Practical Tips for a Pet-Friendly Home

Learn about this amazing fact: Dogs and cats naturally feel safe in enclosed, den-like spaces. That’s why even a simple cardboard box or a covered crate feels comforting, as it mimics their ancestral shelters in the wild. Also, do you know that pet houses made from natural wood or bamboo stay cooler than plastic ones?

If you are a pet parent, you must know how to make your house pet friendly so that it is free from diseases and your loving pet can enjoy and spend time comfortably. Additionally, purchasing a pet insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance will help to cover the cost of veterinary expenses, vaccinations, surgeries, etc. Read on to understand how to build a pet house for your four-legged pal.

How to Build a Pet House That Is Safe For Your Furry Baby?

These simple tips will help you build or modify your house to make it pet-friendly.

Choose Flooring That Is Safe and Easy to Maintain

• Your pet spends most of its time on the floor, either walking, lying or playing. Therefore, the floor of your house should be such that it is safe for the pet to play around on and easy for you to clean.
• If the floor is made up of slippery tiles, it may lead to accidents. Therefore, use non-slip tiles that prevent skidding and are safe. Another option is to use vinyl or laminate wood for the floor. These can be cleaned easily and are a safe option.
• Do not use carpets on the floor as they absorb urine and odours, trap fur and dirt, and are very difficult to clean. Rather, you may use washable mats so that they can be washed easily within 1-2 days.

Choosing the Right Furniture and Fabrics for Your Home

• The furniture and fabric you use for your sofa, dining, etc. should not be damaged due to your pet’s scratching. Also, it should be easy to clean and should be durable. Some of the best fabric options are canvas, microfibre, and faux leather.
• Select sturdy frames for your furniture which will not break easily even if your pet climbs or jumps on it. Use washable covers for your sofa and chairs. Regularly clean the furniture by wiping the hard surface with a microfibre cloth and the soft surface by use of a vacuum cleaner.

Ensure the House Is Properly Ventilated

The air quality of a place affects the respiratory health of the inmates. Proper ventilation is essential so that airborne particles, hair, or odours do not remain trapped inside the house. For this reason, keep windows for your house open daily for a few hours to let fresh air come in. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms. You may also install an air purifier to reduce allergic particles.

Creating a Safe Environment for Your Pets

Pets are curious and playful creatures. They love to experiment with new things and may accidentally chew hanging electrical wires. To avoid such an incident, do not let any wire loose in the house and cover electrical sockets with protective casing. In case there is any open space or a small gap where your pet may get stuck, immediately block such places.

Houses with balconies or terraces should be made safe by installing a grill. If your house has a staircase, install a baby gate to restrict access on the stairs and prevent accidents. Also, do not keep sharp edges of drawers or furniture open as they may hurt your pet, who may be careless while playing.

Taking Care of Household Hazards for Pets

• Some food items like chocolates or delicacies are tempting but are harmful for your pet’s health. Keep things like sweets, alcohol, caffeine away from the reach of your pets. Also, human medicines, detergents, batteries, coins, fresheners, etc. should be kept in a place that cannot be accessed by your pet.
• And do you know some plants are toxic for animals in case they are ingested? The toxic plants to stay away from are lilies, oleanders, poinsettias, dieffenbachia, and sago palms. If your pet accidentally eats any harmful substance, immediately rush to the vet. Save the contact number of the clinic in your phone.

Dedicated Pet Zone

A pet zone is a place where your pet can rest, eat, and play most of the time. Such space can also be utilised for storing toys, grooming tools, leashes, and food supplies. A dedicated pet zone also ensures that the rest of your house remains hygienic and clutter-free.

However, remember to clean this dedicated area everyday to regularly wash the bedding and toys of your pet to prevent bacteria and germs from thriving.

Ensuring Safety During Playtime

Accidents usually happen when your pet is deeply engrossed in playing and may swallow some loose part of the toys or accidentally fall. To prevent such incidents, provide non-toxic toys to your pet and remove any loose parts that may choke the animal. You can also explore interactive or puzzle toys to keep them mentally active and reduce their boredom.

How to Maintain Hygiene of Your Pet

This is very important for the pet as well as your family members as it helps to keep diseases at bay. Bathe your pet as prescribed by your vet and brush its coat regularly to remove loose fur and dirt. Look for ticks, fleas, or any infection near the eye area. When you and your pet finish the outdoor walk, wipe its paws so that diseases do not spread inside the house.

Conclusion

Maintaining hygiene in your house and pet-proofing it is important for the health and well-being of your pet as well as your family members. By following the tips that we discussed here, you can make the necessary changes to your house.

Also, buy a pet insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance so that you can take care of your four-legged pal and not worry about the finances.

FAQs

1. Why is it important to make a home pet-friendly?

A pet-friendly home keeps your pet safe, healthy, and comfortable and you can maintain hygiene easily. Moreover, it helps to avoid accidents.

2. What type of flooring is best for pets?

Non-slip tiles, vinyl, or laminate wood are best because they are safe and easy to clean.

3. How can I make my furniture pet-safe?

Use strong furniture with washable covers and fabrics like canvas or faux leather that don’t tear easily.

4. Why is ventilation important in a pet-friendly home?

Good air flow keeps the house fresh, removes bad smells, and prevents allergies. So clean air and light are important for your house.

5. What should I keep away from my pet’s reach?

Some food items like sweets, and other things like medicines, detergents, and batteries can be dangerous when eaten and affect your pet’s health. So keep such things away from your pet.

6. How can I make playtime safe for my pet?

Give non-toxic toys, check for loose parts, and never leave them unsupervised near stairs or balconies.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.