In June, Muhd Saiful Azwar Talib began what appeared to be a routine repair of a laptop that had allegedly been exposed to liquid at his Fix Your Laptop shop in Kedah.
“This was not unusual,” he said, noting that many customers have spilled drinks such as coffee or air syrup and called for help.
However, Muhd Saiful Azwar was surprised by a customer’s revelation that his cat had urinated on his laptop, explaining that he needed additional time to address potential damage, especially to the critical motherboard. It has become.
Muhd Saiful Azwar shared the incident on Facebook and advised customers to be careful about their pets’ behavior around electronic devices.
In Kuala Lumpur, YP Mac computer specialist Kevin S. says it’s not uncommon for customers to say they have had to change the way they handle their devices when they become pet owners.
Kevin recommends using a cable protector if users want their cables to last longer around pets. — Kevin S.Typically, most people place their devices out of reach of their pets, such as in high places, or hide the cables to avoid being bitten.
“Smart dogs like Golden Retrievers can open drawers, so users make sure they are properly locked. Pets may think the gadget is taking their owner’s attention away from them. They may try to destroy the device,” he says.
pet play equipment
Smartphones have turned pets like cats and dogs into internet sensations, but our four-legged friends are also known for turning gadgets into personal chew toys and playthings.
In 2014, a survey of pet accidents conducted by SquareTrade, a US-based warranty service provider, found that 28 million pet owners reported that their electronic devices (power cords topped the list at 41%) were damaged by their pets. It has been revealed that he has been reported to have received the same. This was followed by smartphones (30%), laptops (12%), and gamepads (12%).
The company found that male dogs were 86% more likely to damage a device than female dogs. 19% of owners believe their pet caused the damage out of anger, while one in four feel it was due to jealousy as the incident occurred while using the device.
In 2022, British insurance company Aviva reported dog-related accident claims reaching £1,100 (RM6,180), with items such as carpets, TVs and laptops most commonly targeted. This was revealed in a survey.
The company highlighted two incidents. In one case, the dog accidentally pulled the charging cable while driving, causing the connected laptop to fall into a bucket of water.
In the second incident, the dog stubbornly refused to get into the car. The owner was trying to calm the dog down and get him into the car, but he put his laptop on the roof of the car. Unfortunately, he left his laptop there and drove away. (However, it may not be the dog’s fault.)
Ann Cutler, a cybersecurity expert at Keeper Security, says if a pet damages a gadget, users risk more than just physical damage, they could also lose access to personal data. .
“Data loss can happen unexpectedly, such as when your pet decides your laptop is the perfect place to nap, or worse, when your pet decides that your laptop is the perfect place to nap.” “They don’t fully understand the importance of protecting personal data from all external threats, including threats,” Cutler added.
Digital forensics service Secure Data Recovery revealed in a June report that pets such as cats can cause damage to devices and cause data loss. One funny story involves a cat not only knocking a laptop off a table, but immediately sitting on it and taking a nap.
“Fur” is not interesting
Muhd Saiful Azwar said pet fur can build up inside the device and clog the cooling vents and fans. — Muhd Saiful Azwar TalibMuhd Saiful Azwar says most users don’t realize the importance of taking care of their gadgets until it’s too late.
He once encountered an irate customer who ignored warning signs and was presented with a substantial bill for repairs.
“Repairing the device can cost as much as a new laptop,” he added.
A common pet-related problem is letting your pet sleep near or on top of your laptop, which can be harmful in the long run, he says.
He explains that pet hair can build up inside the device and clog the cooling vents and fans. This can cause overheating and long-term damage to the internal components of your device.
“If you start hearing unusual noises while your device is working, it indicates that the fan is struggling to cool the system due to blockage. We recommend cleaning your device to prevent it from overheating. I will.
“Also, when you’re not using your device, store it in a room away from pets or preferably in a waterproof bag,” he says.
According to Muhd Saiful Azwar, when servicing a laptop, dust and other particles are removed from fans and vents to ensure proper airflow. Technicians also reapply thermal paste to maintain optimal heat transfer between the processor and the cooling system.
Meanwhile, Kevin recommends using a cable protector if users want their cables to last longer around pets.
“Pets love to chew on exposed cables and charging cables. Invest in a cable protector or wrap the cord in spiral cable wrap to prevent your pet from chewing on it. These can easily be found at your local hardware store. ” he added.
It also emphasizes the need to keep equipment away from potential spill areas, as pets can easily knock over drinks and cause water damage.
Kevin believes it’s best to go wireless whenever possible. “Consider switching to a wireless keyboard, mouse, or charger to avoid your pet getting tangled in wires.”
So what should you do if your pet pees on your laptop? Kevin recommends turning off the device and disconnecting it from power.
“Do not charge it or power cycle it. Unless you can open the case and inspect the inside, there is no way to determine the extent of internal damage,” he says.
Kevin says that water-related damage requires technicians to use ultrasonic cleaning methods, while Muhd Saiful Azwar says that the device needs to be cleaned and then dried in an oven. It said this process could take up to three days.
“Some people might think that once the device powers on, it’s fine, but that’s not the case. Corrosion can start later on, leading to short circuits in hardware components.
“Therefore, we highly recommend having your device inspected and cleaned by an experienced and knowledgeable technician,” Kevin says.
Although it may seem like a hassle, Cutler feels that most pet owners need to learn how to protect the data on their devices. 
Cutler said pet owners are at risk for more than just physical damage to their devices. This is because your personal data may become inaccessible. — Keeper Security
“My advice to everyone, even those who are not very tech savvy, is to prioritize regular backups of important files.
“Whether it’s automatic cloud backups or scheduled external hard drive backups, keeping multiple copies in a safe location ensures your data is safe even if your primary device fails. You can recover,” she says.
It’s also important to realize that keeping gadgets away from pets helps protect them from potential injury and harm.
Kuala Lumpur-based veterinarian Dr Evelyn Na stressed the importance of educating pet owners about the potential risks that high-tech devices pose to their pets.
She says some pets are prone to chewing or swallowing inanimate objects, such as charging cables or external parts of devices, which may require medical intervention.
“This action can lead to foreign body obstruction (in part of the gastrointestinal tract), gastrointestinal upset, and even ulcers in the mouth,” Dr. Na said, adding that X-rays are required for further diagnosis. He added that it could be.
Your device may fall victim to your pet’s strange behavior, but your love for them remains the same.
Kevin said: “Customers who own pets often sigh and express their distress when their device is damaged, but they choose to keep their pets anyway. For them, giving up their pets is never an option. ” he added.
After all, our furry friends are our beloved family members and we need to take special care to protect our equipment.
With more and more gadgets in the home, pet owners can take proactive steps to protect their devices while keeping their pets happy.
