By: Robert Warren
When it comes to family there is nothing like it whether it is big or small—sitting around a dining room and passing the potatoes. Everyone has their own definition of what a family is and many consider their little furry ones to be part of that definition. The little dog on the edge of the table standing on two feet begging to enjoy the amount of that scrumptious yummy food.
When it comes to creating a pet-friendly home there can be many challenges, obstacles, or even puzzling moments when trying to figure out how to even go about this. We want our furry ones to be part of the equation but figuring out how to manage pets and kids can be challenging. So how do we create a safe happy environment that can benefit both our pets and us as owners?
To better understand how to accomplish this mind-boggling situation of how to make our home good for our paw buddies we need to first look at what your pet needs. Go back to the basics first. Your animal will likely need food, water, a way to use the restroom, and some toys/attention. Thinking about how you plan to arrange this can be important. Consider others in your home too. How will they feel about the arrangement?
For instance, a litter box. When you have a litter box it can get stinky after a bit. (Maintenance is the key, pro tip) So where do you put it? If you put it in a room and the pet sleeps with you in the room then that room may get stinky. If you put it in a bathroom then it can affect multiple people and the animal may not venture outside the room to use it if they get anxious. These are the type of situations that you need to consider.
Get your home pet ready you need to think about the type of pet you will be bringing home too. Are they curious explorers, a runner, a knocker-over, or a good quiet relaxed, and sleepy pet? This can affect how you arrange to get your home pet ready. A good way to get more of a grasp on your pet is to do some research on the animal you have or are getting too.
Things to consider when it comes to doing research on your animal can be the specific breed of your pet. Look at the age, size, and activity levels of the animal. Consider before getting an animal if you haven't already got one what health needs they may have and if you can afford the expenses involved.
When it comes to getting the home more pet ready you need to consider the atmosphere. Look for things like cords that the animal could bite, and potentially hazardous materials the animal could get into, and also do some research on plants in your home to make sure they are not toxic to the animal.
Going into the furniture and flooring you may want to consider hardwood over carpet as it can be easier to clean. Also, be aware of the potential bad spots your pet could be urinating on like rugs. You just need to be aware. Potty training your pet can go a long way. When looking at furniture do some research to try to find pet-friendly upholstery and fabrics. Remember that when considering flooring look into stain-resistant and easy-to-clean flooring.
When it comes to accessibility you need to make sure the pet's essentials are easily within reach like food, water, and toys. You can consider installing pet-friendly ramps and getting some pet stairs to put next to the bed if you want them to sleep with you.
Speaking of sleep, you want to find some relaxing spots in your home for your pet to sleep. Just like humans, they are going to want sleep, even if it is during different hours of the day than you. (Like those nocturnal cats)
The inside of the home isn't the only important area to look at. You also need to look at your outdoor environment. If you have a dog they will likely want to go outside. It may be good to consider having a fence to help them have an area to run around in. Remember dogs dig too, so you may need to be prepared to put brinks alongside the fence to help with that. (Again be careful of poisonous plants outside!) Also when you put an animal outdoors it's good to allow them indoors too or at least be sure that they can access shade because it can get hot!!
Pet proofing isn't always easy. It can be tricky. You need to be sure to put your medications in places that your pet cannot access. That could be very dangerous to them, especially things like inhalers that if they bit into could increase their heart rate. You need to be careful. Lock away small objects that could easily be digested.
When it comes to feeding make sure you choose appropriate food/treats. You may want to do some research on that especially if you have an animal with a sensitive stomach. Be sure t establish a regular feeding schedule to help them know when it's time to be fed. Be careful in portioning and make sure they get enough. At the same time make sure they don't get too much---you don't want your animal throwing up. Avoid harmful human foods when feeding your animal.
You may want to establish a regular cleaning schedule when it comes to your home. Some animals can let off a large amount of hair. You may also want to get yourself a lint roller for your clothes. Vacuuming can go a long way when it comes to your home. You can also do grooming to help reduce the pet hair/odors in the house.
It's good to train your animal when it comes to getting used to your home. You may want to do some positive reinforcement techniques. You should do your best to train them to the best of your ability on socializing with people and other animals. It may take a while sometimes but can be very rewarding once you accomplish your training. It can go a long way.
Do your best to create a stress-free environment for the animal and yourself. You can help with this by getting your pet a stimulant like a toy or catnip (for cats,) which can go far. Do your best to create a calm space for your anxious pets. Remember when it comes to something new it can take a bit for your animal to get used to things too.
It's a good idea to be prepared for pet emergencies too. Know your nearby vets and if you know your cat may have an issue with something then plan in advance to better protect them. You want your animal safe like you.
In conclusion, remember that while a pet may be a lot of work it can be well worth it. Just like any member of the family you just need to know how to handle them and the love is well worth it. In the end not only will you love your pet so much but they will love you too. Hope this article helped prepare you for the road ahead and encourages a happy and harmonious life with your beloved furry companions.
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