How To Keep Your Pets Safe By The Fire
When winter arrives, it’s not just us humans who enjoy sitting by the fire.
If you have a four-legged friend, they will also be looking to warm themselves (despite all their hair) and both cats and dogs are experts at identifying heat sources in the home. So, as soon as you bend down to place the heat logs in the chiminea or log burner, don’t be surprised if your pet has already found a prime spot for maximum warmth.
However, here are a few ways to keep your cats and/or dogs safe whilst a fire roars in your living room...
1. Make sure they are a safe distance away from your fire
Whether you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, your pet will not be shy in getting the best place in front of it. But, be aware of dangers such as dehydration, burns and maybe even some sparks (should tails be wagging while they dream).
Also, don’t think that your cat or dog will simply move should they get too hot. They could be asleep for hours and not move, making them susceptible to burns and dehydration. So, be sure to keep them a safe distance away from the hearth.
2. Watch how you play
Many dogs and some cats enjoy playing. Whether it’s playing tug-o-war with an old rope or chasing some string or a chew toy, games are important to pets. It’s also important, however, to not let them be too close to the fire when they’re playing or let them think that the fireplace is somehow associated with playtime (throwing a ball behind a wood burner, for instance, whether it is ablaze or not).
3. Don’t leave them (pets and fires) unattended
It’s safe to say that, even if your dog or cat is snoozing gently away in front of the fire, you should not leave them alone. No matter how long you are planning to be away from the fireplace (nip to the loo or make a cup of tea), the tiniest movement from a wagging tail could cause damage.
It’s best to be on the safe side and take them away from the fire with you. If they are quite large, maybe coax them away by showing them their comfy bed or offering some food.
4. Potential appliances that will help
If you’re nervous about how much time your pets sleep by the fire, it may be worthwhile to invest in some bits and pieces to increase their safety and put your mind at rest.
A fire extinguisher, for instance, is advisable, as is a fireguard (mesh or glass both work well). Old blankets and/or jumpers could be used to tempt your dog or cat away from the log burning stove if you think they’re spending too long there.
A basket or case to keep any fireplace accessories (tongs, pokers, logs or night briquettes) safely secure is also advisable, as they can be easily knocked over by a happy or curious pet.
5. Train your pet to keep away from the fire
By using clicker training and practising while your stove does not include hardwood logs or briquettes is a very effective method, as well as the providing of treats when they do well.
You can also use a leash and candles to teach them to keep away from any flame and not just the one that emanates from your wood burner.
At Lekto, we provide warmth to your home in the safest way possible.
Our products are 100% environmentally friendly - no chemical additives are used during production – so the air in your living room will still be suitable for pets to breathe. As they have significantly low moisture content (compared to firewood), very little smoke will be present too.
Buy your Hardwood Heat logs here.
Buy your Lekto Night Briquettes here.