Owning a dog is a huge responsibility. It also comes with quite a hefty price tag since you have to spend on its food, toys, veterinary care, and others.
But the rewards of owning a dog far outweigh its drawbacks. For one, dog ownership comes with medical benefits. You need to play with your dog and walk with it outside every day, which means you get regular physical exercise. A dog’s companionship can also be comforting, improve your mood, and reduce your stress. This is probably one of the main reasons why more people are getting pets during the pandemic.
Dogs need a safe and loving environment just as humans do. Unfortunately, not everyone’s homes are fit for owning dogs. Thus, along with other considerations, you also need to check if your home is safe for a dog. Below is a list of some major considerations to make your home more dog-friendly.
Baby-proofing Furniture
Baby-proofing is not just for human babies. It’s also important if you have a dog. For example, dogs love to run around the house and can easily bump into different pieces of furniture. They might even climb up on some pieces of furniture, such as a dresser, and cause them to topple.
Dogs might also try opening drawers or cabinet doors within their reach. If there are things inside these drawers and cabinets that are toxic for dogs, they might get into trouble.
Thus, if you’re getting a dog, consider baby-proofing your home. Anchor the pieces of furniture that your dog might climb on. Also, use locks on drawers and cabinet doors to hinder your dog from opening them.
Installing Baby Gates
Another thing usually installed for babies that pet owners can also use is a baby safety gate. Perhaps you don’t want your dog to go to certain areas of your home. So you need to install safety gates at the entryways of these areas to prevent your dog from entering. These areas might include your basement, kitchen, etc.
If you have a staircase and your dog is not trained yet to go up and down the stairs, you might also consider adding safety gates at both ends to keep it safe.
Securing Your Windows and Doors
Dogs love to sit by the window. Sitting by the window allows them to get some sunlight if they can’t go outside in the morning. So before you get a dog, you might consider installing aluminum window screens on your windows. This way, you can leave your windows open for your dog without the risk of them getting out of the house.
Also, if you’re thinking of adding a doggy door to one of your doors, use a tinted one. This way, you don’t risk people from the outside peeking in your home through the tiny door. You also need to ensure that the doggy door has a lock. A doggy door reportedly makes a home more vulnerable. But as long as you lock it properly in certain hours and put in place other security measures, you and your home can stay safe.
Installing Scratch-resistant Flooring
Sometimes, a dog’s nails can be problematic. When a dog runs around, its nails can easily scratch the floor, depending on the material. Some dogs also love to scratch the floor as if they’re digging, especially during the night. And unfortunately, scratch marks on the floor can be an eyesore.
Thus, if you have the budget, you can have scratch-resistant flooring installed. Some materials to consider include tiles, luxury vinyl, and laminate flooring. You can also consult an interior decorator to help you choose the right flooring material for your home so that your dog won’t damage it. They can also help you choose something that still fits the overall aesthetic of the inside of your home.
Raising Pet-friendly Plants Only
Some plants are considered toxic for dogs. So before you bring in a dog in your home, make sure that the plants you own are safe for them. Some toxic plants you should keep away from your dog include aloe vera, corn plant, jade plant, elephant ear, and many others.
This doesn’t mean you can’t raise these plants in your home. You can just place plant pots somewhere out of reach, such as a secured section in your backyard.
Preparing your home for a dog can take some work. But it will be worth it in the end, as you’ll be able to reap the many benefits of dog ownership.
