Do you have pets? If so, you’ve probably already realized that garages can be dangerous places for pets. Garages tend to be full of chemicals that can be dangerous for curious pets who wander in. Garages can also be dangerously hot places in summer and dangerously cold in winter – so it’s important to ensure your pet is never accidentally trapped in your garage. Finally, garage doors themselves can be dangerous if they don’t have the proper garage safety features in place.
You can protect your pet from these dangers if you spend some time pet-proofing your garage. Here’s what you need to know about making your garage safer for your furry friend.
Put Up the Chemicals
Keep your pet out of the household chemicals by locking cleaning products, fertilizers, and other toxic substances into cabinets where your pet or pets can’t get to them. If you don’t have any secure ground-level cabinets, put chemicals on open shelving high above the ground – unless your pet is the kind of pet that might hop onto the open shelving. Know your pet and what they’re likely to get into!
Test the Garage Safety Features
Since the early ’90s, garage doors have been built with safety features that prevent the door from shutting on any object or living being that might be laying in your garage doorway. Test your garage door safety features by waving a broom in front of the photoelectric eyes near the bottom of the garage door. Do this while the garage door is closing. If the door reverses course and opens, then the photoelectric eyes are working. If the door continues to close, this means the photoelectric eyes need to be cleaned with a microfiber cloth.
Next, place a 2×4 in the middle of the garage door opening, then shut the garage door. When the door closes on the 2×4, it should reverse course and open again. If the door remains shut on the 2×4, the door needs to be repaired. Get repairs from a garage door professional.
Check Before Closing the Garage Door
Animals have a way of sneaking in the garage when you’re not looking. If you’ve left the garage door open, always check your garage for your pet before shutting the garage door for the day. This will help ensure that the garage is not closed up with your pet inside. If your pet goes missing, make the garage one of the first places you check while you’re looking.
Use Pet-Safe Anti-Freeze
Anti-freeze is a poison. Unfortunately, anti-freeze has a sweet flavor that pets like. Pet-safe anti-freeze doesn’t taste as good, and it’s not as toxic. Buy pet-safe anti-freeze for your garage, if you must keep anti-freeze on hand.
Create a Designated Pet Area
Consider setting up a designated area in your garage specifically for your pet. This can be a safe space where they can rest, play, or seek shelter when necessary. Use comfortable bedding and provide some toys and water for them. By having a designated pet area, you can minimize the risk of your pet wandering into hazardous zones in the garage.
Secure Loose Wires and Cords
Garages often have numerous wires and cords hanging around, which can be tempting for pets to chew on. Exposed electrical wires pose a significant danger to your furry friend, as they can lead to electric shocks or other injuries. Take the time to secure all loose wires and cords, either by using cable clips, cord covers, or by neatly tucking them away and out of reach.
Store Tools and Sharp Objects Safely
If you store tools, gardening equipment, or sharp objects in your garage, ensure they are stored safely to prevent accidents. Use toolboxes or cabinets with secure latches to store these items. Make sure everything is properly organized and stored away after use, reducing the risk of your pet coming into contact with sharp edges or dangerous tools.
Maintain a Comfortable Temperature
Garages can become extremely hot in summer and freezing cold in winter, which can be detrimental to your pet’s well-being. Take measures to regulate the temperature in your garage and ensure it remains comfortable for your pet. Consider insulating the garage walls and ceiling, using weather stripping on the garage door, and installing a fan or heater if needed. Monitoring and controlling the temperature will help keep your pet safe and comfortable throughout the year.
Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) can be a silent and deadly threat in enclosed spaces such as garages. To protect your pet from this odorless gas, install carbon monoxide detectors in your garage. These detectors will alert you if there is a dangerous level of CO present, allowing you to take immediate action to ensure your pet’s safety.
Provide Ample Supervision
While pet-proofing your garage is essential, providing ample supervision is equally important. Whenever your pet is in the garage, try to be present and keep an eye on them. This way, you can intervene quickly if they exhibit any curious behavior or attempt to access potentially hazardous areas.
By implementing these pet-proofing measures, you can create a safer environment within your garage and reduce the risk of accidents or harm to your beloved pets. Remember, their safety and well-being should always be a top priority.
If you have any concerns about the safety of your garage door or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Overhead Door Company of Wilmington™. Our team can help ensure that your garage door is properly maintained and equipped with the necessary safety features to keep your pets secure.
