Pet Safety and Electricity: A Guide

By Susan Weaver

As cherished members of the family, pets rely on their owners to keep them safe from avoidable household dangers. One such risk comes from electricity, as pets’ innate curiosity can lead them to chew cords, play with appliances, and otherwise put themselves in harm’s way.

Protecting animal companions requires pet-proofing homes against electrical hazards, knowing the signs of electric shock, and taking preventative safety measures. This guide covers the common electrical threats pets face, how to recognize symptoms, and the many options owners have to safeguard their homes.

What Dangers Do Pets Face from Electricity?

Pets face several electrical risks around typical homes that can lead to injury and damage. Unattended cords and plugs rank among the most common dangers, as cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets and birds often chew on these. Pets may gnaw out of curiosity, anxiety, teething needs, or sheer boredom.

These behaviors risk shocks, burns to the mouth and esophagus, broken teeth, sparks leading to fires, electrocution, and more. Hanging wires also tempt pets, especially dangling lamp cords cats bat at or puppies who jump to reach counters and dislodge appliances. Any device plugged in poses danger if pawed at or chewed.

Why Is Chewing Wires So Dangerous?

The dangers of pets chewing electrical wires extend far beyond a mere nuisance. The resultant electric shock can lead to excruciating, life-threatening harm even from quick bites. Shocked pets often suffer burns around the mouth, tongue, lips and esophagus, sometimes requiring surgery and feeding tubes during recuperation.

More severe cases lead to breathing issues, irregular heartbeat, seizures that restrict oxygen and blood flow to the brain, lasting brain damage and paralysis. At their worst, electrical accidents cause complete cardiac arrest or death. Fires also frequently start from damaged wires and faulty circuits. Early prevention is crucial for protecting inquisitive pets. Consider hiring a professional from thelocalelectrician.com.au who will ensure your home’s electrical system is secure and poses no threat to your beloved pets.

What Are Signs of Electric Shock in Pets?

Recognizing symptoms of electrical shock requires rapid response, as permanent damage occurs quickly without treatment. Early signs include painful burns on the body, trouble breathing, wheezing or coughing from swollen throat tissues, seizures that may progress to status epilepticus, irregular heartbeat, appearing dazed or losing balance. 

Later symptoms indicate oxygen deprivation, including fainting, collapsing, dangerously heightened body temperature, cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. While some pets seem alright post-incident, internal tissue damage is often not immediately visible. Immediate emergency vet care is vital, even without visible external wounds.

How Can Pet Owners Prevent Electrical Accidents?

Protecting homes requires securing wires, covering outlets, proper storage of electronics and thorough pet training. The use of dog toys and treats can stop pets from chewing items in the home. Start by bundling loose cords out of reach and hiding wires inside walls wherever possible. Use flexible cord covers on appliance wires, spray deterrent sprays and outlet blockers. Unplug devices not in use as even dormant electronics pose risks, especially heaters, humidifiers and battery chargers.

Store common chew targets like TV wires and table lamps up high or behind closed doors. Train pets to avoid cords with rewards, although distraction and confinement is sometimes necessary. Prevention also requires regular home inspection for hazards. With planning, owners can effectively safeguard homes against tragic electrical accidents befalling cherished pets.

Electrical Outlet Safety

Another often overlooked area is electrical outlets. Consider investing in tamper-resistant receptacles or outlet covers to keep curious paws from getting shocked. This is particularly important for homes with puppies and kittens, but it remains relevant for adult animals as well. Also, ensure all outlets near water sources are GFCI-protected to minimize risks.

Keeping Appliances Pet-Safe

Appliances like toaster ovens, coffee makers, waffle irons – anything that heats up – can cause severe burns if touched by your pet. Make sure they’re out of reach when in use and unplugged when not needed.

For other appliances like washing machines or dryers, always check inside before starting a cycle, as pets sometimes consider these cozy, warm areas for a nap.

Dealing with Power Strips

Power strips, with multiple outlets often used for various appliances, can be particularly attractive to pets. They might appeal as chew toys, especially when the cords are wiggling slightly due to fan movements or other appliance operations.

Therefore, they should always be placed out of pets’ reach or securely covered. Various critter cord protectors are available in the market that can prevent pets from getting their teeth onto the wires and potentially electrocuting themselves.

Shielding Electric Heaters

Electric heaters provide a cozy spot for pets during colder months. But they can also pose severe burn hazards if not adequately shielded and supervised. Use freestanding screens around heaters when you cannot supervise your pets.

Always ensure enough clearance between the heater and all home members – furry ones included – so accidental contact doesn’t result in burns or other injuries. Limit usage whenever possible and remind everyone in your home about the heater’s potential dangers.

Electric Fences and Pets

Some pet owners opt for electric fences as behavioral training tools. However, misuse can lead to extreme anxiety, burns or even fatalities. Always familiarize yourself with the product instructions before using such devices.

Be mindful of the degree of shock administered and ensure it is proportionate to the size and strength of your pet. Do not leave pets unattended in areas confined by electric fences for long periods.

Training Pets Around Electricity

Training is paramount in ensuring pet safety around electricity. Pets should be taught commands like “No” and “Leave it” from a very early age. This can deter them from nibbling on cords, or from engaging in similar dangerous behaviors.

Using positive reinforcement techniques also allows you to encourage your pets to avoid dangerous electrical equipment effectively. Remember, consistency is key during training sessions. Regular training periods during the week will help maintain these important lessons.

Aquarium Safety Precautions

Aquariums can enchant most pets, especially cats. However, potential dangers lurk with exposed wires, heating elements and filtration devices. Ensure all cables are securely hidden away and any entrances or gaps in the aquarium hood are closed to avoid curious paws from reaching into the water. If in doubt, click here to contact a local electrician on advice for safe wiring procedures.

Regularly check for any damage on visible wire sections and replace them as needed to avoid short circuits or other possible electrical hazards that might harm either your aquatic pets or furry friends.

Emergency Preparedness Tips

Although you strive to make your home safe for pets, it’s crucial to be prepared for emergencies. Always have a first aid kit expressly made for pets handy. And know the quickest route to your nearest veterinarian office for emergencies.

Regular CPR training wouldn’t hurt either – it could prove life-saving if your pet ever suffered from an electrical shock or any other major incident.

In a Nutshell

Pet safety around electricity is paramount. With a little insight into potential hazards and precautions, ensuring a safe environment for your furry friends isn’t hard. Remember – regular inspection of appliances and wires, disciplined training and getting expert help when needed are your biggest tools in keeping your pets safe from electrical hazards.