Keeping Your Pet Safe around a Fireplace

Humans aren’t the only species who love lounging near the fireplace in winter. Cats and dogs also crave warmth. Whether curling up in front of a heater or a fireplace, heat soothes the domestic beast. But it can also backfire.

At Old World Stoneworks, we want your pets to enjoy your fireplace with you safely. Follow these tips and you’ll all enjoy your home’s best feature.

dog enjoys fireplace

Tip #1

  • Training – Just like you train your dog to stay off the couch or bed, establish boundaries around your fireplace. Enforce these boundaries whether or not the fireplace is lit.

Tip #2

  • Protect Your Pet from Flying Embers – The smell of wood fire is comforting and romantic. The smell of singed fur isn’t. Protect your pet from flying embers by installing a gate or screen. Keep your gates up even when the fireplace isn’t lit. This protects pets from stepping on dying embers or ingesting pebbles and ash. Even better, install glass fireplace doors. You can still enjoy a lovely view of your fire without flying debris.

Tip #3

  • Fireplace Dampers and Detectors – Neither pets nor humans, can take much exposure to carbon monoxide. Your damper needs to be correctly adjusted so carbon monoxide doesn’t flood your house. Installing carbon monoxide detectors around your house, especially next to the hearth, will keep everybody safer. While you’re at it, check all the batteries in your smoke alarms.

Tip #4

  • A Rest ZoneModel restful behavior by the fireplace. If you keep your movements slow and voices low, your pet will realize this is a relaxation zone. Don’t play in a room with a fireplace, and never toss treats. As pet owners know, when the ball or treats come out, pets get careless. Instead, show that the fireplace area is for cuddling, petting, and maybe treats given by hand.

Tip #5

  • No Unattended Pets – Instead of leaving pets unattended by a lit fire, bring them with you, ask somebody else to watch them, or remove them from the room and close the door until you return.

Please follow these precautions so you can have many happy moments warming yourselves with your pets. There’s nothing like the combination of a fire, warm fur and unconditional love to make for happy and homey winter memories.