Pets are an endless source of happiness and companionship for millions of people around the world, especially those who live alone. They provide unconditional love and affection, so it’s no wonder that the majority of households own a pet of some description.
If you’re thinking about getting a small furry, such as a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, or otherwise, you’ll need to take steps to make your home more pet friendly in anticipation of their arrival.
If you’re unsure what steps to take to make your home pet friendly, here are some top tips on things you should be thinking about.
Artificial Grass
If you’re thinking about buying a cat or a dog, they’ll need some outdoor time. If you’ve ever been around such a pet – especially dogs – you’ll know that they have a tendency to sometimes eat grass. This can upset their tummies and make them sick, and that’s the last thing any pet owner wants.
Regular grass poses another problem in the form of weeds. No one wants their garden to look messy or unkempt, so it’s unlikely anyone is going to leave weeds to take over. This means you’ll probably resort to weed killer, but it can be incredibly harmful to dogs and cats if they come into contact with it.
You can’t stop your pet from going outside, but you can mitigate the risks associated with real grass by installing artificial grass for dogs and other small pets. It’s perfect for your companion to do their business, but they will also be safe from things like grass digestion and weed killer.
Soft Floors
It’s not just the floor outside that could pose a risk to your pet; the floor inside your house is equally as important. We’d recommend soft flooring for your pet so they have something to grip when walking and/or running throughout your house. Think about how slippery hard floor is when you’re wearing socks and that will give you an indication as to what your pet might feel when they’re trying to walk along hard floor.
It might not be feasible for you to install carpet across your whole home – especially if you have wood flooring or tiles throughout – but you can lay down rugs to try and bridge the gaps and make it easier for your new pet to move from location to location within your home.
Not just this, but soft floors will also provide a comfier and warmer area for them to lay down.
Ramps
Not all animals are nimble babies that can bounce off the walls. Some need a bit more assistance, especially older animals that have been adopted or that have mobility and health problems. In this case, you may need to give them a helping hand.
Something as simple as a ramp could help your pet move more comfortably around the home, such as assisting them getting up the stairs and hopping onto furniture. You could make your own ramp, or you can buy specialist pet ones if you don’t have the time or the knowhow to make your own.
Cleaning Products
When you get a pet, you need to be careful what cleaning products you are using because many are packed full of harmful chemicals that will cause nothing but irritation and potentially harm to your pet. There are lots of pet friendly cleaning products available, but you’ll also need to be mindful of not using things like air fresheners and scented candles unless they’re certified pet safe.
Summary
There is much more that goes into making your home pet friendly, but hopefully these tips help you on your way.