Otis Singleton
Dogs are curious creatures, and electric cords can be a dangerous temptation for them to play with or chew on. Chewing on electric cords can lead to burns, electric shock, and even the shutdown of vital organs. To prevent this, it is important to take steps to cover and protect electric cords from dogs. This can be done through deterrence methods, such as using deterrent sprays, teaching puppies to stay away with a firm No, and providing alternative chew toys. Additionally, you can camouflage cords by using coloured electrical tape or choosing cable-covering supplies that match the colour of your floors and walls. Other methods include using cord winders to manage excess cord length, wrapping cords with spiral wrap or PVC piping, and mounting wire channels along walls to create a protected path for cords.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use deterrents | Use deterrent sprays like bitter apple |
| Teach dogs to move away from cords with a firm "No" and reward them with treats when they obey | |
| Camouflage cables | Use cords or cable-covering supplies that match the colour of the surroundings. Electrical cords can be painted or covered with electrical tape |
| Provide alternatives | Give dogs appropriate chew toys and play with them to prevent boredom |
| Wind up excess cord lengths | Use a cord winder to control excess cord lengths that can be a strangulation hazard |
| Wrap cords | Use corrugated wire loom tubing, plastic spiral wrap, or PVC piping to wrap cords |
| Mount wire channels | Install metal or plastic conduits along the wall to provide a protected path for cords |
| Close off certain rooms | Use gates and pieces of wood to cover openings to rooms with many cords |
| Use cord protectors | Use pet cord protectors like PetCords, Cacovedo, Tomonobu, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Block access to electric cords
If blocking access is not possible, you can use cord protectors to cover the wires. These come in various forms, such as corrugated wire loom tubing, plastic spiral wrap, PVC piping, or flexible cable sleeves. When using spiral wrap, ensure that the spirals overlap so that there are no gaps for curious dogs to explore.
In addition to blocking access and using cord protectors, it is important to address the underlying cause of cord chewing. Provide your dog with appropriate chew toys and plenty of playtime and activities to reduce boredom and prevent chewing.
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Use cord protectors
Using cord protectors is an effective way to keep electrical wires safe from dogs. There are various cord protectors available in the market, which differ in terms of material, flexibility, and length. Some protectors are made of ultra-strong, durable PET material with a woven texture, while others are made of PVC, a hard material that requires curved joints for wires that aren't straight.
Cord protectors come in various lengths, such as 10 feet, 30 feet, and 32.8 feet. They are designed to be flexible and easy to install, wrapping around the cords in a spiral pattern. The spirals should be close enough together to prevent dogs from chewing between the spaces, and ideally, they should overlap to ensure complete protection.
Some cord protectors, like the Chewsafe™ brand, incorporate sensory deterrents to discourage pets from chewing. They infuse a citrus scent and bitter taste into the product, providing a long-lasting deterrent that won't wipe or rub off like topical agents.
When choosing a cord protector, consider the flexibility needed for your application and the length of the cords you need to cover. It is also important to ensure that the spirals are wrapped tightly and overlapped to maximize protection.
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Camouflage cords with colours
One of the best ways to prevent your dog from chewing on electrical cords is to camouflage them so that they blend in with their surroundings. Choose cord covers that are a close colour match to your floors and walls. If your cords don't stand out, your dog will be much less likely to play with or chew on them.
You can paint your electrical cords to match the surrounding colours. If painting is not an option, you can use coloured electrical tape.
There are also wire concealers that run along baseboards and walls, available in various colours to match the decor of your home. These concealers keep wires almost completely out of sight, except near the socket.
Another option is to use spiral cord wrap, which is made of a flexible material that you wrap around the cords in a spiral pattern. If you have cords that run around corners or furniture, or if your dog is a persistent chewer, consider using flexible tubing for better protection.
In addition to camouflaging cords, it is important to address the underlying cause of chewing behaviour. Provide appropriate chew toys and ensure your dog gets enough playtime and mental stimulation.
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Provide chew toys
Dogs are naturally curious and will chew on anything within reach. Electrical cords are particularly enticing because of their soft, pliable, and cylindrical shape. Chewing on cords can cause electrical shock, burns, organ shutdown, and even death. Therefore, it is important to take preventative measures to keep your dog safe. One way to do this is by providing them with appropriate chew toys.
Chew toys can help to address the core problem of boredom or stress that may be driving your dog to chew on electrical cords. Dogs often chew on cords because the texture is satisfying to bite down on, and for puppies, it can help relieve sore gums during teething. By providing your dog with a variety of chew toys, you can offer them a safer and more appropriate outlet for their chewing needs.
When choosing chew toys for your dog, look for ones that are durable and made from safe, non-toxic materials. There are many options available on the market, including chew toys made from natural rubber, nylon, or hard plastic. Some chew toys are even designed to promote dental health by helping to clean your dog's teeth and reduce plaque and tartar buildup. You can also find chew toys that can be stuffed with treats, providing your dog with a rewarding and engaging activity that can keep them occupied for long periods of time.
In addition to providing chew toys, it is important to ensure that you are meeting your dog's other needs. Regular physical exercise, mental enrichment through training and puzzle toys, and appropriate socialization can all help to reduce destructive behaviors like chewing on electrical cords. By providing a stimulating and fulfilling environment for your dog, you can help keep them happy, healthy, and safe.
If your dog is consistently chewing on electrical cords, it may be necessary to seek the advice of a certified canine behavior consultant or a professional dog trainer. They can help you understand the underlying causes of your dog's behavior and provide tailored advice on how to address it effectively. By combining chew toys with other training and preventative measures, you can create a safe and dog-friendly home environment.
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Use cord winders
Using a cord winder is a great way to keep your dog from chewing on electrical cords. Winding up excess cord lengths can help prevent strangulation hazards and make the cables less attractive to your dog. Here are some tips to effectively use cord winders for dog-proofing your electrical cords:
Choose the Right Type of Cord Winder
Cord winders come in various types, such as corrugated wire loom tubing, plastic spiral wrap, PVC piping, and metallic braided sleeving. Consider the flexibility and durability offered by each type. For example, PVC piping is sturdy but less flexible, while spiral wrap is flexible but may not be strong enough for persistent chewers.
Install the Cord Winder Properly
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the cord winder. For example, some products require you to cut the coil to the desired length, find the slit, and insert the wire. Ensure that the cord winder is securely attached to the cord and that there are no gaps or spaces that a curious dog could exploit.
Combine with Other Techniques
While cord winders are effective, combining them with other pet-proofing techniques can provide an extra layer of safety. Consider using deterrent sprays, providing alternative chew toys, or camouflaging your cables to match the surrounding decor. You can also use cord covers or protectors made from hard plastic or flexible materials to prevent chewing and protect your cords.
Regularly Inspect and Replace as Needed
Periodically inspect the cord winders for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you notice any issues, replace the cord winder with a new one. Regularly observing your dog's behavior around the cords can help you identify potential risks and address them promptly.
Choose the Appropriate Size and Length
Cord winders come in various sizes and lengths to accommodate different cord types. Ensure you select a cord winder that is long enough to cover the entire length of the electrical cord. Additionally, consider the diameter of the cord winder to ensure it fits snugly around the cord without leaving any gaps.
By following these tips, you can effectively use cord winders to keep your dog safe from electrical cords and prevent any potential hazards.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to prevent your dog from chewing electric cords. You can use deterrents, such as keeping cords out of reach and using deterrent sprays. Alternatively, you can camouflage your cables by choosing cord colours that match your walls and floors. You can also train your dog to move away from cords with a firm "No" and rewarding them with treats when they listen.
You can cover electric cords from dogs by using cord protectors, such as corrugated wire loom tubing, plastic spiral wrap, or PVC piping. You can also use cable management accessories, such as cable ties, cable tie mounts, and office cable organizing clips, to keep cords off the floor and out of your dog's reach.
In addition to covering cords, you can also block access to rooms with a lot of cords by using gates or pieces of wood. You can also use cable management trays to keep cords organized and off the floor. Additionally, make sure to address any underlying issues, such as boredom or fear, that may be causing your dog to chew on cords.
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