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 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 when you remodel, and you’ll create a tail-wagging experience for your best.
If you want to make upgrades around your home for your dog, choose pet-friendly home renovation projects that will benefit both of you.
Choose dog-friendly flooring
First, homeowners should consider choosing pet-friendly 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: Porcelain or ceramic tile is another pet-friendly choice, as it is resistant to scratches and accidents. Choose textured or matte tiles for better traction.
- Luxury vinyl: Luxury vinyl flooring is an excellent option for pet owners. It is scratch-resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean. It comes in various styles, including options that closely resemble hardwood or stone.
- Laminate: Laminate flooring can mimic the look of hardwood while providing excellent scratch and stain resistance. Look for laminate with a high AC rating to ensure durability.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is more resistant to scratches and dents than traditional hardwood. It’s easy to clean and is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice, as bamboo is a renewable resource that grows quickly and can be harvested without harming the environment. Furthermore, some bamboo flooring options offer excellent moisture resistance, which can help prevent damage from accidents or spills, making it a practical choice for dog owners.
- Cork: Cork flooring is comfortable for pets to walk on and provides some natural give, making it more forgiving on joints. It also has antimicrobial properties and is resistant to mold and mildew.
- Engineered hardwood: Engineered hardwood offers the beauty of natural wood while being more resistant to scratches and damage from your dog’s nails or everyday wear and tear.
- Hardwood: If you want hardwood floors, opt for more durable wood species, such as oak, hickory, or maple, which are more resistant to scratches. Consider distressed or hand-scraped finishes to help hide any scratches that may occur over time.
Regular maintenance, such as keeping nails trimmed and cleaning up accidents promptly, can also help preserve the quality of your chosen flooring.
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.
Add an air-purifier
For example, the air quality in your home can significantly 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.
Several factors should be considered when choosing an air purifier for a dog-friendly environment.
Look for a purifier with a HEPA filter to capture pet dander and other allergens effectively. Consider an air purifier with an activated carbon filter to help eliminate pet odors.
Additionally, opt for a model with a quiet operation to avoid causing stress to your pets.
Finally, regularly replace filters and clean the purifier to maintain efficiency in a pet-inhabited space.
Use pet-friendly furniture
Adding pet-friendly furniture to 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.
When choosing pet-friendly furniture, consider durable fabrics such as leather or microfiber that can withstand scratching and shedding. Opt for furniture with removable, washable covers for easy cleaning.
Avoid delicate materials and intricate designs that pets may easily damage.
Additionally, prioritize furniture with smooth surfaces to minimize pet hair accumulation.
Finally, consider your pets’ comfort and safety by choosing soft cushions and sturdy construction furniture.
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 safe.
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.
Consider creating a designated area for your dog to play, potty, and rest to make your outdoor space more dog-friendly.
Create a shaded area: Provide a shaded area where your dog can retreat from the sun. This can be achieved with a doghouse, umbrella, planting trees, or installing a shade sail.
Potty area: Designate a specific location for your dog to do their business. You can use gravel, mulch, or artificial turf to create a dog-friendly potty area. Regularly clean and maintain this space to keep it hygienic.
Dog-friendly plants: Incorporate dog-friendly plants in your outdoor space. Some examples include sunflowers, marigolds, and pet grass. Avoid toxic plants like lilies, tulips, and azaleas.
Dog toys and activities: Introduce dog toys and activities such as a digging pit, agility course, or simply a space for your dog to play freely.
Comfortable resting area: Set up a comfortable resting area for your dog. This could be a cozy bed or mat placed in a shaded spot.
Water supply: Create a fresh and easily accessible water supply for your dog, especially on hot days.
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:
- Limit the use of rugs or carpets: Reduce tripping hazards and minimize chances of bacteria accumulation
- Secure loose wires: Keep your dog from chewing on wires and potentially harming themselves
- Secure trash cans: Prevent your dog from getting into harmful items or eating hazardous or spoiled food
- Install gates or barriers: Restrict access to certain areas of the house, ensuring your dog’s safety and preventing them from getting into potentially hazardous spaces
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 using proper storage for 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 can be toxic to humans and other animals and 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 to 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 four-legged family members aren’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 will enable you to provide white noise for your canine companion when you’re not home, which can help with separation anxiety.
Smart feeding systems allow you to dispense the right amount of food at scheduled times, ensuring that your dog is fed on time, even when you’re away. You can set up feeding stations with smart feeders that can be controlled remotely through a mobile app, allowing you to monitor feeding and adjust portions.
Smart collars and GPS trackers provide real-time location monitoring, so you can quickly locate a furry family member if they wander off. These devices also offer activity tracking and health monitoring features, giving valuable insights into your dog’s fitness and well-being.
Smart door locks can allow dog walkers or sitters easy access when needed.
Smart home technology for dogs offers convenience, security, and peace of mind, allowing you to better care for your furry friend even when you’re not physically present.
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
Completing simple home improvement projects 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 use your next home remodeling project to 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.