TAKE STEPS TO KEEP HOME SAFE FOR PETS

Just like baby-proofing for babies, homes need to be pet-proofed in order to keep your animals safe. One basic rule is to realize that anything within reach is fair game for chewing, scratching or breaking. Keep possible problems out of reach, and train your puppies and kitties early to play with their own toys.

Start by getting on your hands and knees. Look at your house from your pet's level (this is a fun game for kids to play with you). What can you stretch or jump to reach? What looks interesting and fun to chew or play with? These are the things you need to worry about most.Electricity is dangerous and can cause a fatal shock or burn. Secure electrical cords to baseboards and make them inaccessible. Hide cords behind and underneath furniture. One possibility is to surround cords with plastic tubing. Don't let your animals sleep with or dig at an electric blanket or heating pad - they may scratch up the blanket and uncover the wires.

Keep household chemicals (cleaning supplies, fertilizer, pesticides, mothballs, medications, car supplies, etc.) in a closed cabinet out of your animal's reach. Be certain anti-freeze is not available to your pets and any drippings are cleaned up completely - cats and dogs are tempted by the sweet smell of this poisonous liquid.

Be careful with trash. Tin foil, corks, twist ties, rubber bands and cellophane wrap can choke your animals if swallowed. Always clip each circle of plastic six-pack binders before throwing them away. Animals digging in the trash (or at a landfill) could become caught in the binder and choke to death.

Keep your animals away from toxic plants. Rhododendron, Japanese yew and lily of the valley as well as peach and cherry pits are just a few of the plants that can cause problems if eaten. A list of poisonous plants is available from Salt Lake County Animal Services Education Program (264-2247).

Keep sewing supplies out of reach; scissors, buttons, needles, pins and thread can be dangerous, deadly toys. String and ribbon are never good toys for cats and dogs unless they are closely supervised - these items may be swallowed and cause choking, blockages or other damage.

Always keep the toilet lid down if you use toilet bowl cleaners. These cleaners are strongly alkaline, and the tinted water is tempting for an animal to drink.

Double check drawers and closets, the refrigerator, oven, washing machine and clothes dryer doors before closing them - a sleeping pet may be trapped accidentally. Keep balconies, open-backed stairs, cellar doors and upper story windows blocked off - a curious dog or cat may fall off and be injured.