Almost all dogs, and especially puppies, are very curious about their surroundings and are prone to making a mess if left unsupervised. If you want to prevent your furry friend from harming itself and your belongings, it’s important to dog-proof your home and turn it into a dog-friendly space. Here’s how you can do that.
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Flooring
When it comes to floors, the rule is the harder – the better. Tiles as well as hardwoods like oak, walnut, cherry, and maple are the best choice if you have a furry friend, and they all hold pretty well. Tiles are almost scratch-proof, but not everyone is ready to install them in their entire home, so you can opt for hardwood floors instead. It’s better if you avoid carpets because they harbour hair, bacteria and that not-so-pleasant dog smell. Dirty carpets can sometimes cause allergies or other health issues such as athlete’s foot. If you want to keep your floors in great condition make sure your dog’s nails are always nicely trimmed and avoid hard impact play on your wooden floors. You can also think about laying down some heavy throw rugs that will prevent slipping (especially if you have an older dog).
Bedroom
It’s time for you to discover the world of easy-to-clean covers! Duvet covers are great because you can just throw them in the washer any time they get dirty. So, if you like to cuddle up with your pet at night, think about investing in a few duvet covers.
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Protect your collectables
If you collect any breakable items, it’s best to keep them somewhere safe. You would probably be very sad if your dog swiped something with its tail and it fell on the ground and broke. Therefore, you should place your precious items in a room that is off limits to your dog or place them in sturdy cabinets.
Set up a dog station
One of the great things you can do is set up a “dog stop” station at your home’s entrance. You can use baker’s racks, but bookcases with hooks will also do the job. Here, you can keep all your dog’s stuff such as leashes, collars, coats, bowls and toys. You can also place paw and coat wipes for drying off after a walk in the rain. This is much easier than running after your wet dog, mopping up the muddy paw prints and puddles of water.
Couches and chairs
The best advice you can get is to avoid white. Patterns and colours of your furniture should be your best friends because they help hide fur and stains. Leather or faux leather is a good choice too. You can always quickly wipe it clean and it won’t absorb any doggy smells. Another thing you can do to protect your chairs and couches is to use slipcovers. They come in all sizes, colours and patterns, and they are great because they are machine-washable and can be tumble-dried. Practically the same goes for your dog’s furniture as well. It’s best if you get dog beds that are colourful, full of patterns and machine-washable.
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Breed-specific setups
If you’re an owner or an owner-to-be of a small breed, it’s a good idea to add some ramps and stairs to furniture your dog’s allowed on. These can prevent back and joint injuries due to climbing on and jumping off high surfaces. Some larger breeds are known to drool all over the place, so you have to think about your wall paint. Choose the paint that can be whipped and washed without coming down. Also, know that big breeds are super-messy eaters. It’s best if you place their bowls in a spot that’s easy to clean after every meal.
If you prepare your home following these tips, you will protect your dog and your property from all possible accidents and provide them both with a long and happy life.
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