Skip to main content
Home
  • About Us
    • Annual Report
  • Powering the Future
    • Our Energy Mix
  • Electrify and Save®
    • On-Bill Repayment
    • Programs
    • Quality Install
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
    • Newsletter
    • Podcast
  • Cooperative Benefits
  • Operations
  • Search
Menu

Search form

The Best Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe from Electrical Hazards

10/29/2021

The Best Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe from Electrical Hazards

Electricity is one of the most dangerous hazards in your home, especially if you have pets. Pets, like children, are unaware of the dangers posed by plugs, wires, and electrical devices in the home. Because pets are naturally curious, they may begin to play with or chew on your electrical items, posing a fire or shock that could result in injury. Fortunately, there are simple and preventive measures you can take to safeguard your pets.

Tips for keeping your pets safe from electrical hazards

  1. Keep power cables secure and hidden

Electrical wires, particularly those dangling from the edge of tables or countertops, are a serious hazard to pets who like to play with or chew on them. Playing with or chewing on a wire can result in shock, burns, injuries from a falling object or electrocution. Avoid trouble by keeping electrical wires out of their reach and hidden. If you can't cover wires well enough, use plastic tubing designed for concealing wires.

  1. Never leave electrical appliances unattended

When lamps, fans, makeup mirrors, irons, or heaters are not in use, it is simple to forget to switch them off. Leaving them connected to the power source, on the other hand, can be hazardous to your pet, especially if you are not at home. 

Turning off or unplugging appliances keeps you safe while also saving you money on the cost of unused electricity or having to replace damaged appliances. Lighter-weight flat-screen TVs should be securely mounted to the walls or a sturdy base to avoid tipping over. Curious cats love to get on counters, tables and shelves where electronics can be knocked off.

  1. Set boundaries for your pet

This recommendation is primarily for pets with free access to your home. Teaching them to avoid certain areas will improve safety. As a deterrent, you can keep cats and dogs away from your electrical items by treating the area with bitter spray. Most dogs and cats have a negative reaction to the taste or smell. Keeping cats off counters is a little trickier while you’re away. If you have a way to close off certain rooms to avoid curiosity, this may be a good precautionary measure.

  1. Electricity and water should always be avoided

Because electricity and water don't mix, it's a good idea to avoid placing electrical items anywhere near bathtubs, sinks, or other areas where water is routinely used. Always provide fresh water for your pets to reduce the risk of them seeking water elsewhere in the house.

  1. Ensure your yard is secure and properly fenced

Pets love to play outside, which can be hazardous if precautions aren’t taken. Fencing the yard properly keeps them away from dangerous outdoor electrical items such as landscape lights, holiday string lights, underground wires and HVAC system wiring. Don’t leave radios, fans and other electrical equipment outside or unattended. 

If you have outdoor outlets, have waterproof covers installed and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed, which automatically cut power when a plugged item comes in contact with water or begins to “leak” electricity. 

Carefully managing your home and looking at your current electrical set-up through the eyes of your curious and playful pets greatly reduces the risk of electrical shock or accidents. 

 

--

About Tri-State

Tri-State is a power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, serving electric distribution cooperatives and public power district member-owners in four states. Together with our members, we deliver reliable, affordable and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. Visit www.tristate.coop.    

 

Contributor:

Kent Mahanna, MPH, CSP Senior Manager Safety & Security

Blog Posts

Beat the Chill: Effective Insulation Strategies for Winter Comfort

Beat the Chill: Effective Insulation Strategies for Winter Comfort

For those living in older homes, it's common to experience uncomfortable drafts, chilly winters, and higher utility bills compared to newer homes. But here's the good news: improving your home's insulation can help you stay warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and save money in the long run.  Here are some effective insulation strategies for a more comfortable and energy-efficient winter. 
Read more >
Energy Efficient Heating Options for Rural Communities

Energy Efficient Heating Options for Rural Communities in the West

As winter approaches, rural communities in the West face the on-going challenge of keeping their homes warm while managing energy costs. With big temperature swings, it's helpful for families to explore energy-efficient heating options that suit this unique climate. Here’s our favorite tips to get the most out of your current heating system
Peter Rusin, Member Relations Manager
Read more >
Energy Efficient Tips for Outdoor Fall Entertaining

Energy Efficient Tips for Outdoor Fall Entertaining

Summer may get more attention when it comes to outdoor get-togethers but with an autumn party, you can trade the mosquitoes, thunderstorms, and hot nights for crisp evenings and changing leaves. The cooling temperatures also mean a chance to optimize your energy use, reduce your bill and save some money heading into winter.
Peter Rusin, Member Relations Manager
Read more >
How to boost your business with EV charging, attract new clients, increase your sustainability efforts and add a new revenue stream.

Boost Your Business with EV Charging

A lack of EV chargers presents a problem for drivers but an opportunity for local business owners. If you're a business owner, here’s how you can boost your business with EV charging to attract new clients, increase your sustainability efforts and add a new revenue stream.
Mike Frailey, Relationship Manager 
Read more >
Benefits of Having Your Own EV Charger at Home

The Benefits of Having Your Own EV Charger at Home

One of the most recognizable shifts is the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). As the world embraces EVs, the need for accessible charging infrastructure has grown exponentially. While public charging stations are expanding, there's something uniquely advantageous about having your own EV charger at home. 
Mike Frailey, Relationship Manager 
Read more >
Geothermal Heat Pumps: Harnessing Earth's Energy for Your Business 

Geothermal Heat Pumps: Harnessing Earth's Energy for Your Business 

With April being National Geothermal Month, it’s a perfect time to delve into the process of installing GHPs, their benefits, what climates are the most suitable and how businesses can take advantage of rebates to offset costs while contributing to a greener future. 
Peter Rusin, Member Relations Manager
Read more >
Mastering Energy Efficiency With These Home Upgrades 

Mastering Energy Efficiency With These Home Upgrades 

Power management matters to two kinds of people: those who pay utility bills and environmentally conscious individuals. If you fall into one, or hopefully both, of those categories, here are a few tips for mastering energy efficiency with some home upgrades.  
Peter Rusin, Member Relations Manager
Read more >
Winter Comfort Tips: Transform Your Home into an Energy-Efficient Oasis

Winter Comfort Tips: Transform Your Home into an Energy-Efficient Oasis

There’s nothing better than enjoying creature comforts during the winter chill. Staying warm is a big part of that, but it comes at a price if your home isn't optimized for cold weather. This winter, consider some smart ways to conserve energy, save money, and transform your home into an energy-efficient oasis with these helpful tips
Peter Rusin, Member Relations Manager
Read more >
Winter Destinations in Colorado Promoting Energy Efficiency

5 Winter Destinations in Colorado Promoting Energy Efficiency

These five mountain towns in Colorado not only offer thrilling winter adventures but also take a pioneering stance in energy efficiency.
Read more >

Pagination

  • Currently on page   1
  • Page   2
  • Page   3
  • Page   4
  • Page   5
  • Page   6
  • Page   7
  • Page   8
  • Page   9
  • …
  • Next pageNext ›
  • Last pageLast »

Subscribe

* indicates required
Join our mailing list for
updates and member news.
 
 

Quick links

  • Leadership Team
  • Dark Fiber
  • Financials
  • Board Meetings
  • Member Tools
  • Corporate Responsibility Report
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Careers
  • Employee login

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
Office: 303-452-6111
1100 West 116th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80234

Mailing address:
PO Box 33695
Denver, CO 80233-0695

©2025 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Power supplier to the rural west.

  • About Us
    • Annual Report
  • Powering the Future
    • Our Energy Mix
  • Electrify and Save®
    • On-Bill Repayment
    • Programs
    • Quality Install
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
    • Newsletter
    • Podcast
  • Cooperative Benefits
  • Operations
  • Search