Pet-Proofing your Home to Keep Furry Friends Safe around Electricity
Electrical devices are essential for our daily lives, but they can pose potential hazards to our beloved pets. From mischievous puppies to curious cats, furry companions may find themselves in dangerous situations when they nibble on electrical cords or nose around outlets instead of tussling with their favorite chew toys.
One of the most common electrical hazards for pets is chewing on cords and cables.
“Puppies and kittens may be tempted to chew on these wires because the texture can help sooth teething pain or simply because it’s fun to move objects,” said Dr. Stacy Bridges, veterinarian and founder of Pawsitive Hope, a rescue nonprofit that focuses on animals with medical issues. “The local veterinary emergency clinic sees about 10 electrical injury cases per year.”
Bridges’ rescue team is currently treating Willow, a 4-month-old Australian Shepherd that pulled down a salt lamp while chewing on the cord. The puppy is now recovering from severe jawbone damage caused by the electrical contact.
While pet owners may expect burns to be the most likely – and scariest – outcome, animals that contact electricity are more prone to noncariogenic pulmonary edema. This causes the chest to fill with fluid, making breathing and oxygen exchange difficult, which can lead to death.
To prevent electric shocks and serious injuries to pets:
Use cord protectors or conceal cords behind furniture to make them less accessible to pets.
Use bitter-tasting sprays to discourage pets from chewing on cords.
Secure outlets because, just like babies and toddlers, pets may be curious about outlets and power strips. To prevent pets from sticking their noses or paws in them, use outlet covers or guards to block access to outlets when they aren’t in use.
Be mindful of the appliances and devices pets have access to throughout your home. Keep devices like hairdryers, straighteners and chargers out of reach when they are plugged in to avoid potential accidents.
Unplug appliances when not in use to keep your pets safe while saving energy and lowering your bills.
Beyond these safety precautions, Bridges urges families to seek help quickly when electrical accidents do occur. Breathing difficulties can take hours to be noticed, so having owners bring pets in for early detection is key. Willow’s recovery included two days in an oxygen cage to help her breathing improve along with multiple surgeries.
“The safety of our customers and communities is the highest priority at FirstEnergy,” said Michelle Henry, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience. “My own dog, Louie, is more than a pet – he’s family. We want to make sure that every family member is safe around electricity.”
“Willow is a ball of energy with a lot of love to give,” said Bridges. “We hope that sharing her story will encourage people to be proactive about electrical safety and their pets. By taking simple precautions, we can help keep our four-legged friends happy, healthy and out of harm’s way.”