With more of us working from home, more pet owners share photos of pet co-workers. That cat sprawled over your laptop or dog with his paws on your keyboard may make for funny photos, but they can also cause real damage.

Many pets have sharp claws. They won’t think twice about using them to scratch computer screens, keyboards, or other devices. Also, if your pets are close to your laptop or desktop, they could cause them to fall off your lap or other surface.

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Your pup could pull at the cord while trying to remind you it’s time for a walk, or a curious cat could damage the cable or connecting port, pulling the cord in the wrong direction.

If a cat is climbing on the furniture, she might knock your device to the ground and crack the screen, or worse. A cuddly dog might want to get on your lap and swipe a nearby liquid over your keyboard with a happy tail wag.

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Even when a dog curls up under a desk while you’re working or watching a show, it might pose a risk. Jumping to save you from a neighbor closing a door, they could push printers or hard drives off shelves. These devices are not built to sustain falls.

Other Pets Can Cause Problems Too
Many animals also like to chew, especially rodents. Their teeth are sharp enough to work through your electronic cables, which could lead to electrical shocks for them or exposed wires that are a danger to you.

Think you’re safe with a bunny or hamster? If you let them roam free around the room, you risk them urinating on your devices. Or a bird might nest near your electrical cords. These actions could cause costly damage or corrosion.

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Any furry family member you have could also cause damage by shedding. Hair accumulating in computer vents and fans can cause overheating and performance issues.

You’re not entirely secure, even if you have a snake or fish. Snakes and fish can require heat lamps or aquariums, which can cause an electrical surge that might damage your devices. You’ll want to install a surge protector.

What To Do About Pet Risks
Keeping your pets away from your electronics is a good idea. Keep liquids away from your devices when your computer is out around your animals. That’s good practice whether you have pets or not.

Also, store technology securely. Avoid leaving it unattended on high counters or other places pets might reach.

Bundle electronic cords to protect devices from damage and pets from electrical risks.

Getting your computer’s internals professionally cleaned occasionally is also a smart move. Again, this is good practice whether you have pets or not. Dust and hair can also build up inside and slow the computer’s mechanics. A good clean can help you keep that computer running its best for longer.

Hopedale Technologies can help you set up your home office safely and securely. We can also help you clean or repair your devices … but you are on your own for potty training pets or feeding mice to your snake.

#1 Don’t drop it

Or throw it, or stand on it, or expect it to withstand any serious impact. OK, that’s pretty obvious. You also don’t want to use your laptop in the bathtub or at the pool. Even a simple water spill on a laptop can damage the circuitry. If you do get your laptop wet, immediately turn it off and unplug everything attached to it.

#2 Open carefully

Laptops are getting thinner in every iteration. Some now even have foldable screens. The thinner and more flexible screen may look sleek and cool, but it’s also less rigid, making it more prone to damage. Especially on lower-cost laptops, the screen can flex if you open the computer up from just one side.

Yet, many of us hold a laptop in one hand and open the lid with the other. This can cause the screen to twist. Use both hands to open the laptop. Or get into the habit of opening your laptop from the center to avoid flex.

#3 Don’t bedazzle your keyboard or screen

Alright, maybe you weren’t planning on putting faux rhinestones on the screen or keyboard. Still, reconsider any decorations you have thought of adding. Even a keyboard protector (to prevent dust or spills from getting into the circuitry) or camera privacy sticker could damage some of the new super-thin laptops. It’s just that there is now so little clearance between the keyboard and the screen.

If you really must have your stickers, put them on the protective sleeve that you get for your laptop.

#4 Disconnect carefully

Your laptop needs a consistent power source. If you damage the power cord connection, you’re done. So, make sure you pull the power cord out straight. Yanking it out sideways could damage the port.

Also, be aware of where your power cord is connecting to the wall outlet. If you leave the cord trailing along the floor, someone could trip over it, or it could get caught on a rolling chair. This could not only damage the charging port but even pull the entire laptop onto the floor. That brings us back to #1, don’t drop the laptop!

#5 Keep it cool

No, you don’t have to store it in a refrigerator (please don’t!), but heat isn’t good for your laptop. You’ll want to keep your computer away from external sources of heat.

Again, as the laptops get thinner, they are more vulnerable to internal overheating. Ensure that the laptop’s intake ports are unblocked so that air can flow through and cool the circuitry.

Also, avoid placing your laptop on very soft surfaces. A soft, uneven surface is more likely to block the internal fans. This leaves your device unable to regulate its temperature. You could even buy a laptop cooling stand, which provides extra fans to improve air circulation.

The average laptop lifespan will vary between two to five years. Keep your laptop on the longer side of that by taking these tips to heart.