How to Make Your Home a Paradise for Your Pets
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
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Pets are often more than just animals; they are cherished members of our families. As pet owners, it’s essential to ensure that our furry friends feel comfortable, safe, and loved in our homes. By making a few adjustments, you can transform your living space into a pet-friendly paradise.
As of 2024, 66% (or 82 Million!) of U.S. households own a pet. The vast majority of them own cats, dogs, or a combination of the two. For that reason, this article will focus primarily on them, but many of these concepts will still apply to other types of animals.
PROVIDE A DEDICATED SPACE
Pets need their own designated area to retreat to, unwind, and feel secure. Start by setting up a cozy corner, cage, or other space with a comfortable bed, blankets, and toys. This personal space will give them a sense of belonging and a spot they can call their own.
PROVIDE OUTDOOR ACCESS
If you have a yard, create a safe outdoor space for your pets to enjoy. Install secure fencing, provide shade, and have fresh water available. Consider adding pet-friendly plants or an enclosed area where they can explore and play safely. If you use a doggie door, make sure that it can be secured at night so that other creatures can’t come in.
CREATE BOUNDARIES
Set boundaries by using pet or baby gates to restrict access to certain areas. This allows you to separate spaces where pets may be more prone to cause mischief or where they could be exposed to pet hazards like open staircases or fragile items. Make sure pet gates are sturdy enough for large dogs and that the slats are close enough together for cats and smaller dogs to keep them inside.
CONSIDER DURABLE FURNITURE
Pets can unintentionally cause wear and tear on furniture, especially those pets that like to scratch and dig. If your pet falls into this category, you should choose durable materials such as leather or microfiber that are resistant to scratching and easy to clean. If you allow your pets on your furniture, you should also use washable covers or throws to protect your furniture from shedding fur or muddy paws.
ESTABLISH A CLEANING ROUTINE
Maintaining cleanliness is essential for a pet-friendly home. Start by brushing your pet on a regular basis with one of these. If you have a cat, make sure to change the litter box frequently. Develop a regular cleaning routine that includes vacuuming, dusting (including fans and blinds), and mopping to keep pet hair and dander under control. This helps create a healthier environment for both your pets and you. Using a Swiffer or a feather duster can significantly assist in keeping fur and dander off furniture, floors, and other areas.
CHOOSE PET-FRIENDLY FLOORING
Consider replacing carpets with pet-friendly flooring options such as laminate, vinyl, or tile. Carpets (and the pads under them) trap dirt, pet odors, bacteria, ticks, and other mites. There are many options for solid-surface floors that resist scratches and stains. These surfaces are more durable, easier to clean and maintain, and ensure that accidents or shedding won’t leave lasting damage or odors. As always, choose something that also appeals to you!
PROVIDE ENGAGING ENTERTAINMENT
Keep your pets mentally stimulated by providing engaging entertainment options. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, scratching posts, or window perches will usually interest cats, while dogs will enjoy chew toys or treat-dispensing toys. This helps prevent boredom and behavior harmful to your home. Keep an eye on your dogs with certain chew toys because they can be choking hazards. Anything with strings, removable eyes, squeakers, or even stuffing might be ingested by some dogs, causing irritation or even serious health problems. Should your pet begin to choke, make sure you know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver for animals (it’s different for animals!) and the best way to remove a ball or other objects from their throats.
INCORPORATE PET-FRIENDLY DECOR
Choose pet-friendly décor that aligns with your interior design. Opt for washable rugs or stain-resistant fabrics that can withstand accidents. Consider cat trees for cats to climb and observe their surroundings. When it comes to wood furniture and teething puppies, think about spraying some sour apple or other bitter spray on the legs of furniture to keep curious mouths at bay.
KEEP THESE ITEMS PUT AWAY
For obvious reasons, keep small toys such as Legos, Barbie dolls, action figures with removable parts, and any toy or item smaller than your pet’s ankle. If your beloved pet has a hard time ignoring these items, here is an article on how to train dogs to stay away from toys.
STORE TOXIC SUBSTANCES SAFELY
Take precautions to store cleaning supplies, chemicals, and medications securely away from prying paws by keeping them in cabinets or on high shelves, out of your pet’s reach. Remember that some houseplants can also be toxic, so research and remove any potentially harmful ones.
Don’t forget that many foods can also be toxic – or deadly – to our furry friends! There’s a handy, printable guide at the end of this article showing which foods to keep far away from your pets.
Candles, essential oils, and air fresheners (both the aerosol spray and wall plug versions) can be very noxious to animals’ very sensitive nasal passages. In some cases, your pet may become ill, experience damage to their organs, or even contract cancer. To better understand the effects of these scents, read “Scents That Are Harmful to Pets & Which Scents are Safe” from Preventive Vet.
HELP WITH EXTREME HEAT & COLD
Did you know that a dog can die within as little as 6 minutes of being left in a car? The chart below shows how quickly a dog (or any other living creature, for that matter) can get overheated, even with windows left open a little. Unfortunately, it’s not just in automobiles that pets can suffer, so keep the following in mind around your home and their environment, too.
Dogs and cats don’t sweat – they pant. Heat gets released primarily through their tongues and ALSO their paws. If you see excessive panting, you can be sure that the animal is hot. The best way to minimize becoming overheated in warmer weather is to purchase a heat reduction vest that helps keep your dog cooler by as much as 30 degrees.
If you find an overheated dog, don’t give it ice-cold water, as that could shock its system, causing blood clots or even death. Instead, wrap cool, wet towels around its paws, under the armpits, or over the neck. Learn the signs of an overheated animal and what to do about it in this article from the Dogington Post.
When walking your dog, make sure the pavement is not too hot as well. Because black pavement and surfaces trap heat so much more, they can be as much as 60 degrees warmer than the outside air! The general rule of thumb is that if you can’t hold the back of your hand to the surface for more than 10 seconds, it’s too hot for dogs to walk on without the need for protection. Likewise, very cold temperatures may give your dog frostbite, and paved areas will hold cold temperatures longer than the air itself. If you live in an area prone to extreme temperatures, consider purchasing dog booties. At first, they will feel uncomfortable, but your dog will get used to them! If you notice that your dog’s paws have been damaged, use some specially formulated ointment to soothe and protect.
With this information and these tips, you can transform your home into a pet-friendly haven, catering to your furry friend’s needs and ensuring their well-being. Creating a safe and welcoming environment for your pets will not only enhance their quality of life but also strengthen the bond between you and your beloved companions.