If you are planning to adopt a pet, then you must make your home pet safe first. A few additions and alterations to the interiors will help your furry friend live comfortably.
Along with pampering them with toys and treats, it is important to ensure their safety. For example, rather than having manually operated chained blinds on your window, go for cordless blinds for pet safe homes. You can also add small gates and buy crates or cages so that your pet can sleep comfortably there.
Apart from these, a few more changes or additions will be needed. So let us explore a few more tips to make your home really pet-friendly and pet safe.
Do not use rugs or carpets
Flooring is one of the essential things that you should look into when you have a pet around. It would be great if you have a hardwood floor or floors with easy-to-clean textured tiles. Do not put rugs or carpets on the floor if you have a cat or dog at home. The hair and the bacteria would get accumulated there, which is very unhealthy for both yourself and the pets.
Use proper storage
It is vital to have high and proper storage for fragile items when you have pets around. Ensure that they cannot reach the storage, or else they can break your belongings and hurt themselves in the process. Keep away all the chemical, glass, and medical items away from the reach of your pets.
No open wires
Make sure that your home should not have open wires lying around. Cats and dogs have a natural tendency to play with ropes and strings. If they see wires, they might start playing with them, which can lead to major accidents. Before you bring your pet home, secure the wires inside your home.
No light-colored upholstery
The pillow covers, fabrics, curtains, etc., in your home should not be in white or any other light color. Buy scratch-free materials as they are pet-safe and pet-friendly and would last for many years. Go for sofas and furniture made of faux leather — it’s easy to clean, and they do not absorb odor easily.
Trash cans
When you have a pet at home, you will have to keep a close eye on the smallest things, like a trash can. The cans are usually filled with unwanted items like old food, chemicals, or other harmful material. Your pets might try to access these, which would be hazardous for them. Buy trash cans with lids and, if possible, keep them away from your pet’s access — in a cabinet or outdoors.
Installing gates or barriers
If you have furniture with large units, then installing gates or barriers is essential. They prevent your pets from entering into space. Use gates in areas that have refrigerators, washing machines, etc.
Make your home pet safe
Besides these, you should also keep your house clean as dirt and dust can be harmful to your pets. If you love keeping indoor or outdoor plants, go for the pet-safe variants. With these small changes, you will be able to make your home a comfortable abode for your furry friend.