Make Your Home Pet-friendly

Published : 04/05/2009 | Author: Annelien Nolte | HOMEMAKERSonline

A very wise person once said that dog is man’s best friend and this means that when you decide to get a dog, or any other pet for that matter, that will be sharing your home and life, you will have to establish an environment that is suitable and comfortable for both parties.

Just like any other friendship, this one takes work and sacrifice in order to keep the fur from flying! But this doesn’t mean that your house should look like a dog kennel – you can still have that ultra modern, trendy home and still impliment measures to make it safe and comfortable for your animal – you just have to look at the environment through its eyes.

Here are a few things to keep in mind, especially when you are moving into a new house or simply redocorating your existing home:

Floors

If you are wanting to replace your existing floor covering, you will have to ask yourself if the choice you are about to make can withstand scratches and itching teeth and also if the material you are about to have installed is easy to clean and maintain – especially if your pet is living inside your home. Tiles, laminated floors and novilon is best suited to keep man’s best friend out of trouble.

Walls

If you are planning to grace your walls with a new coat of paint, ensure that you use a washable, semi-gloss paint in the areas where your pet will be spending most of its time. You should also keep your pet’s size in mind when you decorate your walls with paintings and ornaments, because if it is within its reach, you will definitely have to replace that item in the near future. Wall tiles are also a good idea when you have pets in your home.

Furniture

Definitely one of the items that an untrained or new pet could ruin or get dirty instantly. Choose furniture that matches the colour of your pet’s fur or that comes with removable slip covers. Leather and vinyl furniture might be easy to clean, but if you do not clip your pet’s nails often it can easily be damaged. Throw a washable slipcover on your pet’s favourite couch or chair. Another alternative is to buy your pet a comfortable pet bed and keeping it in your living room to keep your pet off the furniture permanently.

Windows

Window coverings can make your home look stylish and elegant, but to your pet it might seem like the best toy that was ever created. The SPCA recommends that you should try to avoid vertical blinds, drapery, ornate tassels and long cords if your pet is going to live inside your home. If your pet gets caught in any of these coverings, it could panic and bring anything around him crashing down, or worse, get strangled. Keep the window coverings in your home simple to avoid damages and accidents.

Tips to keep your pet safe in and around your home:

Ensure that your gates are always closed, so your pet doesn’t end up in the street, lost or get run over by a car.
Keep electrical cords concealed and out of reach to prevent your pet from chewing on it and electrocuting itself.
Some plants are poisonous and because animals like to munch on grass and plants, it is your responsibility to ensure that there are no such plants present on your premises. Bulbs of flowers like amaryllis, daffodils, jonquils, narcissus, hyacinth, iris etc. are poisonous to your animal.
Keep ponds and swimming pools fenced off or covered, especially when your dog is still a puppy and hasn’t yet had contact with deep water.
Ensure that pesticides and chemicals are always stored in a place that your animal can’t reach.
Always keep medication out of reach of animals and children as overdosing of certain medication could have fatal consequences.
Always ensure that your pet’s kennel / doghouse is clean and dry to prevent pests and bacteria, that causes disease, from developing inside.
Never allow your pet to chew on plastic toys unattended as it might choke on it and die if there is no one to assist.
Always honk once before entering your premises with your car, to warn animals to stay out of sight.