As you watch other people taking their dogs for a walk and playing with them in the park, you probably fancy the time you will get to own your pet. Keeping a pet may be an incredible experience, but it does come with specific responsibilities.
According to a 2007 Harris Interactive Poll, 90 percent of pet owners consider their pets to be part of their family. As such, you need to make necessary adjustments in your home to accommodate the family’s newest member. It does not matter if you live in a large house or a small apartment. You should ensure that your home is pet-friendly.
Here are some simple suggestions that can help you make your home pet-friendly.
Create Room For your Pets
Your pet does not care about the type of furniture you use or your house aesthetics. However, what they care about is their personal space. It would help if you gave your pet enough room to roam around and express its emotions. Because believe it or not, pets are prone to irritability and boundary violations. You do not want them to express those emotions on your furniture.
The area you allocate for your pet depends on your pet’s size and that of the house. Ensure that they have enough space to sit, move around, stand, and lie down comfortably. It would be best if you chose a quiet area, away from direct sunlight and with a consistent temperature. A backed-up corner is a great option you should consider.
Choose Pet-Friendly Material
It would be best if you considered the impacts of having a pet at home when designing a pet-friendly home. It can be a big problem when you find your wooden floors and furniture full of scratches. The cost-implications of performing renovations can be too high.
Rather than making a costly mistake, base your choices on durability and ease of maintenance. Therefore, instead of wooden floors, it is best to choose ceramic tiles or laminated floors. If you prefer to have carpets and runners in your house, consider using hand-knotted rugs with a low pile. Mats made from natural materials are easier to clean than synthetic and machine-made rugs.
Install a Strong and Durable Fence
If you live on your property, installing a fence around your house allows you to have peace of mind regarding your pet’s safety. However, ensure that the fence is strong enough to hold even big dogs as they may get feisty and try to fight their way out when they see another animal pass by.
If you have a strong fence around your house, you can then allow your dogs to go out and play in the compound without the need for supervision. To allow your pet to access the compound smoothly, you should consider installing a doggy door. With access to the outdoors, your pets can therefore stop causing mischief and accidents in the house.
If you have a pet at home, you should pet-proof your home to ensure that your pets are safe, secure, and comfortable. It also goes to show the unconditional love you have for the new family member. Whatever design options you decide upon, ensure that they coincide with your pet’s personality. Remember, your goal is to make your pet feel comfortable and emotionally secure.