There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting at home by the fireplace on a cold winter night. But if you have a pet running around near the fire, that calm can quickly turn into anxiety. You and your furry friend can both enjoy sitting by a crackling fire as long as you follow these safety tips.
Train your pet not to go right up to the fire. It’s normal for animals to be curious about new things in the house so you should teach them not to get too close to the fire. Lay a piece of bright tape a few feet away from the fireplace and train your pet not to go past the mark. After a few weeks, take the tape away and continue moving them if they ever get too close.
Play elsewhere so your pet doesn’t associate the room with the fireplace as being the playroom. When pets get excited during playtime they can run around, jump and scurry without thinking, so plan for indoor fetch to happen on another floor of the house.
Install barriers around your fireplace. Whether it’s a screen, glass door or gate, a proper safety net can help prevent a clumsy pet from brushing against an open fire. But keep in mind that barriers won’t solve every problem, as they can also get dangerously hot.
Keep the area around the fireplace clear of any pet toys, dangling objects and enticing decorations. As we said earlier, pets are incredibly curious and fun items left near the fireplace can entice them to go up and explore – leaving room for a potential accident.
Don’t leave your pet unattended when the fireplace is on. The best thing you can do to protect your pet is keep a careful eye on them. Most owners know that it only takes a second for your animal to get into some mischief, so whenever you go into another room, call them to come with you or move them into another gated room.
Whether you need a thermostat upgrade, a furnace repair, heater replacement, or custom designed gas or electric fireplace, Mitch Wright Plumbing Heating & Air is dedicated to helping you save money on your home heating this season.