How To Make Your Home Pet-friendly
You'll go to any lengths for your furry mates if you own pets. Given that keeping your furry friends happy and healthy is a top responsibility, it is natural that you would use the expensive doggie daycare facilities and pampering "pawdicures." However, while purchasing or building a home, most people don't consider their pets. Just like with us, our finned, feathered, and furry animals need time, care, and a home that is both secure and comfortable. Things that might not seem dangerous to people could be quite dangerous and unsafe for pets.
You can simplify your daily routine and keep your dog safe and content by reading on to find out what to look out for and how a little planning can go a long way.
Steps To A Pet-friendly Home
1. Avoid Rugs and Carpets
Avoid covering your floor with rugs and carpets and go instead for hardwood flooring or textured tiles that are simple to maintain. Rugs in the home might cause a buildup of hair and germs if you own a dog or a cat.
2. Buy trash cans with lids
Replace your short waste bins with tall, lidded trash cans. If your pet manages to sneak into the garbage, they can face choking risks like fruit seeds or chewed chicken bones. Not to mention the junk that would be scattered across your floor, including old meals. Because of this, be careful to choose a trash can that is both secure and sturdy
3. Keep pet-friendly indoor plants
People usually think that a little green can do no harm. However, choosing pet-safe plants is an important part of designing a house which is pet-friendly. Before purchasing an indoor plant, always check the ASPCA's listing of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. Some popular plants, including aloe vera, mums, poinsettias, and amaryllis, can be poisonous to animals. Go directly to the vet if your dog does consume a bit of any dangerous plant.
4. Install window screens
If you don't have window screens fitted, living in a high-rise building may be highly dangerous, especially if you have a cat as a pet. Cats may suffer severe injuries or possibly die. This is crucial if you want to protect your pet's well-being. To ensure that the cat cannot open the window screen, keep the cables short and folded at all times.
5. Hide all open cables
Many apartments come with concealed wiring. Yet, there might be lamps and TV wires hanging where your pets could access them. To prevent chewing on the cords, a thick cable guard may be used. Alternatively, hide cables and trailing wires behind furniture.
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6. Invest in pet-friendly furniture
Pets have a unique comfort zone when you share your sofas and chairs with them. But in these situations, vigilance extends beyond avoiding pet dander and hair. A few fabrics can also absorb unpleasant odours and stains.
Avoid velvet, silk, and tweed when buying pet-friendly furniture as these materials are sensitive to stains and scratches. Instead, choose furniture covered in "outdoor" materials, leather, and synthetic microfiber. Additionally, it's a good idea to steer clear of bright colours when choosing a couch because white or beige furniture is more likely to reveal stains.
Is Your Housing Society Pet-friendly?
Not only your home but also your housing community should be set up such that you can always assure the comfort of your pet. However, there are also some responsibilities. You need to be aware of the following as a pet owner:
The bottom line
Pet owners should accept other people's opinions even when the laws may be friendly to them. Your neighbour might not find comfort in the constant barking. This is why train your pet accordingly.
Always consider owning a pet to be like having a toddler. Every pet owner's number one priority should be to keep their pet safe, secure, and healthy. They ought to be treated equally because they are a member of your family.
Written by Anika Saha
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