The Best Way to make your home pet friendly now
Pets bring joy to everyone’s life, from pet owners to family members. But, sometimes, your pet tends to get into some form of mischief. Trust me, all pet owners will go through this at one point or another. You’ll never escape seeing your dog digging countless holes in your yard, your cat spinning a roll of toilet paper until it is all on the floor, or other nonsense you may see your pet doing. It doesn’t matter whether you have a cute puppy, a fuzzy little kitten, or another pet. Animals often do strange things out of curiosity, so making your house pet-proof is a must to ensure pet safety.
But, what even is a pet-proof home? How do you make your home pet-proof? How do I ensure a pet-safe home?? This blog will answer all your questions based on how to make your home pet friendly, and ensure pet safety, along with tips and tricks for pet-proofing homes.
Table of Contents
What are some of the things that should be kept out of pets’ reach?
How do I set limitations for my pet?
Keeping your pet occupied and comfortable
Making your home pet friendly with style
Is my home pet friendly?
To determine if your home is pet friendly, we must first know what a pet-friendly home is.
What is a pet-friendly home?
Simply put, a pet-friendly home is one that has nothing that poses a risk to the pet. Don’t get me wrong, this is not saying that you should have absolutely none of these items in your house. They should just be out of your pet’s reach.
Now that you know what a pet-friendly home is, it is easier for us pet owners to determine if you have a pet-friendly home. Simply, if your home poses no risks to your pet, it is pet friendly. Let’s look into it deeper by identifying curiosity in pets.
Curious pets
Curiosity is a natural trait among animals. It is a way to explore the environment, learn new things, and satisfy their instincts. However, curiosity in pets is not the same, and some ages are more prone to curiosity than others.
For example, young pets like puppies and kittens are the most curious. They are young and still exploring their surroundings and don’t have a sense of danger. Due to this, they are one of the most accident-prone pets and must be kept under supervision. Otherwise, they could get into trouble while you aren’t looking.
As they get older, their curiosity may decrease. However, they may still exhibit some curious behaviors.
Pet proofing your house
Since all animals, whether it’s a cat or dog, or another pet, of all ages are curious, the only thing to do is make your house pet-proof. Ensuring your house is pet-proof can be easy or hard, it depends on the number of pets you have and your house size. A pet-safe house, firstly, should have things that are off-bounds for your pets.
What are some of the things that should be kept out of pets’ reach?
Sharp objects
These are a big no-no when it comes to your pet. Excluding these objects from your pet’s close-up surroundings plays a huge role in your pet’s safety. It will prevent serious injuries and ensure a safe environment for any size pet. Whether you have a small pet or a small animal, like a small cat or dog, it doesn’t matter. Simply moving a knife from your pet’s reach or relocating breakable items from a low shelf to a much higher, secure one, will prevent animals from hurting themselves and keep your pet safe.
Cleaning products
One of the most common household items that can harm pets is cleaners. Many of these products contain chemicals that can be toxic to pets. For example, toilet bowl cleaners. The dangerous chemicals in these cleaners are a whole blog in itself. But, for safety precautions, keep the toilet lid closed when using these cleaners. In addition, the toilet lid must always be closed and only opened when it needs to be used. Untrained and curious animals may very well drink the contaminated water. This isn’t the only problem. If your pet meddles around the toilet too much, pet hair may get into the toilet and clog it.
Also, it’s important to keep the cleaners stored in a safe and secure place, like a high shelf or a locked cabinet in the laundry room, and never leave them unattended around a pet. Another thing to consider is closing the caps properly. Closing the caps slackly won’t only pose a risk to your pet, but it will pose a risk to you and others around you as well. Your pet, mostly young pets, may knock a cleaner over, inhale it too much or even attempt to lick it and become ill. And, even though we know that it is dangerous to drink or mishandle cleaners, we may have younger family members who may not know the dangers.
White household items
Keep white clothes, furniture, and other easily stained household items out of your pet’s reach. Scratches, pet hair, and dirt are seen easily and are hard to completely wash out.
Trash cans
Use larger trash cans, or relocate them(if you haven’t dealt with the issue of your pet getting into your trash cans). You won’t have garbage lying across your floor when you discipline your dog and get better trash cans.
Remove All electrical cords from your pet’s reach
Another hazardous household item is electrical cords and outlets. These are choking hazards, and pets are known to chew on cords, which can lead to electric shocks and burns. To prevent this, cover cords with cord protectors or keep them out of reach. You can also use baby gates or barriers to keep pets away from electrical outlets. Broken wires, or dangling wires, are another of many dangerous safety hazards. They are so dangerous; they can lead to an animal’s death. So, as soon as you discover a broken wire, be sure to remove it right away.
Foods that are toxic to your pets
For example, human foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or old food/spoiled food, etc. are not pet food and can cause severe health problems in dogs and cats and can be choking hazards. It’s essential to keep these foods out of reach and, as good pet owners, educate family members and guests not to feed them to your pets, to keep your pets safe.
Toxic plants
Plants can also be hazardous to pets. Lilies, poinsettias, and ivy are just a few examples. Before bringing any indoor plants, as good pet owners, research which ones are pet safe and keep the toxic ones out of reach.
For more information on toxic foods and plants for pets, click here.
Now, we can move on to step two of successfully pet-proofing your house: limiting your pet.
How do I set limitations for my pet?
As pet owners, we love our furry friends and want them to have the freedom to roam around the house. However, it’s important to set limitations to keep them safe and prevent damage to your home. Here are some ways to set limitations for your pet.
Pet doors
Pet doors are a great way to give your pet access to the outdoors while keeping them safe. They come in different sizes, so it’s important to choose the right one for your pet. Small animals and small pets may need a smaller door, while larger animals and larger pets may need a larger pet door. The best place to install a pet door is in a door that leads to a fenced area or a backyard.
Baby gates
Baby gates are another useful tool for setting limitations for your pet. They are great for keeping your pet in a designated area or keeping them away from certain parts of the house. The best place to put a baby gate is in a doorway or at the bottom or top of the stairs. You can also use baby gates to keep your pet away from areas with dangerous items, such as cleaning products.
Dog run
You can also consider having a dog run in your yard. Be sure to make it exciting, with lots of grass, rocks, and activities.
Childproof latches
To prevent your pet from opening doors and escaping, consider installing childproof latches. They are easy to install and can be used on cabinet doors, doors, and windows. The best place to put them is on doors that lead to the outside or on cabinets that contain hazardous materials.
High shelves
High shelves are another way to keep certain items out of reach from your pet. This is especially important for items that could be harmful, such as medications or cleaning products. The best place to put high shelves is in a room that your pet doesn’t have access to or in a closet with childproof latches.
Keeping your pet occupied and comfortable
Having a curious pet is just like having a curious child. If you leave them unoccupied, they will get into all sorts of mischief. To keep your pet busy and entertained inside their pet gate, consider giving them toys and puzzles to play with. Puzzle toys, chew toys, and interactive toys are great options. You can also rotate their toys to keep them interested and engaged. For example, today your pet has chew toys like a toy bone and a set of puzzles, and tomorrow a toy ball and a squeaky tug-of-war rope.
Additionally, your pet should feel comfortable in its baby gate. Make sure, especially for cats, your furry friend, a litter box is in or near the gate section. But, ensure the litter box is not too close to your pet’s own space. If just about anything interferes with your pet’s personal space, your pet will feel uncomfortable, and try every possible way to get rid of it, even if it becomes a choking hazard.
Now, it’s time to dive into the last step in successfully pet-proofing your home.
Playing your part
As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to create a safe and comfortable environment for our furry friends. One of the most important aspects of pet-proofing your home is ensuring that it’s clean and free from hazards. Here are some tips on how you can play your part in pet-proofing your home.
Bathing and grooming your pet
This is an essential part of keeping your home clean and odor-free. Regular bathing and grooming can help reduce shedding, which means less hair around the house. It can also help prevent skin irritations and infections, which can cause unpleasant odors. Make sure to use pet-safe shampoos and grooming products.
Vacuuming regularly
Vacuuming regularly is also important in maintaining a clean home. Hair and dander can accumulate quickly, which can cause allergies and other health issues. Make sure to vacuum carpets, furniture, and other areas where your pets spend time. You can also use a lint roller or pet hair remover to clean up smaller areas.
Using stain-resistant fabrics
This is another way to make your home safe for pets. There are many fabrics that are specifically designed to resist stains and spills, such as microfiber, leather, and Crypton. These fabrics are easy to clean and can help prevent stains and odors. Additionally, consider using slipcovers on furniture that can be easily removed and washed.
Removing carpets and rugs and sticking to tiles and hard floors
Doing this is also a good idea for pet-proofing your home. Carpets and rugs can trap fur and dander, making them difficult to clean. Additionally, pets may have accidents on carpets and rugs, which can cause unpleasant odors and stains. Hard floors are much easier to clean and maintain and can be more durable in the long run.
Using colors that match your pet’s fur
Using colors that match your pet’s fur is another way to pet-proof your home. If you have a pet with dark fur, consider using darker colors for furniture and decor. This can help hide pet hair and dander, making it less noticeable. Additionally, consider using fabrics and materials that are less likely to show pet hair, such as velvet or corduroy.
Making your home pet friendly with style
As owners of pets, we want to create a comfortable and safe environment for our furry friends while still maintaining a stylish home. Here are some tips on how to make your home pet-friendly with style.
Firstly, having a safe for pets home is important for both you and your four-legged friend. It can reduce stress and anxiety for your pet, and prevent accidents and injuries in the home. Additionally, a safe for pets home can be stylish and modern while still meeting your pet’s needs.
Trendy styles
One trend in home styling is the use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and marble. These materials can add warmth and texture to your home while also being durable and easy to clean. Popular tiles this year include terrazzo, encaustic, and geometric tiles. These tiles are not only trendy but also slip-resistant, making them a great option for owners of dogs and cats.
Another trend is the use of large windows and doors to let in natural light and create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. However, it’s important to ensure that these windows and doors are safe for pets, keeping sturdy locks and screens to prevent your pet from escaping or injuring themselves.
Flooring
In terms of flooring, hardwood floors are a popular choice for their durability and easy maintenance. However, they can be prone to scratches from pets. To prevent damage to your floors, consider using rugs or mats in areas where your pet spends time. Additionally, vinyl and laminate flooring are also pet-safe options that can mimic the look of hardwood floors.
To make your home safe for pets with style, consider incorporating pet-friendly furniture such as scratch-resistant sofas, pet beds that match your decor, and stylish storage solutions for animal toys and supplies. Additionally, you can incorporate your pet’s accessories into your decor by choosing coordinating colors and patterns that complement your home’s style.
Conclusion
Pets are wonderful creatures and can turn anyone’s frown upside down. But, making your home safe for pets is an important aspect of pet ownership. From bathing and grooming your pets to using stain-resistant fabrics, removing carpets and rugs, and choosing safe furniture, there are many ways to create a safe and comfortable environment for your furry friend. There are three main steps in successfully creating a safe home.
First, you must ensure dangerous items are out of your pet’s reach. Next, you have to set limitations for your pet, such as pet gates. Last, you have to play your part. You can do so by bathing and grooming your dog, for example. By incorporating stylish design choices such as natural materials, slip-resistant tiles, and safe furniture, you can create a cohesive and stylish space that meets your pets’ needs while still maintaining the look and feel of your home. Remember, a safe for-pets home not only benefits your pets but also promotes a clean and healthy living environment for you and your family.
F.A.Q’s
Q: I want a stylish home, but I want to make it safe for my pets too. I didn’t make a large budget. What are the cheapest options?
A: Here are some affordable options to help you create a safe for pets and a stylish home:
Choose durable materials – Select durable materials that can withstand scratches, spills, and stains. For example, choose leather or microfiber sofas instead of fabric ones. They are easier to clean and maintain.
Create a designated pet area – Designate a specific area for your pet, such as a corner of your living room or a small room, where they can relax or play. You can add a pet bed, toys, and a feeding station.
Use pet-friendly plants – Not only do they add a touch of greenery, but they also purify the air. Some safe options include spider plants, bamboo, and African violets.
Invest in washable rugs – Rugs are great for adding warmth and texture to a room, but they can also be a hotspot for pet hair and stains. Invest in washable rugs that can be easily cleaned and maintained.
Store pet supplies stylishly – Store your pet supplies in a stylish way, such as using decorative baskets or storage containers. This not only keeps your home organized but also adds to the overall decor.
Opt for pet-friendly furniture – Choose furniture that is safe for pets, such as a coffee table with rounded edges instead of sharp ones. This helps prevent any accidents or injuries.
Where are the best places to buy windows, doors, and other home improvement supplies at the best quality and cost?
Here are some of the best places to buy windows, doors, and other home improvement supplies for pet-proofing your home:
Home Depot – Home Depot is a one-stop shop for all your home improvement needs. They offer a wide variety of doors, windows, and pet-proofing supplies at competitive prices. They also have a large selection of pet doors, which can be installed in your existing doors or windows.
Lowe’s – Lowe’s is another great option for home improvement supplies. They have a wide selection of doors, windows, and pet-proofing supplies at affordable prices. They also offer installation services, so you can ensure your pet doors are installed correctly.
Amazon– Amazon has a vast selection of pet-proofing supplies, including pet doors, window film, and scratch-resistant furniture protectors. You can compare prices and read customer reviews to find the best options for your needs.
Chewy– Chewy is a popular online retailer for pet supplies, but they also offer a selection of pet-proofing supplies. From pet gates to furniture covers, they have a variety of options to keep your home safe and clean.
Petco– Petco is another retailer that offers pet-proofing supplies. They have a selection of pet gates, furniture covers, and pet doors to keep your home safe and secure for your furry friends.
