Happy New Year to all! 

Make a resolution to help your pet.  As we begin a new year, take time to make your home safe for your pets.  Dogs, cats, ferrets have a natural curiosity that results in their finding as my hubby says, "where the devil keeps his young ones."   I really can't emphasize enough to pet proof your home.

• If you had a baby, I would recommend getting down on your hands and knees and from this new perspective survey your home for dangers and remove all small items that could be placed in a mouth.  A pet can go places and crawl under things a baby can't, so you must be extra diligent in removing small items that may be found by your pet.
  • Remove rubberbands, hair bands, paperclips, twist ties from any plastic bags, sewing needles out of harm's way.  Remove all plants that may be munched on.  Many are toxic to pets.  Remember, items we would not consider placing in our mouths are the most intriguing things possible to a pet.
  • Ensure that items on your vanity, tables and countertops are far enough from edges not to be pulled down by an eager jumping pup, or items that may be pushed over the edge by a curious cat or ferret.
  • Recently I went to a home with a couple of cats where the owner had glasses placed close to the edge of her countertop.  Unfortunately, the kitties knocked a glass to the floor which shattered into pieces.  This could have resulted in injury to a cat who may have found himself under the falling glass, in injury to paw pads, or in injury to eyes or skin as the glass shattered and flew as shrapnel.
• When preparing foods remember that cats can leap onto countertops and dogs - even the small breeds - can leap incredibly high when they find an irresistible scent.  Keep all plates and cookware far away from the stove edge and countertop edge.  Knocking over a bowl or a fry pan containing scalding hot liquids can seriously injur or kill your pet.
• Make every effort to keep cats away from stovetops.  They will jump into a flame.  One of my cats years ago had singed whiskers as a momento of this accident.
• Keep your trash cans securely covered or out of reach.
• Keep all medicines and cleaning products stored securely away. 
• Dogs love anti-freeze.  It's sweet - and highly toxic.  Remove any spills from areas where you pets may access.

I confess I'm not perfect, and I'm frequently extracting items from the mouths of my curious fur-babies.  Their health and their lives are our responsibility.  They love you and trust you to protect them from harm.