We love our animal companions. They provide friendship, protection, and entertainment. With each species comes their own quirks, which means that some may try to destroy your home. Don’t take it too personally, as they aren’t doing it out of spite. If your dog is chewing up the blanket or your cat is pulling up the carpet, then you need to take action. Pet-proofing your home is simpler than you think it is. All it takes is some creativity and misdirection. Are you ready to save your home from disaster? We hope these tips will help you do so.
1. Invest In A Gate
There are certain areas in your home that your pet shouldn’t visit. If you have a new baby upstairs, then you want to keep the overly-excited pets away from that delicate body. Place a gate at the top or bottom of the staircase. You may even need one to keep them away from pet food and treats. If you have a new addition to your pet family, then they need to adjust gradually to the environment and fellow pets. Gates will make this easier on them.
2. Choose The Right Upholstery
When pets are involved, stains and odors are guaranteed. Picking the right fabric for your furniture can ease your stress significantly. Distressed leather and microfiber are great choices, as they are easy to clean and repel smells. You won’t have to fight to keep your excited dog or stubborn cat off the couch with these fabrics. Also, who would want to lose the chance to cuddle anyway? Furry creatures are the best snuggle buddies, so we’re only thinking of them when picking out the furniture…
3. Get A Trash Can With A Pet-Proof LidAnimals are curious, which can lead to unwanted explorations. The smelliest of smells lies in the trash, and guess who loves smells? Those leftovers from last night are wafting toward your hungry pooch and that discarded catnip is calling to your feisty feline. Investing in a trash can with a pet-proof lid will save you a lot of clean up time and prevent the dreaded disciplinary actions, such as yelling and nose flicking.
4. Hide Away Toxic Chemicals
Toxic chemicals can include cleaning supplies, hair care products, or even dinner ingredients. What’s toxic to them may not be toxic to you. So, do you research and find out your pet’s toxins and allergies. Gates are a great way to keep your nosy pet away from them. Locked cupboards and fridges may be required, as they don’t need opposable thumbs to open them. No one wants to rush to the vet because the dog ate chocolate.
5. Offer Your Pet The Right ToysWhen you supply your pet with the right toys, messes can be avoided. Cat trees scattered throughout the house can decrease threading in carpet and furniture. Those sharp claws don’t show mercy. You can put one in a spot that they especially enjoy tearing apart, and trick them into using the post instead. Chewable toys can deter your dog from choosing your shoes or the chair as their main course. You can even spray your furniture with “ick spray” so that they get a nasty taste on their tongue when they misbehave.
6. Exercise Your Pet
Do you want to know why your pet is running around the house at the speed of light? What about your kid’s missing homework? Animals need to be stimulated. Cats have hunting instincts that need to be satisfied with toys and laser pointers. Dogs need to deplete their energy by running and exploring. Take them outside a couple times a day and let them sprint around the yard or down the beach. When they’re happy, you’re happy, right?
Is your dog barking right now? Are they ready to chase the mailman? Are your cats fighting? Do they need to take out their anger on a catnip-filled mouse? Your home may be at risk if you don’t take the proper precautions to protect it. However, keep in mind that it’s their home, too. Make sure that they are comfortable and cared for, as this is what matters when it comes to owning pets. They may irritate you with their messes and whining, but they love you. Try to remember that when your slippers go missing for the tenth time.
