People see their pets as family members. That’s why keeping their furry friends happy and healthy is on top of their priority list. From pet cars to salons, pet owners will do anything to indulge their pets. In addition to these luxuries, they are also looking for a way to make their home more pet-friendly.
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1. Install pet-friendly flooring
Your pet most definitely has the time of his life rolling around your carpet. However, it’s a complete nightmare to clean it. Over time, pet hair and odor accumulate, and it’s incredibly challenging to get rid of it altogether. Even if you’re persistent and vacuum every day, it’s practically impossible to remove all of the stains or pet hairs that have been left behind.
For that reason, lots of pet parents decide to get rid of wall-to-wall carpeting and install ceramic tiles or wood flooring (think mahogany, maple, elm, sycamore, or oak). These flooring solutions are simple to clean and maintain and can be ready for visitors in a heartbeat. In other words, they are a great solution if you want to make your home more suitable for pets.
In addition, try laminate flooring for a more cost-effective alternative. It looks like hardwood, but it’s more scratch-resistant.
For an extra layer of warmth, add area rugs to your floors. Look for pieces that are easily washable or made of an indoor/outdoor fabric that can be hosed down. Short pile or jute rugs are better than thick pile rugs since they last longer. In addition, consider getting carpets that match your pet’s color, so you don’t have to deal with seeing the constant shedding.
2. Buy appropriate furniture
Choose pet-friendly furniture and materials around your home for added durability and less maintenance. For simple cleaning, leather and Ultrasuede are wonderful choices. When it comes to furniture coverings and cushions, look for durable materials, such as polyester microfiber or cotton.
Last but not least, avoid materials that retain pet hair or stain quickly. Your favorite ottoman might get destroyed by dirty paws or an upset stomach.
Another area where you should concentrate your efforts is your bedroom. Cats and dogs love to climb and unwind on your bed. That’s why we suggest that you choose a bed sheet that can be washed frequently without fading or a pet-specific throw blanket.
Additionally, consider creating a special spot in your home with their own pet furniture. If you’re moving into a new home, experts at beltwaymovers.com suggest you find a moving crew that will set this area first. Not only will your pet adjust better and quicker too, but you’ll also be able to keep them off of the other furniture while setting everything else up.
3. Pet-proof your windows
Cats and dogs love to keep an eye on what’s going on in the neighborhood and watch the world go by. They’re beautifully curious, and so they make our windows their lookout stations. Unfortunately, if you live in a building or two-story home, they may lean and fall out. That’s why it is necessary to keep the window screens in place and make sure they’re securely fastened.
If your pet keeps leaning against or jumping toward the window, think about buying aluminum window screens. They are more resilient than conventional mesh, yet they don’t block your view.
4. Less is more
Pets will play with anything, especially dogs. The truth is, they don’t know the difference between their toys and your valuables. That’s why you’ll have to embrace the “less is more” way of living. This doesn’t mean not having any of your dear memorabilia, decor, and similar stuff in your home. It just means protecting your most valuable belongings.
You can do this by storing them out of their reach and closing the door on your kitchen, bathroom, or other areas to keep your furry explorers from trashing them. And sometimes, it’s best to move some valuables out of the house altogether. This is where storage services come in handy.
You don’t have to get rid of your stuff forever; there are just some items to keep away from your pet for a certain amount of time. This is the best and easiest solution for protecting your valuables and your pet.
5. Avoid white
6. Hide toxic chemicals
Pets are always exploring and getting into things they shouldn’t, such as poisonous cleansers or medicine. Many intelligent pets can open cupboards and closets, hop up on shelves, and get into places where they are not supposed to. To avoid accidentally poisoning your pet, make sure you keep or lock away all poisonous and harmful substances.
Install locks if you want to keep your cleaning products in the sink cabinet. In the garage, latch or lock cabinets where you store antifreeze. Finally, be careful with pesticides. For example, use only pet-friendly pesticides and safely store any remaining pesticides in your garage or shed.
7. Tuck away electrical cords and cables
We all have a bunch of cords and cables all around our floors. It’s something we’re all struggling with. However, if you have a pet and want to make your living space fit for pets, you’ll have to deal with this problem right away.
So, to make the cords chew-proof, cover them with a thick cable protector (available at any reputable hardware store). You can also hide dangling wires and cables beneath the furniture. Whichever opinion you choose, make sure to get rid of the cord jungle in any corner of your home.
Final thoughts
If you want to have a happy pet, a lovely home, and peaceful life, you’ll have to make your home more suitable for pets. As you can see, there are many ways to do so. While some things from this list require more effort than others (such as changing your floors and furniture), some of them are pretty easy to do (putting medicine and toxins on high shelves).
The critical thing to remember is to think about your pet whenever you’re buying something for the house, especially if you’re planning a renovation. So, good luck!