Pexels. CCO Licensed.Want to create the perfect home environment for you and your pooch? From cleaning to safety, there are many practicalities to consider as a dog owner when decorating and improving your home. Below are just a few paw-some ideas to consider.
Create dedicated pet zones in rooms
Dogs enjoy familiarity and routine. And like humans, many dogs need their own space. Creating dedicated pet zones in rooms can be a way of letting your dog have their own spaces in the home without letting them take over. In the living room, this could include a cozy corner for their crate or bed, where you also keep all of their toys. In the kitchen, this could include a dedicated corner with a cupboard where you store their food and mat where you place down their bowls. This can help you to keep all your dog items contained to certain areas. You could even consider decorating these corners with features like dog-themed rugs or dog-themed wallpaper.
Choose the right flooring
Just what is the perfect flooring to have in your home if you have dogs? There is no easy answer to this. Carpet can be gentle on your dog’s joints and can help to reduce noise, but mud and shedded hair can get trapped in it and it can be damaged by your dog’s claws – so you’ll need to choose a hardy pet-proof carpet. Laminate can be easy to clean and resists scratches well, but can be slippery and noisy – you may want to combine it with some rugs. Vinyl can be a good happy medium that is soft underfoot and easy to clean, but you need to choose high quality vinyl that will not tear easily.
Protect your furniture
Some owners don’t allow their dog to go on the sofa, while others are happy to let them snuggle up. If you fall into the latter category, you may want to consider taking some measures to protect your furniture from muddy paws and hair. Slipcovers and throws are a popular option – when they get too muddy or hairy, you can simply throw them in the washing machine to clean them.
Select dog-friendly plants
Did you know that some common houseplants are poisonous to dogs? If you’ve got puppies, it could be important to consider the species of houseplant in your home – puppies love to chew anything they find and could get ill if they eat a leaf. Houseplants that are toxic to dogs include aloe vera, jade plants, lilies and philodendrons. Place these plants somewhere where your dog can’t access them or avoid them altogether.
Consider a stair gate
Stairs can be bad for dogs’ joints, plus not everyone wants their dog going upstairs. A stair gate could be worth fitting to prevent your dog climbing the stairs. You can also use stair gates to prevent dogs going in certain rooms that you may not want them venturing into. Of course, some dog owners are happy to let their dog roam free.
Do you know someone who might enjoy this article or would find it useful? Share it!
