If you’re like me, you take your pets into consideration when making decisions. “What am I going to do with my dog when I’m out of my home, where will we go for a walk today, will he like this play toy?” These are likely questions you frequently ask yourself. But a big question that has probably crossed your mind since you’ve been in the house hunt is “how can I make my home pet friendly without sacrificing style?” Check out these four ways to pet-proof your home without much alteration at all.
Flooring
With your dog/cat running throughout your home on a daily basis, it’s critical that you keep your floors protected. The harder the better. Tile is virtually scratch resistant and it’s extremely easy to clean if your pet comes in from a muddy walk or has an accident. Tile also provides a cool place for your pet to lounge on during the warm months. Wood laminate and engineered hardwood are also good options if you want to keep the classic wood look in your home. The finish of these floors toughens the surface so one swipe of a paw won’t show noticeable damage.
Bundle and Hide Cables
Cats and dogs like to chew on cables laying around the house. This could cause a dangerous electrocution which could harm your pet as well as ruin the cord for you. If you are able, store your cords in a drawer once you are finished with them, so it has less chance of harming your pet. The last thing you want is to come home to your cat bundled up and tangled up in your cell phone charger.
Check Your Window Screens
We all know cats like to hang out of windows (and somehow always land on their feet) and dogs like to gaze out the window. You want to prevent your pets from falling out of the window and breaking your window screen, so it’s imperative to check all of your window screens before you create a breeze throughout your house. This is extremely important for windows on higher levels as it would be farther for your pet to fall.
Give Your Pet a Designated Space
When moving into your new home, it’s important that you give your pet a space of their own. This space should include a play area with toys, water, and a bed. Having a place your pet can go when they want to relax will prevent them from exploring places of your home that they shouldn’t. Invest in a gate that closes off forbidden areas of the home so you can be in other parts of the home without worrying if they are wandering around.
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Use these helpful tips to create a safe place for your pet and family. Living together can be done peacefully if you take the necessary precautions to pet-proof your home. These tips don’t require a ton of expense, just some strategizing and imagining how your pets see your home.