Electrical Hazards Safety Tips For Pet Owners

If you have pets in your Brisbane home, you might be concerned about the electrical hazards that can happen around your house. Whether you leave your phone plugged in overnight to charge, or turn the washing machine on to do a load while you duck down the shops, your pet can become entangled in the cords, or decides to chew on them. There are many steps that you can take to keep your pet safe. Here are some electrical hazards safety tips for pet owners.

If you’re searching for the best licensed electrician in the Brisbane area and surrounds (Alderley, Ashgrove, Bardon, Newmarket, Paddington, The Gap), look no further than Allyn White Electrical.

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Electrical Hazards Safety Tips For Pet Owners

Just like children, animals can't gauge the risks posed by electric appliances, cables and outlets around the house. Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your pets from getting hurt.

1. Use good equipment

Don’t skimp when buying power cords, extension cords, or anything else that you use for your electronics. Yes, it can be a pain to pay a premium for something as uninspiring as a phone charger cord, but cheaper cords are much more likely to create sparks or overheat. So because cords like these are generally exposed in the house, you don’t want your pets able to get near faulty ones that could cause injury. You can even pay for cords that have a bitter agent in the material to discourage your pet from chewing on them.

2. Don’t leave electricals unattended

Fans, heaters, and free-standing lights and lamps are all items that are easy to forget to turn off. But if you leave the room or house with these still switched on, you’re creating a potential hazard for your pet. These devices can fall over easily if a pet is running inside the house, and at that point, they become a fire risk – a major issue if you’re not home.

3. Keep cords away from your pets

You’ll want to do this anyway because power cords are unsightly. But tying several cords together and placing them behind the television or computer is the way to go – again, though, make sure you then restrict your pet from getting to them.

4. Unplug cords when not in use

The temptation is always to leave a device that you use regularly, such as a television, plugged in when you’re not using it. But it only takes a single accident while you’re asleep during the night and your pet is wandering around for electrocution or fire to happen without your knowledge.

5. Have an electricity-free area

Create an area in the home that’s free from power outlets and cords where you can place your pet when necessary. You may well want to allow your pet to roam around the house when you’re around and can supervise, but for those times when you do need to duck out and leave the pet alone in the home, a dedicated area with no access to power cords is the safest approach to prevent accidental electrocution or fires.

6. Train your pet

If you teach your pet that certain areas in the house with power cords or outlets are off-limits, they’re going to be much less likely to go to those areas. You’ll firstly need to understand how to train your particular pet. Cats respond negatively to a bitter agent being applied to an area, and so they’ll tend to avoid a space if you spray it with citrus spray. Smaller animals like rabbits, ferrets or guinea pigs will be warned away by loud noises, like claps or thumps, being made when they got close to the area. Also, make sure your pets won’t get bored when you’re not around. Ensure they have toys to play with and, in the case of animals that like to chew, make sure they have plenty of chewing food or objects so they don’t go looking for something in the house to chow down on because that will often lead them to a power cord.

What To Do If Your Pet Has Been Electrocuted?

If you think your pet has had an electric shock, it is absolutely vital that you approach them with caution - you don’t want to expose yourself to the source of the shock! You don’t want to distress your pet any more than they already are, either - an agitated animal can easily make the situation worse by thrashing around, biting or scratching. If you find your pet still connected to the source of the shock, use a non-conductive item such as a pillow or a (wooden) broom handle to push it away from the live current, then wrap it in a blanket and take it to the vet. Be cautious of any wetness in the area, as many liquids will also conduct electricity. Do not approach your pet if it is lying in a puddle but switch the current off at the mains - it’s the only way to ensure your own safety.

Take them to the vet immediately

If you find your pet has chowed down on a gadget such as a mobile phone or tablet, seek help straight away. Not only could it cause a serious digestive blockage, but the contents of many electrical items are extremely toxic.

Hire a Licensed Electrician in Brisbane

If you need assistance to pet-proof your house in Brisbane, contact Allyn White Electrical today. With over 45 years of experience in all aspects of domestic, industrial, commercial and emergency electrical work, Allyn will be able to assist with your electrical problems in Brisbane.

For a free quote by a licensed electrician call 0416 235 641 or simply complete the online enquiry form and we will call and arrange to quote your switchboard and electrical requirements. Our charge out rate remains the same during the week, weekends and after hours, so don't hesitate to contact us today!