Thinking about designing a room in your home dedicated to your dog? Because dogs are family members, it’s not unusual to consider designating a space for them, even if you combine it with another room in your home. The advantages of creating a place for your dog include safety, cleanliness, and comfort. If you’re considering room design for dogs, check out these nine dog room ideas.
Think safety first
Start by making the space safe for your dog. This is especially important if you have a puppy. Take precautions to puppy-proof the room. Think like the puppy is a curious toddler who will put anything he can in his mouth.
Be sure to pick up anything on the floor or the dog’s level that the puppy could chew on. Potential hazards include pens, paper, paperclips, safety pins, clothes, and shoes, newspapers, magazines, remote controls, and more.
Pick up your children’s toys because your puppy won’t know the difference between his toys and the kids’ toys.
Secure cords for blinds or drapes so your puppy won’t catch them on his collar and potentially choke himself. You can use special loops to do that.
Put power cords behind furniture or tape them down. If your pup decides to chew on a power cord, he could get a nasty shock, trip a circuit breaker or even start a fire.
If you’re using a pedestal fan to keep the room cool, be sure it’s placed high enough the puppy can’t bump it or chew on the cord.
Keep trash out of reach and secure the lids on trash containers. Use dog-safe cleaning supplies and put them away. If your dog is inquisitive, you may need to use childproof locks to keep your dog out of cabinets.
If you have houseplants, use dog-safe plants and put houseplants out of reach so puppies can’t chew on the leaves or tip the pots over.
Make your dog comfortable
Create a cozy sleep spot for your dog. Consider the options and select the bed that best suits your dog’s needs.
Elevated dog beds: The K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Dog Cot. Pairs classic cot design with an ultra-fluffy bolster. The mesh center keeps the air flowing for cooling relaxation, and the elevated height keeps your dog off the ground or floor. With tool-free assembly, it’s easy to move the bed.
Memory foam beds: American Kennel Club Memory Foam beds use memory foam and recycled materials to provide comfort and support. The beds provide support for everyone from puppies with growing bones to senior dogs with arthritis. The beds also feature removable covers for easy washing and non-skid bottoms to keep them in place.
Beds with bolsters: The Aspen Pet Sofa Bed features supported sides that provide an added sense of security for your dog. This mini sofa is filled with 100 percent recycled fiber. It’s machine-washable, and the non-skid bottom keeps your dog’s bed in space.
Self-warming beds: Aspen Pet self-warming beds use a special interior layer to reflect your pet’s body heat rather than use electricity.
Soft and cushy beds: The Frisco Tufted Lounger Square Dog Bed features a flat surface that’s easy for any dog to hop on or off. The bed is ideal for puppies and senior dogs. The bed has a convenient handle on the edge that makes it portable. The removable cover is machine washable.
Cozy caves: The Frisco Dog Igloo Bed Cave creates a den-like nest. The comfy sleeping area is lined with ultra-plush fabric with a fluffy cushion for added comfort. The entire bed is machine washable and can be flattened for storage or travel.
Buying the right bed will help ensure your dog gets the rest he needs and you’ll get the bonus of being able to enjoy watching your dog while he’s dreaming.
Create a dog food station
Choose a cabinet that complements your decor and use it to store your dog’s food, water bowls, and food bowls.
If you want to make the area more exciting for your pup, consider adding an interactive food bowl or snuffle mat.
If you have a dog that won’t overeat, you also can add a self-feeder.
Consider placing a waterproof mat underneath your dog’s bowls to make clean up easier.
Let your dog inspire your décor
Hang some photos of your dog on the wall. You also can personalize the area according to what your dog loves to do.
Or you can buy fun dog-inspired items ranging from pillows and posters to wall art.
Add cleaning tools
As a fur parent or a dog owner, you also are responsible for keeping the whole house and the dog’s room clean and fresh.
Keep the supplies you need handy, including a pet hair vacuum and other tools to control dog hair. It’s also a good idea to keep sponges or a mop handy to clean up paw prints and any spilled water from your dog’s bowl.
Choose a strategic color scheme
The color you choose for your dog’s room is essential. Consider using a color that will either complement or contrast with your dog’s tools and supplies.
Another option, consider using a color that will minimize signs of dog hair. For example, if you’ve got a white dog, find a light-colored floor rather than a dark floor that will show every strand.
Buy multi-purpose products
Consider adding an end table that’s also a dog crate. Or a pet-friendly rug that’s machine washable.
To extend the life of your couch and to keep it clean and pet hair free, consider buying a couch cover.
Choose the right dog crate
The common mistake that most people make when buying a dog crate is to get the wrong size. They either buy one the dog quickly outgrows. Or they buy a full-size crate for a puppy, which makes potty training more difficult.
If you want to buy a bigger crate that will last your dog for his whole life, add dividers that you can remove as your dog grows. If you give your puppy too much space, he will be more likely to poop and pee in the crate, which defeats the purpose of crate training.
Add a grooming station
Consider creating a space to store your dog’s grooming supplies, including brushes, nail clippers, ear-cleaning supplies, and your dog’s teeth cleaning supplies.
Adding a grooming station will not only keep your dog’s supplies organized, but it also will help remind you to groom your dog daily.
Use dog room ideas
Caring for your dog can be challenging, but by creating a pet-friendly home, you can make it easier and more fun.
After all, your dog’s a member of the family. Doesn’t that mean he deserves a room of his own?
Use dog room ideas to create space for your dog that’s cozy, safe, and clean. Consider including a pet food station and grooming area. Have fun using dog-inspired decor.
Alyssa Winters is a blogger and writer at topreveal.com, and she has a passion for writing articles on health care, household, seasonal crafts, cooking, home appliances, and more. As a mom consumer advocate, she has years of experience testing equipment and recipes.