Pets And Electricity: Housebroken Or Broken House?

What a difference a pandemic can make. Last year’s lockdown prompted New Yorkers to gain a lot of things. Some gained new home office equipment. Even more of us gained a few pounds. But perhaps the most welcome post-pandemic addition in most peoples’ lives has been gaining a new pet. According to CNBC, a year ago the ASPCA reported a nearly 70% increase in animal adoptions compared to the same period in the previous year. This all adds up to a lot of New Yorkers dealing with litterbox issues and early morning walks.

If you’re like a lot of Gothamites these days, you may be in the honeymoon phase with your new puppy or kitten – or dealing with a dog or cat in their terrible twos. And since (according to statistics from the American Humane Society) pets can be blamed for causing over 1,000 home fires each year, it’s probably a good idea to keep a checklist that will help protect your family, belongings, and your furry friends.

• Watch electrical cords and keep them away from puppies and kittens so they don’t chew on them. A small shock from standard household current may be mild to an adult but can be enough to kill a small pet. Invest in cord covers or ask your pet store for a bitter tasting product you can put on electrical cords.
• Avoid potentially disastrous dangling cords. Look around your home for dangling cords. Playful puppies and kittens often get wrapped up in cords and end up pulling down lamps or other small appliances and electronics.
• GFCI it. All modern homes have outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) near sinks or bathtubs. But if you live in vintage surroundings, you’ll want to have a licensed electrician upgrade any of your outlets that come near water. Small appliances and electrical devices like curling irons, blow dryers or plugged-in cell phones that are plugged in near water can seem like toys to your pets, who can knock them into tubs and sinks, creating a dangerous and possibly deadly situation. Also, if you have GFCI outlets, be sure to check them regularly to make sure they are working.
• Get your cat a bed. Training your cat to sleep in a place of your choosing can head off some potential problems. While a lot of dog owners crate their pooches when they leave the house, cats are almost always left to their own mischievous devices. Don’t let your kitty fall into the bad habit of curling up for a nap behind warm computer equipment, clothes dryer, or other toasty electronics. Buy a pet bed and lure your furry friend with some catnip away from electrical connections.
• Secure your night lights and other plugs. Make sure that night lights and other electronics are completely plugged into wall outlets. Paw or tongues can easily find partially exposed plugs.
• Keep chargers unplugged. Charging cords plugged in or hanging down are irresistible to pets, who put these in their mouths and get burned or shocked.
• Don’t be fooled by fish. If you think that having a fish for a pet is a hazard-free choice, you may want to guess again. Condensation from aquarium tanks can run down wires that power filters and run into outlets. If you have an aquarium, make sure that all electrical cords coming from the tank have drip loops. And since your aquarium has water in it, make sure that the outlet powering the filter is equipped with a GFCI.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

If the worst happens and your dog or cat gets shocked, keep a cool head. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to do.

• Unplug whatever caused the problem to avoid further risk to your pet or anyone else in your home.
• Check your animal’s pulse and breathing. You may need to perform CPR.
• Call your emergency vet. Your pet may recover quickly, but always seek out the advice of a professional.
• Monitor their well-being by regularly checking their breathing and pulse for the next 12 to 24 hours.

PREPARE

Your pandemic pup or post-COVID kitty will be part of your family for many years to come. If you’re thinking of getting a pet and have concerns about outlets or the wiring in your home, call us.

PK & Altman Electric specializes in a wide array of custom residential electrical services. From a simple outlet reconfiguration to the latest smart home installation that will allow you to see your pets on your phone while you’re out of the house, our team of highly trained licensed electricians are ready to make your home realize all its opportunities. That’s why for over fifty years, we’ve been the number one choice of residential electricians for discerning homeowners in the Greater New York City area.
 
 
When it comes to pets and electricity, it’s important to prioritize their safety and the integrity of your home. PK Electric NYC, a trusted team of electrical contractors, understands the importance of pet-proofing your space. Whether you’re a commercial or residential client, our experienced electricians offer top-notch services, including electrical wiring and lighting installation. We prioritize the safety of your furry friends and ensure that your electrical system is pet-friendly. From securing loose wires to installing protective covers, our team takes proactive measures to prevent any potential hazards. Trust PK Electric NYC for reliable electrical solutions that keep both your pets and your home safe.