So you’ve decided to welcome a cute little pupper into your home? Good for you! While definitely an overwhelming decision, dogs are lifelong companions that are going to be with you through life’s ups and downs. Now that you have a furry pal running around your living space, it only makes sense to make your home pet-friendly to keep your dog safe at all times. If you don't know where to start, we’ve got you covered! Here are three pet-friendly house tips to keep your pup feel right at home.
Avoid leaving things lying around
Dogs, especially when they’re still puppies, are extremely curious beings. They would sniff, taste, and chew on the most random things. While it looks cute and charming, it is important to understand that these random things can become lodged in your dog’s stomach. Make sure to avoid leaving things like clothes, bags, shoes, and accessories lying around because your dog would most likely chew on them. Another thing to note is that there are various things in your home that can be toxic to your pet (but more on that later!).
If you have children and you can’t afford to monitor the state of your floors at all times, the best thing you can do is to carve out a safe space for your pup. Having a pet-friendly space for your dog enables you to have the peace of mind that your dog is safe and secure while also preventing them from chewing everything you own.
Keep hazardous materials out of reach
The term “hazardous materials” can mean a lot of things for dogs. It can refer to vitamins, medicines, cleaning materials, and plants. By keeping these toxic substances out of your pup’s reach, you are protecting them from all sorts of illnesses and injuries. It will also help you avoid expensive vet bills. In case of a pet poison emergency, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says you should keep in mind these four things:
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Stay calm - To better help your pup, be calm and collected. You will respond better to an emergency when you have a cool head.
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Contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) immediately - Call the APCC or your vet ASAP for any poison-related incident.
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Have important information handy - Expect to answer questions about your pup’s size and age as well as the toxin that they ingested.
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Take care handling your pet - A pet in pain can lash out so be sure to be gentle and soothing when you approach them.
Vacuum regularly
Investing in a great vacuum cleaner and using it to clean your house regularly not only keeps your living space clean but also ensures that your pup won’t accidentally swallow morsels of food, choking hazards, and other toxic substances. A great vacuum cleaner would also get rid of dead hair that would otherwise get stuck on the carpet or your couch.
Pro tip: Find a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters can remove dirt, dust, pollen, and other allergens inside your home.
Wrapping Up
The truth is that it’s impossible to monitor your pet at all times. Remember, pets aren’t always aware of their surroundings. A pet-friendly environment must anticipate accidents that can harm your pup! However, we hope that these tips can help you create a home that’s safe and comfortable for you and your pet. Knowing how to create a pet-friendly home is one way to ensure peace of mind and maintain a clean home.
How about you? Do you have other tips to make your home pet-friendly? Let us know in the comments below!
