

If you keep birds as pets, don't allow them into your kitchen while you cook. The fumes can overcome them as birds are susceptible, and they'll quickly become sick if they breathe them in.

You have to make your kitchen inaccessible to them, and you can do this simply by installing a gate at the entrance. This will allow you to enter the room but not give them access.

Create a Safe Space for Your Pet

Pets are social creatures who also want a separate place away from you where they can relax, retreat in case they feel unsafe, and recuperate from the many activities they were up to from daybreak. You don't have to pull all the strings to get a safe space for your pet. Sometimes all you need is a crate, a pet bed, or a specific bedroom in your house where they can relax.

Conclusion

Pets are so much more than daily companions. They offer some solace after a long day at work with their playful nature, help lower blood pressure, and decrease heart disease risk. For some, they ease anxiety, depression, and stress.

They're a consistent source of affection who will love you without judgment. Pets do so much for us, and the least we can do is take care of them wholeheartedly and wholesomely.