Hello World! Welcome Friends! Home improvement is something every homeowner does at some point. After all, your living space needs aesthetic and functional touch-ups from time to time.
According to data, the total spending on these projects over two years ending in 2023 was a whopping $827 billion. That was a huge increase of $200 billion over the preceding two years. Besides spending more, Americans also took up 4% more projects during this time.
The idea of giving your space a makeover is alluring, but things are different when you own a furry companion. Creating a pet-friendly home is about ensuring your pet’s comfort, safety, and happiness. Moreover, you may also worry about looking after your pet while working on the project.
In this article, we will share a few proven and effective tips for pet parents looking to invest in home improvement.
Understand the Risks and Precautions
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, home renovation and repairs are often risky for pets. Watch out for threats like exposed electrical wires, screws, nails, sawdust, chemicals, and ladders. Loud noises, worker presence, and noxious odors are some other factors that may trouble your furry friend.
Before starting the project, you must have a safety plan in place. Consider precautions like ensuring minimal hazards in your pet’s space, keeping some areas off-limit, and locking up hazardous items. Discuss your concerns with your contractor and set clear guidelines they must follow throughout the project.
How can I create a comfortable area for my pet during a home renovation project?
Recognize the high-hazard zones in your home, and create a dedicated safe space away from these areas. Provide comfortable bedding, food and water, and familiar items to your furry friend in this designated zone. Also, minimize noise and distraction as they may make the animal anxious.
What are the potential indoor hazards for pets?
Your home may have many hazards that can injure or harm your canine or feline companion. Wires and cords can cause electrocution and falls. Similarly, human medications and household chemicals are serious safety risks. Avoid poisonous plants as an animal may consume them and fall sick.
Choose Pet-Friendly Flooring
Forbes notes that a new floor can boost the value of your home. It surely makes a good investment when it comes to renovation. The average cost of the project may range between $1500 and $4500, making it quite an expense. Therefore, it is important to choose the material wisely, even more so when you are a pet parent.
Traditional hardwood floors may be aesthetically pleasing, but they are not pet-friendly. These materials can be easily scratched and require extensive maintenance. Instead, consider options like vinyl planks as they are durable and easy to clean. Laminate is scratch-resistant and available in various styles. You can opt for water-resistant and durable tiles in high-traffic areas.
These materials can withstand the wear and tear of pet claws. Moreover, they help in hiding dirt and fur, making them practical choices for homes with pets.
Invest in Pet-Safe Furniture
Besides opting for the right flooring material, you must also pick your furniture wisely. Once again, prioritize pieces that are durable and easy to clean. You don’t want your cat or dog to scratch your table or tear apart your sofa covers when they are playful or anxious.
Sturdy fabrics like leather or synthetic materials are good at resisting scratches. Moreover, you can easily wipe them down. Invest in slipcovers to protect sofas from fur and stains. You can easily wash them when they get soiled. When renovating your home, consider buying pet-specific items like dog beds or cat trees for your furry buddy.
You can consider installing ramps for older pets or those with mobility issues and gates to restrict access to certain areas. This is a good time to implement pet-proofing features in your living space.
Design an Outdoor Zone
Think beyond indoor improvements if you are a pet parent. Your outdoor area also deserves attention as most animals love spending time in the open. According to PetCoach, animals need outdoor enrichment beyond potty time. Outdoor play makes them active and alert and also improves bonding with their owners. Moreover, it can prevent irritability and behavior problems.
If you have a yard or outdoor space, consider improvements to make it safe and enjoyable for your pets. Install sturdy fences that prevent escape and mishaps. You can also set up a pet house as a weatherproof shelter that keeps them comfortable year-round. A dog shower is another good addition to make cleaning up after pooping and outdoor adventures easier.
Waste disposal and cleaning is another problem pet parents struggle with. You may not get a solution with home improvement in this context. However, you can find local service providers for pet waste sanitization and cleaning. This is a worthwhile expense to keep your backyard clean and germ-free.
Scoop Soldiers recommends regular scooping, sanitization, and deodorization for the best results. This can prevent the spread of disease-causing pathogens, ensuring good health for your pet and family.
Why is it important to clean up after your pet?
Cleaning up after your pet is something owners should never ignore. It ensures a hygienic environment, preventing the spread of bacteria and parasites. By doing so, you can protect local wildlife and ecosystems from harmful waste. Keeping your backyard clean is also about a fresh and aesthetic appearance.
Pet parents should consider many things before going ahead with their home improvement plans. Keep in mind that you may need to take many precautions to ensure your furry baby’s safety during the project. Also, choose the improvements wisely, considering what will ultimately benefit your loved ones, including your pet.
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Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
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Toodles,
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