Animal owners in the United States have over 76 million dogs and 58 million cats according to the Veterinary Medical Association in 2012. 80 percent of those animal owners consider these pets family so it makes sense that they would modify their home for them. The pet industry is making over a hundred BILLION dollars on all these modifications while all pet owners want to do is give their fur babies the care and devotion they crave! So, what can you do to make your home pet friendly? Let's find out!
1. First, we want to make sure our pets are safe.
-While remodeling, make sure your pets are safe and can't escape.
-Inspect everything on their level.
-Empty trash cans that could contain raisins, grapes, seeds, coffee, chocolate.
-Anything that could cause a choking hazard for your fur baby.
-Put medicines, human and pet meds in a secure place where it can't be reached.
-Make sure your cabinets that have cleaners and pesticides are securely closed or have locks (my cats can open shut doors and cabinets).
-Make sure windows are closed and locked to prevent falling out.
-Remove any large items such as ladders and keep counters and tables free from debris.
-Keep the lid on the toilet closed.
-Store antifreeze in the garage or out buildings away from your fur babies.
2. Another thing to consider is your flooring and furniture.
-Is it slippery for the animals?
-I Prefer vinyl plank, that is what is in my home and is very easy to clean.
-Another good choice is concrete, tile, hardwood; all clean up quick but can cause damage patina, and leave stains and scratches.
-Carpet with antimicrobial pad or carpet tiles are another alternative; keep to stain resistant, low pile, and close to the color of your pets coat.
-Pets prefer carpet since it is no slip and quiet for them.
-Which ever flooring you choose, you should vacuum once or twice a day to pick up any loose hair your fur babies leave behind.
-You should cut their nails regularly to deter from scratches.
-Use flea/tick preventative monthly to avoid getting them on your bed, couch, furniture, or in your carpets, and to also avoid worms.
-Use Scratching post for cats to deter scratching up carpet or furniture.
3. Install a Grooming Station
-Add a lift or steps for your pets to get to you on your level.
-Store all their toys, treats, and leash.
4. Install a Pet Door
-Pets can exercise themselves. (you should too--walk daily good for you and them even with a fenced yard)
-Magnetic/Electronic, lets pets in, keeps wildlife out.
5. Put up a Fence
-Beneficial to animal owners, parents and, gardeners.
-Keeps pets safe and allows them to exercise regularly.
6. More Enrichment
-Cats enjoy lemongrass, catnip, chamomile, peppermint.
-Dogs not as excited but dill, thyme, rosemary, marigolds.
-TOXIC to animals DO NOT PUT OUT: tulips, lilies, azaleas, chrysanthemums, oleander. ( Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Dogs | ASPCA )
-For cats, walls, shelves, towers.
-For dogs, lick mats, kongs, treat release toys, tennis balls.
7. Other Ideas to make your and their life more enjoyable
-Ramps to furniture, outside, stairs.
-Eating stations such as a drawer with food and water bowl: Great for showings to get away easily or to keep from eating all the time!
Pets are important to our mental and physical health, so it's no wonder we'll change our homes for them. They can be our support system and relieve stress. Remember to make sure your modifications improve your homes value or can be removed easily. Contact me to help you find someone to assist you in making these modifications or other questions about your home!
