HOW TO MAKE YOUR NEW HOME DOG-FRIENDLY
How to make your new home dog-friendly
Alt: a bulldog on a green sofa with many cushions, symbolizing ways to make your new home dog-friendly
Every responsible dog owner knows that their pets need special attention in times of change. Moving into a new home and the entire relocation process are challenging for people, let alone animals who need extra help understanding what is happening. Luckily, unlike cats, dogs are more attached to their people than to the environment. So, it won't be that hard to help them ease through the transition period. One of the first steps you should take is to make your new home dog-friendly. Although you have probably done that before in your old house, moving into a new space is a time for new beginnings. Therefore, you will surely benefit from some fresh ideas. If you are considering getting a new puppy, a checklist of all essential changes needed to make your home "pet-proofed" certainly comes in handy.
There is little pet owners won't do for their furry babies. And if they believe it will make their four-legged companions happy and prepare them better for life with pets, no price is too high. For many, who share their homes with mischievous hyperactive pups, designing a place that is both stylish and dog-friendly may be a struggle. Just imagine, you come back home from a walk on a rainy autumn day. Your muddy-pawed, fur-drenched-in-dirty-puddle-water little gremlin can't hold the excitement of seeing other family members again after the eternity that was the thirty-minute separation. Yeah. The light beige sofa wasn't a good idea. However, you can achieve the seemingly unattainable. It's great you have decided to read this article to learn how to save your new home from devastation before moving in.
Dog-friendly furniture is a thing.
In case you didn't know, there is such a thing as dog-friendly furniture. Investing in it is more than a smart choice. You may think that buying a faux leather sofa is a way to go, but don't forget that scratches are much harder to fix than cleaning. Luckily, there are stain-resistant fabrics that will be easy to clean. Moreover, such material will be less prone to odors. These are usually synthetic microfiber, so avoid anything with velvet, silk, or tweed. Also, steer clear of light colors as they are more susceptible to staining.
Choose stain-resistant fabric is a must when trying to make your new home dog-friendly.
Alt: a small white dog lying on an armchair
Tile flooring beats carpet and parquet.
Tiles are your safest option if you live with pets. They are durable, highly resistant to scratches, and very easy to clean. Carpets will not only sustain irreparable damage relatively quickly, but they won't be able to withstand staining for too long. Also, don't underestimate the smell it can absorb. Rugs are an option, but you have to be careful with materials. Thickly woven sisal and jute rugs will inevitably suffer considerable damage. So, go for synthetic ones, and also, they MUST be washable.
Reconsider the flooring - go for tiles instead of carpets and hardwood.
Alt: A dog lying on the rug
Furthermore, parquet is beautiful, natural, and warm. However, it may not be the right choice if you live with dogs as they will scratch them very quickly, and your floor will soon lose the shine. If you do opt for hardwood flooring, you may have to plane and varnish it more frequently.
Hide cables and make treasured items unreachable.
Dogs are highly social and intelligent animals. They need company and intellectual stimulation. If you aren't able to provide that, they may have to resort to unwanted behavior to keep themselves occupied and entertained. They are just puppies, after all. Having said that, like people, all dogs are different and have different requirements. Also, young dogs are prone to mischief. So, it is virtually impossible to keep them under control 100% of the time. When bored, they may decide that chewing on a cable is a fantastic source of fun! Oh, and that wooden sculpture you got on a trip to Africa the other year is an excellent chew toy. So make sure these are out of their reach at all times. Not only do they pose a potential danger to your pets, but the consequences to your home can be expensive.
Provide your dog with appropriate entertainment to avoid chewing on cables and valuable items.
Alt: A dog chewing a plush toy
Also, you may not have thought about it, but dogs often consider rubbish a treasure. So buy trash cans with a lid and make sure they are sturdy and durable. Also, if possible, stash them in a closed pantry or a cabinet so you don't come back home to the contemporary art exhibitions featuring the knocked-over bin, banana peel, tissues, eggshells, and other goodies all over the floor.
Safety is a must!
Cleaning is tedious, no question about that. But it is manageable. Also, fixing the damage is costly but doable. Losing your pet is irreversible. Therefore, it is imperative to keep all medications out of reach. We have already covered the chewing on the cables. Also, make sure you use non-toxic cleansers. The green alternative to the house cleaning chemicals is both safe for everyone and better for the environment. So, two birds with one stone. Finally, be careful what plants you bring into your home, as some of them may be poisonous to dogs. All of this will save you from unnecessary visits to the vet and eliminate some dire consequences.
A happy dog is a safe and healthy dog.
Alt: a dog's face
Spoil your dog.
Why not? You are the center of their world. Such love deserves a bit of special treatment. When you move house, it's essential to make your new home dog-friendly. But it's equally important to make them feel comfortable in a new environment. Let them share your couch, buy them loads of toys, spoil them with special treats, cater to their delicate taste buds with meals made especially for them. Play with them! Always. Even when you are tired. You will see they will transfer some of their energy onto you. Take them to extra special long walks. They provide for so much of your happiness; the least you can do is make them feel happy and loved too.
Oh, I almost forgot. Invest in a good vacuum cleaner.
adult dog on green 3-seat sofa photo – Free Couch Image on Unsplash
white and brown short coated dog on brown bear plush toy photo – Free Dog Image on Unsplash
White Shih Tzu Puppy on Fabric Sofa Chair · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
White and Tan English Bulldog Lying on Black Rug · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
