For some pet owners, your pets are an extension of your family; however, the reality is that animals have different needs than humans, and your home doesn’t always cater to all of those needs. You can make your home pet friendly with a few helpful changes in decoration and renovation—if you want to go that far—that will make you a happy owner and your pet a happy, safe animal.
Safety
Animals can be like children: curious, playful, and always needing an eye kept on them (except cats—until they knock that priceless vase off the table)! Some general safety tips are as follows:
- Close cupboards with childproof latches or keep medicine and cleaners on high shelves to prevent pets from getting into dangerous chemicals.
- Cover or hang wires where they can’t dangle to avoid your pet not only tripping on loose cords, but also from causing a massive mess like toppled electronics and chewed wires!
- Place breakable items where your pet can’t accidentally knock any down with a haphazard tail or stray paw.
- Keep hazardous choke items, like small toys or buttons, out of reach from a curious pet’s mouth.
- Place a water bowl in an accessible but out-of-the-way place in the house or backyard so your pet has constant access to hydration.
Cleanliness
Owning a pet can add an additional source of dirt and frustration. One way to make your house pet friendly is to keep in mind that your pet can only do so much for itself when it comes to cleanliness; you can teach a dog to use the bathroom outside and your cat to use the litter box, but there’s more to cleaning up after a dog than potty training. When you start to make your house pet friendly, be sure to remember the following:
- Groom and bathe your pets at least once a month or more for dirtier animals.
- Vacuum at least twice a week to prevent buildup of dander, fur, and dirt.
- Avoid carpet if you have dogs or cats; carpet absorbs stains, odors, and dirt that can be expensive to thoroughly clean out. The optimal flooring of choice is hard surfaces.
- If you want to allow your pet on the furniture, cover your furniture with fur-matching cloth that can be removed and washed.
- Keep lint removers in reach to remove pet fur from your clothes.
- Be prepared for your pet leaving accidents, and choose cleaners that can remove those messes.
Convenience and Comfort
Now that your house is safe and clean for your pet to live in, you can additionally make your home pet friendly through comfort and convenience features for your pet and you!
- Purchase toys your pets can safely chew on without choking or falling ill. The more chew toys your pet has, the less likely they’ll chew on something they should not have chewed!
- If you have a cat, set up strategic scratching posts so they can dig their claws into something appropriate, not your couch or curtains.
- Provide your pets with their own space, such a dog house in the back yard or a few comfortable pet beds and pillows lying around the house.
- If you own your home, consider installing a pet door for easy access to the backyard when nature calls.
Cohabitation between pet and owner can be a success if you make your home pet friendly! Keep safety, cleanliness, and comfort in mind, and both you and your pet can live comfortably together.
Stay tuned to the Ryan Roberts Realtor blog for more tips and advice for homeowners! And for all your real estate needs in Auburn, Opelika and Lake Martin, contact Ryan Roberts at 334-750-9872 or email [email protected]!
