Looking out for your pet’s safety and overall well-being is likely second nature to you. From researching the best and healthiest foods to creating a comfortable home, as pet owners, you’re probably used to prioritizing their needs. Yet, one area in our homes is often overlooked as being dangerous- the garage door. From its considerable weight, automatic mechanisms, and the substances stored inside, there are significant risks for your pet if you don’t take the proper steps and precautions.
Leaving Your Garage Door Cracked Open
This seems like an easy and efficient way to let your pet have some independence to explore outside and come back whenever they please. Plus, everyone is doing it! But it’s a risky trend you shouldn’t participate in. Most garage doors operate on a spring system that is in place to prevent your garage door from slamming down. By leaving your garage door cracked open, you are forcing the springs to work extra hard; over time, they lose their tension and weaken. If a spring breaks, the garage door can suddenly slam down, which could create a huge safety risk to your pet.
Instead of leaving your garage door cracked, install a pet door with a lockable flap. This allows a pet friendly, yet safe, exit and entry point in your house. Plus, it won’t cause so much unnecessary wear and tear on your garage door springs.
Toxic Substances
Garages often house a variety of toxic substances like antifreeze, oil, or paint thinners, which can be lethal if your pet gets a hold of it. Don’t leave these products out. Store chemicals and toxic substances safely and securely by making sure they are out of reach and labeled.
Automatic Reversal Sensor
These detect obstacles and trigger the door to reverse, preventing injuries making them an invaluable feature on garage doors- as long as they work! If the sensor isn’t working, your garage door becomes a huge and very heavy risk to anyone going under it. Routinely check to make sure the automatic reversal sensor works to keep your pets safe.
Chewing The Garage Door
If your new puppy enjoys chewing shoes, walls, your couch, or even your daughter’s stuffed animals, chances are he will probably chew just about anything! If your pet chews on the garage door, it poses a risk for cables to come loose. Cables are attached to the springs in your garage which enables it to not suddenly drop. If the cables are tampered with by your pet, the chances of the cable snapping increases which would result in huge safety hazards for pets going under the garage door.
Train your pet to know and understand what things can be chewed. Keep them happy with new toys to play with and chew. If you do see any loose or frayed cables, call a garage door cable repair company to replace them immediately so your garage door stays safe for everyone.
Look at Your Garage Door Before You Close It
It’s pretty common to push the garage door opener button without even glancing at it. And if you have a cat, you know where this is going. Cats love high places, and while it usually helps them find safe places and gives them a great view of what’s below them, in the case of a garage door, it poses a significant risk. So next time you close your garage door, glance at the top to make sure it’s clear of furry friends.
While garage doors can threaten your pets’ safety, proactive measures can greatly reduce these risks. By implementing the tips discussed in this blog and performing regular inspections for any malfunctions or potential hazards, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for your furry companions.
