A fireplace is a wonderful addition to your home. Your pets may either agree or disagree depending on their experiences near the new addition. Over time, every fireplace owner must decide the best course of action for keeping curious pets out of the fireplace throughout the year. Let’s take a look at baby gates, fireplace doors, and several other options.
Baby Gates
Baby gates are available in a variety of sizes. They’re a great option for keeping nosy pets out of the room in which the new fireplace is located. This allows you the opportunity to introduce your pet to the fireplace while you’re there to supervise.
Free Standing Wall
Similar to a baby gate, a free standing wall opens accordion-style and creates a barrier between the fireplace and the rest of the room. This is a great way to keep most dogs a safe distance from the fireplace. Cats are generally less apt to stay behind the barrier.
Fireplace Screen
Fireplace screens cover the front of the fireplace and prevent embers from popping out and hitting furniture, rugs, or even your pets. Screens are available in a variety of colors and designs, and make great conversation pieces. They create a great barrier between the open flame and your pet, but please watch your pet, because they may get too close and get burned.
Glass Doors
Doors will prevent contact with the open flame, but may become hot enough to cause injury to your pet. Always keep an eye on your pet while they’re near the fireplace.
Supervision
Nothing takes the place of good old fashioned supervision. No one wants to see their pet hurt by the fireplace. The best barrier between your fireplace and your pet is you; just pay close attention and don’t allow your pet to get close enough to get burned.
Give Your Pets Some Credit
Pets are usually pretty smart. You teach them tricks, they learn to go potty outside or in a box, and they know what they are and are not allowed to do inside the house. It may not seem that way at times, but you know it’s true. Most of the time you will find that your pet just wants to wallow in the warmth that the fireplace provides. They may get close enough to scorch a whisker, or feel just a little too much warmth, but most pets will find a nice spot as close as they can safely get, and curl up for sleep.
If you’re concerned about your pet getting into the chimney, give me a call and we’ll talk about a few details regarding your pet and your fireplace and chimney. There really is a peaceful solution to pet ownership and fireplace ownership. I’ll help you find the balance.
I’d like to hear some ideas from those of you who have pets and successfully keep them away from harm around the fireplace. What do you do? Can you recommend some great ways to keep your pets safe around the fireplace and chimney?