Your pooch may represent the perfect addition to your household and your furry best friend, but having a dog can complicate your home maintenance routines. As a proud dog owner, you know the tricks to deal with paw prints, scuff marks, and inquisitive sniffing noses.
Many of the steps you take to puppy-proof your home serve to safeguard your dog’s health just as much as they help to protect your belongings. The same principle holds true for your garage. Using your garage safely can protect your dog and keep the door in good condition.
Whether your pup has a bed in the garage for chilly days or only sneaks in on occasion, take these six steps to ensure your pet’s safety.
1. Check Your Door Sensors
If you have an automatic garage door, you’ve probably experienced the safeguard created by your sensors. These sensors, which are usually positioned low in the door frame itself, prevent the garage door from closing on something.
The sensors should detect fallen boxes and distracted children. However, some dogs are too short or have too long a stride for the sensors to pick them up.
Coax your dog through the door and take note of whether it breaks the sensor beam. If not, you may want to have a garage door expert adjust the sensor height. While you test sensor placement, do not operate the garage door or encourage your pet to stand in the doorway for significant periods of time.
2. Keep Tools Out of Reach
Many of the sharp objects in your garage come in the form of tools and hardware. While these items would feel unpleasant if you were to stumble over them, a misplaced screw or improperly stored drill could seriously injure your dog.
If possible, store your tools inside pet-proof containers or well out of your dog’s reach. Toolboxes work great for most nails, screws, and other fasteners, while tool walls or plastic tubs can accommodate power and hand tools.
3. Maintain Your Garage’s Climate
You work hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, but what about your garage? If your dog has a home base in the garage, it’s important to ensure the climate is safe and comfortable for your pooch.
Install a pet-friendly space heater for cold weather and a fan to beat the summer heat. If the forecast warns of extreme weather, bring your dog inside instead.
4. Perform Routine Door Maintenance
In addition to checking your door sensors, keep your garage door in good condition. While it’s unlikely that your pet will become stuck under the door, that possible scenario could lead to serious injuries.
If you notice unusual noises, shaking, or sudden changes indoor performance, have a professional assess your door.
5. Stack Items in Stable Piles Only
You know to steer clear of precariously stacked boxes, but your pup doesn’t. To ensure your pet’s protection, keep your boxes and storage tubs up on shelves or in stable piles.
If you must stack boxes high, use a bungee cord or transportation strap to keep the stack standing against the wall.
6. Store Chemicals Safely
Some of the chemicals which pose the most severe threat to your dog live in the garage. These chemicals include fertilizer, antifreeze, mothballs, and household cleaners.
Always store these chemicals in air-tight containers well out of reach of your curious puppy.
If you notice issues with the way your garage door operates, these malfunctions can pose a risk to you and your family members, not just your pet. Have a professional from Able Door Company evaluate and repair or replace your garage door if you suspect that the door poses a safety hazard.
Follow these guidelines to ensure that both you and your dog can take full advantage of your garage, whether you use it as an at-home studio, protected parking area, storage space, or puppy playroom.