There’s a reason why many people call them fur ‘children’ – they get up to just as much mischief as a curious little human would! As such, it is wise to take the time to properly pet-proof your home before bringing a kitten or a puppy into your family. Even with a fish, you need an appropriate aquarium stand. Pet-proofing is often a must for older animals, too. They rarely grow out of their urge to seek out adventure, after all!
Here are some guidelines to help you along.
The laundry room
You will be amazed at just how common it is for a young pet to crawl into an open dryer for a cozy snuggle and a nap. This is why it is vital always to double-check that nobody is lounging around inside before filling your laundry appliances and starting them up. It is also recommended to keep your tumble dryer doors, and washing machine closed after use. If you must air them out, restrict your pet’s access to the laundry room during that time.
Your sliding doors
You’re in luck if you already have sliding doors at home. You can invest in auto sliding door systems from Evo Products that make it possible for the doors to slide open and closed automatically upon sensing the presence of your pet. While this might not reduce the risk of them getting up to no good, it will certainly make your life easier by eliminating the need to get up to let them in and out every five minutes!
Your living room
Some pets enjoy scratching or chewing on the living room’s furniture, while others simply love to cozy up on the sofa. Pet-proof your living room furniture by covering it with water-resistant throw blankets or slipcovers to keep fur away from the fabric and lower the damage chances. It’s also a good idea to think carefully about the materials of your furniture before you buy it, especially if you have existing pets or intend on getting new ones. Steer clear of wooden furniture if you have a dog who likes to nibble on items that he shouldn’t. Most pet owners swear by leather because it’s easy to clean and particularly durable.
Your bedrooms
You might find that your dog or cat starts marking their territory at some point. This is common in puppies that are not yet house-trained and common in cats that show signs of being stressed and unneutered male cats. There are various courses of action to take in these scenarios, but most importantly, you need to ensure that you discourage your pet from re-marking specific areas. You can do this with specialized stain and odor removers specifically targeted to eliminate the smell of pet urine. If the odor is gone, the animal will be far less tempted to urinate in the same spot.
A pet-proofed home is a safe and happy home, so be sure to make an effort to follow the guidelines above. Both you, your family, and your pet will be glad that you did!
