Whether you’re moving into a new home or renovating an existing one, dog parents like yourself need to consider your canine companions when designing the space.
That being said, it can be overwhelming if you’ve never done it before, as designing a home for humans can be quite different from doing the same thing for your fur babies.
If you happen to be in this position, you’ll want to learn why and how it’s important to make your home more dog-friendly.
The Importance of Designing a Dog-friendly Home
Modifying your current home set-up to accommodate your pet’s needs is crucial to ensuring their overall long-term health and well-being.
For instance, pups that are getting on in age or have physical health problems may hurt themselves while trying to jump up onto furniture that’s too high up.
If your cabinets aren’t secured, active pups can bump into them and knock items over, potentially injuring themselves.
Certain flooring materials may also make it difficult for pups to get their footing, causing them to slip and fall.
All these and more could make your pet’s experience of living at home quite a miserable one, so it’s best to modify the space so that they can stay safe and comfortable.
Now that you know the importance of designing a pet-friendly home, read on to learn a few tips on how to pull it off.
Give Your Dog Their Own Space
While it’s nice to share the bed or the couch with your pup from time to time, it’s still essential to give them their own bed.
Without one, they can feel nervous and restless due to the lack of structure in their lives.
Hence, giving them a specific place to sleep can keep them calm and relaxed.
Many pet supply stores sell wholesale dog beds like these in various shapes, sizes, and designs, so you’re sure to find the perfect one to keep your dog warm and cozy.
Install a Doggie Door
If you have an active pup who loves to frolic outside as much as they like to hang out indoors, it’s best to install a doggie door.
That way, they can come and go as they please without having to scratch the door incessantly or cry loudly just to get you to open it.
Understandably, having a doggie door may raise concerns about possible break-ins, whether by unscrupulous individuals or curious outdoor animals.
One way to address this is to install a magnetic or electronic doggie door for increased security.
These kinds of doggie doors are controlled by your dog’s collar and will only unlock when your pup approaches the door while wearing the said collar.
Allot Ample Space for Roaming Around
Arrange your furniture and decor in such a way that your pet has enough room to roam around and play.
Take your dog’s size into consideration when eyeballing exactly how much space you’ll need to clear up.
If you happen to have a small home but a large yard, it might be better for your dog to spend more time outside.
Designate an Area for Eating and Drinking
As mentioned previously, dogs need structure to keep them calm and functional. Thus, they also need a specific place where they can eat and drink.
Make sure it is a calm and quiet area, such as a spot near your back door or kitchen.
At a minimum, all you have to do is place your pup’s food and water bowls in that chosen area.
You can also place a rug in that specific space to visually separate it from other areas of the home.
Add a Pet Station in Your Home
Dogs are naturally messy creatures, and part of being a dog owner is getting them clean after a fun day of frolicking outside.
After all, the last thing that you want is to have muddy paw prints all over your floor and furniture.
That said, setting up a pet station where you can bathe and dry off your dog is a good idea.
This can be installed outside of your home or in any area with a waterproof floor and easy access to a faucet and a drain.
Choose Hard Flooring
Ideally, you’ll want to choose durable and slip-resistant flooring so that your dog can walk around comfortably without slipping or sliding around.
Hardwood flooring, tiles, and linoleum flooring are all great options.
And because these materials don’t retain a lot of heat, dogs will love to lie down on them to cool off during the summer months.
Have Strong and Durable Fences
Lastly, you’ll want to surround the perimeter of your home with a sturdy fence.
Having one will give you peace of mind, especially when you have a rather excitable and hyperactive dog.
Make sure to invest in a fence that your dog can’t easily chew or breakthrough when they see a person or another animal pass by.
Living with a dog means making adjustments to your home to ensure your pup’s comfort, health, and happiness.
While designing a dog-friendly space may seem overwhelming at first, it’s not impossible.
That said, just keep this list in mind and you’ll transform your home into a dog-friendly space in no time.
