Pet Fireplace Safety: The Ultimate Guide To Pet-Proofing Your Fireplace

If you’re a pet owner, it’s only natural that you want your home to be safe and comfortable for them. Cats and dogs love sitting by the fireplace – but as cosy as fireplaces can be, they also present risks to our furry friends.

As such, it’s important to understand fireplace safety for pets to prevent accidents from happening and ensure your home is a pet-friendly environment.

We’ve created this guide to help you. It covers everything you need to know, from choosing a pet-friendly fireplace to pet-proofing your fireplace and keeping your pets at a distance.

Why Do Cats and Dogs Like Fireplaces?

It’s no surprise that cats and dogs love sitting by the fire, and the main reason they are drawn to it is the warmth. Pets love sitting down by the fire and staying warm and cosy, especially during the winter.

This is instinctive behaviour. Warmth represents comfort and safety for animals in the wild, and domesticated animals are no different.

But while it’s lovely to see your cat curled up next to the fire, it’s crucial to ensure their safety so they can enjoy the fireplace without posing a risk to themselves or others.

How to Choose a Pet-Friendly Fireplace

There are many types of fireplaces you can choose for your home, and as long as you use your fireplace sensibly, any type can be suitable if you have pets. However, wood-burning stoves can present more risks. Sparks can fly out, logs can roll off, and there is overall less protection for your pets from the flames.

Modern gas and electric fireplaces are generally safe. They have barriers in front of the flames, so your pet can’t get burnt, and they are easier to control than wood-burning fireplaces.

Bioethanol fireplaces are a great option. With these, you can enjoy real flames and a good amount of heat output, whilst experiencing a safer, more controlled fire.

They are a modern option, but many designs are available if you would prefer a more traditional fireplace style. They are also eco-friendly, and they don’t produce smoke or soot, which helps to create a healthier environment for everyone in your home, including the pets.

Pet Fireplace Safety Tips

While a bioethanol or electric fireplace may be the safest option, it’s important to keep your pets safe no matter which type of fireplace you have in your home.

Here are some important pet fireproofing tips to follow to help ensure your cat or dog stays safe.

Use a Fireplace Screen

One of the simplest steps you can take for any type of fireplace is to use a screen. By fixing up a sturdy screen or guard, you can prevent pets from getting too close and risk injuring themselves on the flames or hot surfaces.

Curious cats and dogs may be tempted to venture a bit too close, but with a screen in place, you have peace of mind knowing that they can’t get close enough to touch the flames.

A safety gate can also be a good option. This creates a larger space around the fire where pets can’t go. This is especially important for younger pets, who might not yet understand the dangers of fire.

Choose an Elevated Position

You might want to position your fireplace higher up. This isn’t always possible, and it depends on the type of fireplace you have.

For example, a bioethanol fireplace can easily be positioned on the wall. Wall-mounted fireplaces are popular, and because no flue or chimney is needed, you can simply position it wherever you want it to go. Some electric fireplaces may also have this option.

If you have a wood-burning stove, perhaps position it on a raised surface so that your pet has to sit on the floor below it. This way, they can still enjoy the heat, but they won’t be as close to the actual fireplace, keeping them safer.

Keep Flammable Objects Away

One of the problems with pets and fires is that they may be tempted to bring their personal items closer. Dogs especially may want to bring their toys and blankets near to the fireplace, but these might be flammable, presenting dangers.

Make sure they keep their toys and bedding away from the fire if they are flammable. A spark from the fire could set them alight, so always be vigilant.

Buy a Fire-Resistant Pet Mat

A good option may be to buy a fire-resistant bed for your pet. That way, you won’t have to worry about it catching fire, and this can give you peace of mind. Bear in mind - you should never place a pet on a mat too close to the fire as their behaviour can still be unpredictable.

 

Your pet can then enjoy snuggling up in their cosy bed next to the fire, and you won’t have to worry about the risk of accidental fires.

Block Off Access to the Chimney

The combination of curious cats and fireplaces can lead to problems, especially if you have a chimney. Some cats like to explore the chimney, but this can get them into all kinds of trouble. 

If you do not use your chimney because you have a gas or bioethanol fire, consider blocking it off. Cover it up or place a screen to prevent them from climbing up.

Tidy Up Electrical Cords

Electric fires often come with cords, so make sure you tidy them up and get them out of the way.

Always Be Vigilant

Whenever you light a fire in your home, you must be vigilant. This is the same even if you don’t have pets. But where pets or young children are present, you must be especially careful.

Practise good fire safety and always make sure someone is present. Always check the fire regularly, especially if you are burning logs, which can move around and roll off.

How to Keep Your Pet Away from the Fireplace

While the above pet-friendly fireplace tips are useful in general for any pet owner, there may be times when you don’t want your cat or dog to go too close to the fire.

This can be a challenge, but there are a few steps you can take.

Establish Boundaries

Make sure you establish boundaries while your pet is young. This is more important for dogs, who can be trained more easily.

Use commands to train them to keep their distance. Place their bed further away to create a designated area for them that is not too close to the fire, and keep reinforcing these boundaries so they learn to keep their distance.

Use Heated Beds

Make their space cosy by getting your pet a heated bed. This way, they can enjoy a nice cosy alternative, so they can enjoy the warmth without being too near to the fire.

Use Deterrents

Cats are not so easily trained, but there are steps you can take. If your cat goes too close to the fire, you could use a harmless cat deterrent.

These often come in the form of sprays, and cats don’t like them. Use the spray over time and they will learn not to get too close.

Use Toys to Distract

Overactive dogs and fireplaces don’t mix well, but you may be able to distract your dog with toys. Place toys and chews further away from the fire to keep them engaged.

For cats, you might want to place a scratching post away from the fire to make the area more appealing.

Always Supervise Pets

No matter what steps you take to keep your dog or cat away from the fire, it’s important to supervise them carefully.

This is especially true with young pets and dogs that are not fully trained. As long as you are around, you can keep an eye on them and make sure they stay safe around the fire, so don’t leave them unsupervised for long periods.

Follow These Tips for a Pet-Friendly Fireplace

Pets love fires, and you may want your dog or cat to enjoy the fireplace as much as you do. But keep safety in mind.

Follow the safety tips outlined above for a safer experience for you and your pets, so you can all enjoy a warm, cosy fireplace in your home without worrying about the safety of your pets.

If you have not yet chosen a fireplace, consider a safer alternative. Bioethanol fireplaces are modern, safe and don’t produce smoke or ash. They are available in a wide range of styles, and you can position them almost anywhere.

With the right fireplace in your home, and following the safety tips in this guide, you can ensure your whole household, including your beloved pets, enjoy the fireplace throughout the colder months.