Guest Post: Pet Safety in The Garage

We may not even know it but our garage holds items that can be hazardous to not only us but especially our pets. By understanding and taking the necessary steps to pet-proof the garage you will find peace of mind when your pet wanders around the garage.

Growing up my family had a Cavalier King Charles. He had a doggy door that led to the garage and out the back door so that he could go in and out as he pleased. This meant we always had to make sure there wasn’t anything left on the ground, especially something that could be lethal to him. However, it’s not only items left on the ground that are hazardous but flammable products or heavy items prone to fall over. These tips will help you make your garage safe for your pets.

Improperly Storing Chemicals

Leaving chemicals such as gas, antifreeze, and pesticides on the ground or out on lower open shelves means your pet could easily knock over and consume the chemicals. To properly store these items consider installing cabinets or high shelving. Place the items in sealable plastic bins so that if the bin falls over the chemicals will stay inside.

Falling Items

Extension cords, hoses, ladders and so much more can be slipped on, tripped on or knocked over in the garage. When these items are pulled or knocked out of place they could cause other items to fall on your pet. Overhead racks and hanging your items on a bar and hook system in the garage will help these items stay in place and out of the way.

Work Tools and Power Tools

When tools are left lying around curious pets may try to chew on them or may even step on them. Power tool cords are especially dangerous if a pet were to chew on the cord and could shock them if they are left plugged in. Instead, store these items in a cabinet or on a slatwall which will hold the items in place out of reach.

Having Too Much Clutter

Pets love to explore and get into things because they are curious. Taking the time to get rid of items you and your family haven’t used in years will not only clear up space in your garage but also make your garage safe for your pet. Get rid of old toys, expired food or chemicals, sports gear that doesn’t fit, and really anything else you didn’t remember you had.

Propane Tank And Fire Safety

A small leak can ignite a spark in a propane tank creating a fire or even blowing up. A pet could easily knock this item over. Propane tanks should be stored away from your home and away from any other flammable items. This also is a reminder to make sure you have a proper working fire alarm in your garage.

Dim Lighting

It’s not always easy to see your pet in the garage especially when your garage has poor lighting. Imagine pulling in or out of your garage and not being able to see where your pet is standing or laying down. By updating the lights in your garage or adding lights in areas that previously didn’t have any, you will be able to make your garage more visible and get rid of any areas that were previously shadowed.

Our pets are family. It’s important to make every area of our home safe for them. Once you have taken these steps to pet-proof your garage it will be easier to keep it that way so your pets and family members are always safe in the garage. We want to know, what is your favorite pet proofing tips?

Written by Olivia Waddell for LAA Pet Talk. Olivia is a community manage at Classic Garage Solutions here in Lincoln.

If you’re a pet owner with writing skills, Lincoln Animal Ambassadors would love to hear from you! We’re especially looking for content about birds, exotic animals, and horses. Content may take the form of an advice column or how-to articles. You may even simply wish to act as an expert consultant. If you’re interested, please post in the comments and we’ll be in touch.

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Guest Post: Making Your Garage Doggy-Friendly

Special thanks to Janae Harker for contacting Lincoln Animal Ambassadors and proposing the below article. If you are a pet owner with writing skills, Lincoln Animal Ambassadors would love to hear from you! If you are interested, please check out our Author Guidelines.

I remember my dad spending the majority of his time in our garage fixing things or just tinkering around. While he was in the garage, he always had his best friend, our dog Prince, in the garage with him.

Dogs are like children; we bathe them, feed them, care for them when they are sick and we love it when they are finally potty trained. Because they are like our children, we want what is best for them, which means that we work hard to keep them healthy and safe. A garage can be one of the most dangerous areas of a home for both children and furry friends. Follow this guide to keep your dog safe when they are hanging out in the garage.

Poison

Dogs are extremely curious and will lick or eat just about anything they find. It is important to store anything that is poisonous high above where pets and children have access to it. Try installing a shelving system in your garage to keep these items high enough and out of your way.

Remember that just because it might be sealed doesn’t mean that there isn’t poison residue on the outside of the container. Whenever someone is dealing with poison, it is important to wear protective gear and to wash-up after to keep you, your family and your pets safe.

Dangerous Tools

Have you ever stepped on a nail or a sharp tool? It is extremely painful and can also be very dangerous. Keep your dog safe by storing nails and dangerous tools in containers, cabinets and drawers. This way your dog will be able to roam freely in your garage.

During the winter, my dad would shave our dog in the garage. After shaving him, while sweeping up fur, my dad would occasionally find a few nails. Sweeping regularly in your garage and inside your home will protect paws and feet by eliminating harmful objects.

Garage Doors

My dog was always excited to bolt out of our garage to chase a bird just as we started closing the garage door. Luckily,he was fast enough that the garage door didn’t ever close on him.

Many automatic garage doors come with a sensor that stops a garage door if it senses something under or around it. Even with a garage door like these, it is still important to watch children and pets around garage doors to keep them safe.

Extreme Temperatures

When I first got my dog, he was only allowed in the garage during the night until after some pleading he made his way onto my bed. Some dog owners may prefer for their dog to sleep in the garage.

If you plan to make a living space in your garage for your dog, it is important to take into account the temperature of your garage. Many garages get extremely hot in the summer and can drop far below freezing temperatures in the winter. Consider installing an AC unit or place a space heater in the garage to keep your dog healthy during all seasons.

When you are done doggy-proofing your garage, add something to personalize it just for your dog, such as a ball bag where you can store their toys or bucket holders where you can keep clippers and doggy shampoo. These suggestions will help keep your dog safe, happy and healthy whenever they are in the garage.

Janae Harker is a content creator for Classic Garage Solutions, a company that specializes in garage storage systems in Lincoln. Janae enjoys taking her four-year-old Border Collie on hikes and camping.