Welcoming a new pet to your household is always exciting, but it doesn’t come without intensive planning and preparation. You’ve probably already researched the best pet food, found the local dog park (unless, of course, you’re getting a cat), and maybe even purchased a custom-made collar for the newest addition to the family. However, before your four-legged friend takes its first steps in its new home, there are many factors to take into consideration in order to make their new home as pet-friendly as possible.
Provide a Living Space:
Pets, like their owners, enjoy having their own spot to relax and have fun. If possible, try to designate a space in your home, whether it’s a corner in the living room or bedding upstairs, for your pet to call its own.
Select Pet-Friendly Furniture:
While your sights may be set on lush fabrics like velvet, chenille and wool, its best to select furniture that’s upholstered in sturdier materials to stand up to claws and fur. A microfiber couch may be the perfect fit for a cat owner because the tightly-woven fabric will make it difficult for your kitten to sink its claws into. Leather is also a great option for pet owners because your furry friend’s hair will slide right off!
Protect From Hazardous Appliances:
When pet-proofing your home, it’s sometimes difficult to recognize everyday appliances that can hurt your pet. A good safety measure is to hide/cover electrical cords and wires to keep your curious pet from playing with them. It’s also helpful to get in the habit of immediately putting away any scissors, razors or other sharp household objects when they’re not being used.
Monitor Their Diet:
Everyone knows that dogs can’t eat chocolate, but that’s not the only food that should be kept away from your furry friend. Fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy human diet, but some of them can have disastrous effects on dogs and cats alike. Onions, garlic and grapes are among these everyday foods that can have harmful effects on your pet’s health. In addition, many household plants can be toxic for dogs and cats. Pet owners should do some research into the dos and don’ts when it comes to your pet’s diet.
Be Cautious With Chemicals:
While keeping a clean home is a priority for many pet owners who know that messes come with the territory of owning an animal, be sure to keep an eye out for harmful chemicals that can linger around your house when purchasing cleaning supplies. Try to use non-toxic cleaners whenever possible and make sure to store your more harmful chemicals in a safe place.
Hide Your Valuables:
Most new pet owners soon learn that their furry friends can be, to put it simply, a little bit destructive. Kittens are known for being mischievous and will often find their love for exploration leading them straight into trouble. Puppies will also go through an inevitable teething phase that involves chewing on anything that they can get their paws on.
Taking this into consideration, it is wise to put away any valuables that your pet has access to. No one wants to spend hours looking for an expensive piece of jewelry only to discover that “man’s best friend” buried it in the backyard!
Our pets bring us so much joy, but raising an animal is not a task to be taken lightly! By following these tips, you’ll be ready to bring your new best friend home in no time.
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