Are you getting a new pet? Consider making your home pet-friendly first. A responsible owner starts preparing even before his new pet arrives. We have listed some of the most important ways to make your home healthier, happier, and more comfortable for your pets.
Install a Pet Door
Pets like dogs and cats are happier and adjust better to their new home if you allow them to freely move in and out of your house. If your home has a backyard or a fenced area, you can let your pets freely roam the outdoors by installing a pet door.
Pet doors come in different sizes and designs. Choose one that will fit your pet’s size. And most pet doors are also easy to install, but you can again ask a specialist to install this for you. For a dog, the pet door’s height should be at least two inches from the shoulder.
And together with installing a pet door, pet-proof your yard by adding a secure, high fence. If you have a large and robust dog, consider burying the wall up to two feet deep. You can choose from a metal or wooden fence.
Use Pet-Friendly Furniture
Pets like dogs will love to stay on furniture, so it’s best to use furniture made with woven fabrics and microfibers so these will be easier to clean. The woven fabric material is more comfortable to clean and remove fur or residue using a lint roller. Choose furniture made from outdoor fabric such as acrylic fabrics, polyester, outdoor canvas, PVC polyester, or olefin fabrics.
Pets may chew or gnaw on furniture, too, and thus, metal furniture may be a good option. Hence, when choosing a good pet bed, select beds with washable fabrics and those that can keep your pet warm, especially during cold days and nights. And of course, pets are curious and would check out anything that interests them. Remove anything that they can easily knock over or break, especially on low tables.
Install Cabinet Locks and Door Locks
Pets like dogs and cats are intelligent, while some can learn how to open cabinet doors and drawers. In particular, dogs can pull large doors and drawers to get food and sometimes get into mischief. So, place locks on your cabinet doors and refrigerator doors. Keep dangerous chemicals like cleaning and disinfecting products away.
Keep the pantry door closed and locked as your pets may come in and eat your food. Remember, some human foods are not suitable for pets; some may even be dangerous. Foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, garlic, onions, and other dairy products are bad for dogs and cats. And to keep safe, place all human food under lock and key.
Go for Natural Flooring Materials than Carpets
Even the most well-trained pets may still accidentally pee or poop indoors! Messes such as mud tracks, fur and hair, soil, and other outdoor dirt are very hard to remove on a carpeted floor. Make cleanups easier and less stressful by eliminating carpets and just going for bare wood or stone floors.
Also, some pets may develop unwanted behaviors like biting or chewing fabrics, carpets, and furniture. It is very likely for pets to get bored. Take them out for a walk or play with them to prevent these unwanted behaviors. Remove carpets and rugs to keep your pet from chewing and biting,
Give Your Pets Their “Own” Space
Just like individual members of your family, your pet should have his own space like a pet bed, his feeding area (where his food and water dishes are placed), and where he can play outdoors. Pets should be allowed to roam and discover their surroundings but safely. Let your new pet understand your space, too, and respect your property.
To let your pet know off-limits sections in your home, use fences, and gates. Install a simple barrier to keep them off rooms, hallways, and basements. Also, train your pet to keep off these places and help him find his sleeping and eating areas.
Cultivate Safe Plants
Pets tend to play, bite, and nibble on plants found at home or in your garden. That is why you must consider cultivating only safe plants at home. If you plan to get a dog, cat, or other small mammals, do not grow plants like lilies, tulips, azaleas, rhododendrons, and marijuana.
Safe houseplants for pets are Boston ferns, cat grass, rosemary, and spider plants. In particular, Boston ferns are not just safe for pets but can also help purify indoor air. You need this kind of plant to help remove stubborn pet smells and odor.
Pet-Friendly Homes For Every Pet
You might have different pets that need special attention and care. Here are some tips if you plan to take home various animals and let them live with you for years.
Cats and Dogs
Cats and dogs are playful and are well-suited as indoor pets, but you must have enough room for your pets to roam around and explore. If you live in a small apartment or dorm, consider smaller pets or quiet pets that best suit this kind of home. Remember to get the food that they need so they have all the nutrients required for their age, breed, and size. You might want to use a Nutra Thrive coupon code to help you with saving some money on these items as well.
Small Mammals
Small mammals like rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and gerbils may take only a small space but need a durable, sound quality enclosure. Consider additional safety precautions if you have other larger pets or you have little kids at home.
Fishes
Fish are quiet and not as demanding as dogs and cats but require a well-maintained tank and good food. A large tank is best to keep your fishes happy. Monitor water quality and temperature regularly and correct any issues ASAP.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Keep reptiles and amphibians in proper containers and at the correct temperature and humidity levels to keep them safe, happy, and healthy. Understand your unique pet needs and make sure all your family members know how to care for them properly.
Pets bring joy to our lives. Our job as responsible pet parents is to provide safe, happy, and healthy homes for them. If you have any issues with your pet, talk to a specialist or your vet to get the best help.
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