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Making your home welcoming for your furry friends while also keeping it safe can take some extra planning and effort. Once you pet-proof your home, you will also be able to keep peace of mind. Here are 10 top tips to create a pet-friendly home where your pets can thrive. If you want more ideas for protecting pets indoors, see our cat-proofing tips and training advice for first-time dog owners.
1. Pet-Proof Your Home
Go through each room and get down to your pet's level. Look for potential dangers like exposed wires, toxins, small objects they could swallow, and fragile items they could knock over. Put away anything harmful and put latches on low cabinets and doors to keep curious pets out.
2. Create a Pet-Safe Zone
Pets should have an area that is just for them. Use baby gates to block off an area or a specific room and fill it with their bed, food bowls, and safe toys. This gives them some independence while keeping them safely confined when you can't supervise directly. A WaggleCam Pro pet camera can help you keep an eye on that space when you're away.
3. Keep Bathrooms Off Limits
Bathrooms can be dangerous for roaming pets - they may drink from the toilet or get into medications and cleaners. Keep bathroom doors closed or install pet gates firmly into door frames to keep pets out.
4. Choose Pet-Friendly Furniture
Pets can really damage furniture, especially cats who like to scratch and dogs who like to chew. Opt for durable, pet-friendly furniture covers and fabrics that can stand up to claws, teeth, and stains. Leather, microfiber, and tightly woven fabrics work best.
5. Install Window Guards
Unscreened windows can allow curious pets to endanger themselves by falling to the ground outside. Install sturdy window guards or prevents to keep cats and other pets safely inside while still allowing light and views. Screens may not be enough to hold a pet's full weight. For extra peace of mind, a pet camera like the WaggleCam Pro lets you check in on active pets in real time.
6. Put Down Protective Flooring
Smooth floors like hardwood and tile make clean up much easier with shedding pets, muddy paws, and accidents. Consider keeping floors consistently covered in washable area rugs and runners as added protection. They are easier to clean and replace than flooring.
7. Organize a Good Cleaning Routine
The number one rule of maintaining a pet-friendly home? Stay on top of cleaning before dirt, stains, odors, and grime build up. Focus especially on where pets sleep and spend time like floors, kennels, bedding, and furniture covers. Schedule weekly and monthly tasks. If you’re preparing for seasonal changes, these fall protection tips for dogs can help you stay ahead of common hazards.
8. Ensure Plenty of Pet Exercise Space
Your pets need room for exercise and play, especially high-energy dogs. Make sure your home layout includes enough open floor space and a securely fenced yard where they can move freely to work out their energy in a safe area.
9. Provide Multiple Water and Food Bowls
When you have multiple pets at home, they should all have their own bowls so no one gets left out (and to help avoid arguments over shared bowls). Spread bowls around in different areas they frequent to ensure they stay well hydrated and fed.
10. Arrange Regular Vet Care
Don't neglect your pets health! Sticking to an annual check-up schedule, keeping vaccinations up to date, and getting prompt treatment for illnesses all help keep your pets safe, comfortable, and able to enjoy your carefully pet-proofed home with you for many years. Investing in good vet care prevents major issues down the road. If you want extra visibility while you’re away, a pet camera can help you monitor daily routines and spot issues early.
Final Words
Keeping a clean, hazard-free home makes pets and owners much happier and more peaceful. Follow these important tips to create a home you both love sharing together. With some planning and rules in place for off-limit areas, most pet dangers can be minimized while still giving them space to play.
