Pets are family today. They live with us. They provide companionship and are a great source of comfort, especially to those living alone.
To make your home pet friendly, you must provide a safe environment for them. Puppies and kittens are like babies. They can and often will get into anything and everything. I have one dog that no matter what I drop, somehow it finds its way to her mouth.
Safety Is Priority in Making Your Home Pet Friendly
Stop for a moment and think of things we take for granted. That pretty plant you brought home. Could it be poisonous if eaten? Possibly.
Lock up your medicines and household chemicals as these may also be toxic for your furry friends. If they’re in lower cabinets, childproof safety latches will do the trick for a while.
Same goes for sharp objects and glass. You don’t want your fur baby getting hurt on something sharp or jumping while playing and possibly knocking over a glass bowl or precious item. Accidents happen. With our beloved pets, we try to avoid them.
Elevate and Lock
It may sound silly but get down to your puppy’s level on the floor and see what they see. Way more than we see upright!
How about that open trash can? That’s a no-no. Get a trash can with a lid on it. I had a 5-pound dog who was a garbage picker. She used to poke her head in and pull things out. Not good! Especially if those things could be chicken bones or, heaven forbid, a used razor blade.
Keep food out of reach in the kitchen. Depending on the size of your dogs or if you have cats, kitchen counters are fair game. Put food away! Many foods are toxic to pets. Macadamia nuts, for example, and xylitol which is in a lot of sugar-free foods are both toxic to dogs.
I love macadamia nuts, but I never bring them in the house because I’m too afraid one might fall, and I have one dog who is lightning fast.
If you’re into crafts, please make sure all needles, yarn or any small objects are out of reach of curious puppies and kittens.
And wires, we don’t want them chewing on any wires!
Best Flooring for Pets
What is the best type of flooring for pets? The easiest one you can clean!
Depending on where you live in the country may depend on the type of flooring you have. For example, tile is popular in warmer climates because it stays cool. Some dogs prefer to lay on cool tile, and it sure is easy to clean.
Hardwood, laminate and bamboo may scratch. Area rugs can be added to help. And carpet, while easier for dogs and cats to walk on, may stain.
Make sure you’re equipped with stain remover and plenty of vinegar and water!
Pet Space
Your pet needs his or her own space, a place to call their own. This could be a dog bed, a blanket, crate or a kitty condo or catio. They may sleep in your bed, but pets need some downtime, too, perhaps for a nap or just to hang out.
Fences
If you live in a single-family home, is your yard fenced? What type of fence do you have? Some wrought-iron fences used today have openings that small dogs can easily walk through. If you have this type of fence and are considering getting a small dog, consider adding about two or three feet of screening and having it tacked to the bottom of the fence. I’ve also seen people use Plexiglas.
Using a pet gate indoors will keep pets confined to one room if you’re going out. If they’re young, this may be a good idea, so you don’t walk into a disaster until your furry friend is trained.
As your pets get older, you know their routine, what they’re capable of and what they will and won’t do. Puppies and kittens are a whole other world. They love to explore. It’s a big new world out there. So put things away. Make sure your furry friends are safe.
Making your home pet friendly is not as hard as it seems. It’s really just common sense. Get down and see what they see. If it looks like it might be trouble, it likely is. Your pet will thank you and it will make for a more serene environment.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Are you getting a pet and looking to make your house safe for your new pet? As pet lovers, we’ve all done it. If you’d like to have a conversation or you need help, let’s talk about it!
