How To Design Your Home With Your Pets in Mind

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You love your pets and they love you. But do they love your home and it is suited for them as well? It’s time to get down on all fours and see the world from your pet’s perspective. Whether you’re considering a move, you need some options for an older pet, or you don’t want your animals to destroy the flooring, there are plenty of ways to design your home around your pets.

Here are some ways you can make design changes in your home with your furry friend in mind:

Choose the Right Flooring for Your Chihuahua or Plott Hound

Training a puppy and carpet don’t go hand in hand. Many pet owners prefer hard surface flooring whether they have a tiny chihuahua or a big plott hound or a cuddly Labrador retriever. They find these types of floors to be beneficial for many reasons. For one, puppy messes are easier to clean up. Another great reason to use hard surface flooring is to keep the floor looking good for longer.

For pet owners that have shedding breeds, some prefer carpets because they are easier to keep clean just by vacuuming. They may have areas in the home for early puppy training that have hard surfaces just in case of accidents. Tile flooring is best, along with sturdy laminate or hardwoods.

Give Them a Home of Their Own

Pets need to feel safe, secure, and comfortable. They should have a place of their own where they can go to relax, play, or nap. This could be a crate or a room of their own, or just a corner of the house. You want your pet’s environment to be just as comfortable as yours is.

Add some toys. Your furry friend will enjoy having some toys that are just theirs—toys that don’t belong in any other part of the house and therefore won’t get taken away. These might include chewing toys and plush blankets they can cuddle up with when they’re feeling shy or nervous.

Include comfy bedding. Whether it’s an actual pet bed or just a soft blanket to lay down on, make sure there’s something soft for them so they don’t have to rest on cold hard floors all day long.

Invest in Area Rugs

Area rugs can be used to define a space or hide a pet mess. Area rugs are also great for protecting your flooring and adding color and texture to a room. If you want to add an area rug in the living room, make sure it’s large enough for everyone and every pet to sit on comfortably.

Get a Good Vacuum

The first thing you’ll need to do is get a vacuum that can handle pet hair. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive vacuum on the market, but it should have a motorized brush attachment and a HEPA filter. The next thing to consider when purchasing a vacuum cleaner is its cord length. Depending on what type of floor coverings you have in your home, you may need an extension cord. If this isn’t possible, then look for one with a long cord, at least 25′ long. You’ll also want one with attachments like brushes or crevice tools so they can clean tight spaces like behind furniture where pets tend to sleep or under beds where dead skin cells collect from scratching at fleas/ticks.

Use Slipcovers on Your Furniture

Slipcovers are a great way to protect your furniture. They can be machine washed and dried, which means they’re easy to clean. You can also get them in a variety of colors and patterns. Slipcovers come in sets or individually, so you can mix up your look throughout the house without having to buy new furniture every time you want to change things up. It’ll keep your furniture looking newer longer.

Create a Place To Bathe Your Pets

Bathing animals on a table-height surface is best for your back but can be a challenge. If you’re designing a new space for your pets, think about creating a spot with a sprayer and a high surface. This will preserve your body when you need to give your animals a bath. If you have limited space, get a sprayer attachment to add to your bathtub instead.

Keep Your Expensive Stuff Out of Paw’s Reach

If you have decorations, dishware, or other items that are valuable, it’s best to keep them out of reach from your pets. Because cats can climb up on things, you’ll need to consider how to protect your valuables if you are a kitty person. You can keep them in a glass cabinet behind closed doors or on a spot the cats can’t jump up to.