As much as you love your pets and work hard to make them part of the family, they are also a big responsibility. Part of that responsibility includes setting up your home so that it’s equal parts stylish (for you) and functional (for Tara, Browny and Bittu). Show your furry friends a little love, beyond the walks and snuggles, by making your home more pet-friendly.
Set Up Their Space Near an Entry: It’s common for pet owners to desire a space to keep all the belongings of all their furry friends and avoid clutter. Ensure convenience and cleanliness by establishing an area near the door where you can store leashes, collars, toys, and more. Consider keeping a towel or two nearby for wiping paws (and snouts) when returning from an excursion outside. You can also keep your pets’ beds, food and water bowls in this space so that it feels like their own little “home” when returning from a walk or going to sleep at night.
Consider Stain-Resistant Fabrics: From furniture to decor, avoiding fabrics that attract pet hair is a no-brainer for owners looking to escape a constant mess. Silk and velvet are virtual magnets for fur, while alternatives like leather offer more practical choices that are easy to clean and durable.
Install Resilient Flooring: Reduce your fear of zoomies, or those sudden sharp sprints by your dogs and cats, damaging your floors or hurting your pets by installing resilient flooring that offers better grip while reducing wear. A variety of floors, both durable and beautiful, are available these days to take on some of the burden of pet ownership with built-in durability for the everyday and the unexpected. With options designed to bridge the gap between style and function, numerous water-resistant and waterproof floors give you and your pets room to live your best lives for years to come without wet shakes triggering worries, or causing slips. Plus, many resilient floors don’t flinch when it comes to addressing muddy paws, often only requiring the mud to be easily wiped away, without harsh cleaning products.
Decorate with Pets in Mind: Displaying Grandma’s fine china and your favourite sports memorabilia may not go hand-in-hand with pet ownership—that autographed cricket ball may look more like a chew toy than a treasured artefact. Instead, prioritize decor that is washable and sturdy so you can avoid coming home to a delicate family heirloom shattered on the floor.
Pet-Proof the Yard: If you are lucky enough to live in a home with a private yard and plan on your pets being outside on their own, it’s a good idea to carefully inspect your outdoor spaces before letting them roam free. Look for gaps in the fence, identify potentially harmful plants, and ensure that outdoor structures like grills and furniture are secure.
Courtesy: Family Features Editorial Syndicate
