How to Design a Pet-Friendly Home

We set up our homes to provide all the essentials of comfortable living, and they are a personal haven where we relax and recoup from our daily lives. As more people share your residence, you have to provide a cohesive environment that suits everyone, and this can be challenging if not done right.

What about your pet? A dog entering your home can affect the balance, so thoughtful design needs to be implemented so the dog is safe from harm and can thrive in your care. Here’s some advice on designing a home that’s friendly for pets, with tips on creating the best living space for your furry friends.

Consider Your Location

We usually don’t let our pets dictate where we choose to live, but if you are getting a dog or cat, consider what amenities they need to thrive. Your community should have a park nearby that is easy to visit regularly. This is mainly for dog owners. Also, you want to be close to work and shopping, so it takes you less time to be away. Your pet is always at home, waiting to be with you. Finally, find a pet store and vet nearby so you can easily access them.

Keep Your Place Clean

Most people keep their residences clean and clutter-free, but this is even more important for pets because they contribute to the mess. Animals are curious creatures and want to explore and explore everything. They will get into it if you have garbage, food, or other things in their space.

Pet hair is another issue you will need to deal with. Animals leave hair and dander behind, and it usually has an odour you may not smell because you are used to it. Also, their hair is oily, which can cause dirt and debris to cling to it on the floor and furniture.

Be sure to regularly clean your home by vacuuming chairs and couches to remove hair and sweep up any dust bunnies that show up. They also keep their food and litter clean and want to visit these essential spots.

Say No to Carpet

Carpeting in a home gives you comfort and warmth, but not with a pet. Indoor animals have accidents, so there will be a lot of puddles and piles to clean up. These may stain carpets and leave behind odours that are difficult to remove. Carpets are also the perfect place for fleas and ticks to hide. In addition, claws easily snag carpets. They can peel and fray fibres, ruining your flooring. If possible, switch the flooring to something more durable and easier to clean, like laminate, wood, or tile. For an aging pet, consider non-slip area rugs where it travels or rests, so it gets better traction.

Get the Right Food

Feeding your dog may seem easy: go to the pet store and buy whatever is on sale, but there are better ways to care for your pet. Low-quality food can make your dog lazy or sick, which is unfair to them.

Instead, talk to the pet store staff and see what they recommend. They will consider your dog’s age and breed and provide you with nutritional options to help your pet reach its peak. Products like Orijen dog food are often highly recommended. These include dry, wet, raw, frozen, and even dehydrated dog food.

A pet-friendly home is not just about their living environment but also their nutritional needs, so buy the best dog food you can afford and follow a regimented feeding schedule, so they get the right amount of food each day.

Give Them Their Space

Like all residents in your home, your pet should have a private area for a little privacy. This area should be out of the way of where all the action is around your house. Ensure they have a cozy bed and some shelter, so they feel comfortable and secure. They can easily go in and out as often as they want.

Pick Durable Fabrics

You have couches and chairs with particular fabrics that suit you. Choose durable fabrics to keep your house pristine with a dog or cat. These include:

• Microfibre
• Croton
• Polyester
• Acrylic
• Tight weaving

Avoid leather as it easily scratches and get durable blankets to cover the furniture, so you don’t damage or stain it. This is how to design a pet-friendly home. Bringing an animal into your home is wonderful, so ensure you set it up with their well-being in mind. Then, you can share your space and enjoy pet love.