As a dog owner, you probably consider your four-legged friend part of the family. So, why not ensure they have everything they need at home to live their best life?
Having a few squeaky toys around the house is fine, but if you want to allow your dog to enjoy their home environment, you can make simple but essential home improvements.
You don’t need to be a handyman to make these home improvements; they don’t have to blow your budget.
Do what works for you, and you’ll create a tail-wagging experience for your best furry friend to live their best life.
Renovations and additions
If you want to make upgrades around your home for your dog, choose renovations that will benefit both of you.
First, consider your flooring.
Upgrading your home with wood floors can increase its value and give it a classic look. However, dogs are notorious for leaving scratch marks on certain types of wood.
Some of the best flooring options to switch to if you have a dog in the house include:
- Tile
- Vinyl
- Laminate
- Bamboo
- Cork
- Engineered hardwood
These flooring options are easy to clean if your pet has an accident or tracks in the mud and won’t scratch as easily as traditional wood.
If you don’t want to make any major home improvements but still want to transform your home into a dog-friendly space, consider what you can add to make it more comfortable.
For example, the air quality in your home can greatly affect your dog’s well-being.
Air pollution can cause respiratory issues for your pet and expose them to viruses and bacteria. Installing an air purifier or keeping one in specific rooms is a quick and easy fix.
Putting pet-friendly furniture in your house is one of the easiest ways to give your dog its best life. Fabrics like velvet, leather, and microfiber are great for pets because they’re easy to clean and tear-resistant.
When you choose furniture that’s rugged enough for your four-legged friend, they can enjoy the comfort of rest on the couch or chair instead of the floor.
Upgrade your outdoor space
It’s also essential to keep your dog secure, especially when they’re outside. You never know what might catch their eye in the backyard, and if they start chasing after a rabbit or squirrel, they could run into traffic, get lost, or get stolen.
Installing a secure fence in your yard is the best way to give your dog room to run and play while keeping them secure.
While putting up a fence is relatively easy, ensure you understand building and zoning codes in your community.
Some areas require special permits for fence installation. The size and height of your fence will likely make a difference in how many hoops you’ll have to jump through, but it’s well worth it for your dog’s safety.
Keep safety in mind
Safety should always be a top priority—inside and out—no matter how comfortable your dog is or how much fun they have at home.
If you want to boost your dog’s safety at home, a few simple swaps can do the trick, including:
- Limiting the use of rugs or carpets, which can accumulate bacteria
- Securing loose wires
- Securing trash cans
- Installing gates or barriers
Dogs are naturally curious, and anything with an exciting smell is bound to draw their attention.
So, ensure their safety by securing potentially dangerous items, such as properly storing chemicals, breakable items, and food.
This level of care should also extend to the different types of products you use inside and outside your home.
Some chemicals which are toxic to humans and other animals can also be problematic for dogs.
For instance, you may opt for eco-friendly lawn care by choosing natural fertilizers and weeding your lawn by hand instead of weed killers.
Some weed killers, like Roundup, which contain glyphosate, can be problematic for both humans and animals exposed to them. Therefore, choosing to do right by your pet can also be helpful for you and the planet.
Use technology
Technology is at the forefront of nearly everything nowadays. Much of it is designed to make our lives easier, which can extend to caring for your pet.
Consider getting a few “smart” devices around your home that will keep your pet safe and comfortable.
For example, a smart thermometer allows you to control the temperature of your house, even when you’re not there. This way, you can ensure your dog isn’t too hot or cold during the day when you’re at work, and they’re relaxing at home.
A pet camera can be installed anywhere in your home so that you can check in on your furry friend from your phone throughout the day. Some cameras even allow you to talk to your pet through a speaker, and some even dispense treats.
Smart home hubs like Echo allow you to turn on music or the TV with a simple voice command. This allows you to provide white noise for your canine companion when you’re not home, which can help with separation anxiety.
If your dog is part of the family, it’s worth it to make some changes at home that will give them their best life. Consider integrating some of these ideas, and you’ll quickly see how much you and your dog love them.
Final thoughts on home improvements
Making simple home improvements for your furry friend can go a long way in ensuring their comfort and safety.
There are plenty of ways to give your dog the best life at home, whether upgrading your flooring, securing your outdoor space, or incorporating technology.
By prioritizing their well-being, you can create a happy and healthy environment for you and your beloved pet.
Miles Oliver is a proud dog lover and an outdoor enthusiast. He often writes on his patio with a hot cup of tea and his 4-year-old border collie mix by his feet. When Miles is not working as an independent freelance writer, he is most likely mountain biking and roaming the great outdoors with his four-legged companion.