Electrical and Cord Safety

Electrical cords are one of the most underestimated hazards for pets, particularly puppies, kittens, and rabbits. Chewing on a live cord can cause:

• Electrical burns to the mouth and tongue
• Pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs)
• Cardiac arrest
• House fires

Puppies and kittens are especially prone to cord chewing during teething, but the behaviour can persist into adulthood. Rabbits and guinea pigs will chew through cords rapidly as part of their natural gnawing instinct — they can sever a cord in seconds.

Here are effective strategies to protect your pets from electrical hazards:

Cord covers and cable management — Use plastic cord covers or split loom tubing to encase exposed cables. These are inexpensive and available from Bunnings or any hardware store. Run cables through them and secure along baseboards.

Bitter apple spray — Apply a pet-safe bitter deterrent spray to exposed cords. Most pets dislike the taste and will learn to avoid treated cords. Reapply weekly.

Tuck and hide — Route cords behind furniture, through walls, or under rugs where possible. Use cable clips to keep cords flush against walls and out of reach.

Power board safety — Use power boards with individual switches so you can turn off unused outlets. Consider a power board cover that allows cables in but keeps paws out.

Unplug when not in use — Phone chargers, hair straighteners, and other small appliances should be unplugged and stored when not in use. A dangling charger cable is an open invitation.

Supervision during transition — When you first bring a pet home or introduce a new device, supervise their interaction with the area until you are confident they will leave cords alone.