Keeping Your Dog Safe Around the Fireplace

Fall is most certainly here. The air is crisp and cool. Soon, there will be frost on the pumpkins, which means it’s fireplace time! Who doesn’t enjoy snuggling with loved ones (furry or not) next to a roaring fire? Before lighting that first log, take a few moments to dog proof the area.

Get a Fire Screen

Getting a screen to prop in front of your fireplace is a must. Not only will the screen keep your dog from poking his nose into the fire, but it’ll also keep popping embers from flying out, which can cause your dog harm and create a house fire. As tempting as it may seem, keep the screen closed once you’ve started the fire. This keeps everyone safe, including you.

Don’t Get Too Close: Four Foot Rule

Remember, the metal screen and glass doors (even pulled back) will get very hot quickly, so keep inquisitive noses at least four feet away. Some dogs enjoy lying close to a warm fire because it feels good, so continue to follow the four foot rule.

If your dog gets too close, ask your dog to back up or come to you. Training is good, but I feel a management tool may be better in this situation. By setting up or installing a sturdy freestanding gate around the fireplace, you’ll easily block your dog’s access to the fire. Personally, I really like Northstate SuperYard gates. They’re sturdy, but also bendable, offering different configurations for your specific fireplace layout. Plus, these gates have soft pads on the bottom, which prevents scratches on hardwood floors.

RELATED: Dog Gates for Safety

Purchase a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Replace smoke detector batteries and purchase a carbon monoxide detector if you don’t already have one. Carbon monoxide is just as deadly to dogs as it is to humans, so a detector is important. Keep a carbon monoxide detector in your living room or wherever your fireplace is located to monitor air for any CO2 levels. If it should alarm, immediately open windows and remove yourself and your pets ASAP. Then, call the fire department.

Keep Toys Away From Fire

The four foot rule applies to your dog’s toys and bedding too. Keep these items far away from gas or wood-burning stoves, as this stuff catches on fire quickly. If your dog wants to play, toss his toys in the opposite direction of the fireplace hearth to prevent any accidents. Dogs are super smart and will quickly learn that fun things happen away from the fireplace, so they’ll likely start hanging over there.

Always Supervise

We all know to never leave a burning fire unattended, right? Well this applies to monitoring your dog around the fire too. If you need to leave the room for whatever reason, bring your dog with you. Fireplace accidents happen in seconds, so prevention is the best cure.

Now, I think it’s time to light that log. Enjoy!

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