You’re about to adopt a dog and pretty excited about it. But is your home ready to welcome your new companion? Of course, you want your entire home to be a safe and comfortable place for your dog. But it’s also a good idea to ensure your new friend has a dedicated corner where he can relax, feel secure, eat his meals peacefully, and have fun.
These tips will show you how to create a dog-friendly space in your home.
Decide which space you want to dedicate to your dog
Do you have an extra room you don’t use in your home? It could become your dog’s bedroom. But if you can’t dedicate an entire room to your dog, don’t despair. You could create an area for him in the corner of your home office or laundry room or pamper him by building a dog nook under a staircase or transforming an unused closet into a dog room.
Decide which corner of your home to turn into a dog-friendly space and add storage solutions to organize his food, dog treats, toys, and supplies. Ensure he always has fresh water to drink and can relax and sleep in a comfortable bed.
Avoid house plants, which can be toxic to a dog
Did you know that some house plants were toxic to dogs? To create a dog-friendly space, avoid buying plants which could be dangerous to your pet. Plants which are dangerous to dogs include:
• Aloe Vera
• Asparagus Fern
• Dieffenbachia
• English Ivy
• Peace Lily
• Philodendron
If you own some of these plants and don’t want to get rid of them, keep them in a room your dog cannot access.
Choose durable materials and finishes
Consider choosing durable materials and finishes if you’re about to renovate your home or just a few rooms. For example, a laminate, vinyl, or tile floor is scratch-resistant, non-slip, and easy to clean, making it a perfect option for a dog-friendly home.
If you want area rugs, opt for a durable material that is easy to maintain. Consider painting your walls with a satin finish, which will be much easier to clean than flat paint.
Beware of furniture with sharp edges and corners
Your choice of furniture can help you create a more dog-friendly space in your home. To prevent accidents and injuries, try to avoid buying furniture with sharp edges and corners.
If replacing your furniture is not part of your plans, consider using corner and edge protectors designed to baby-proof furniture. This will help ensure your dog can move and play without getting hurt.
Protect your sofa and chairs with slipcovers
Even if you don’t allow your dog to climb on your sofa, he will probably get on it eventually. And if you allow him to cuddle with you on the sofa, you can expect him to make a mess.
Protecting your sofa and chairs with slipcovers is a good idea. Slipcovers are stylish and durable, and above all, they are easy to clean and maintain. So, whether you have an old couch or a brand-new one, getting a slipcover is a good solution for a dog-friendly space.
Consider soundproofing your dog-friendly space
Your dog could get nervous if you live in a very noisy urban area. To help him relax and sleep better at night, you could soundproof your home or at least his dedicated space.
Thick rugs and heavy curtains can soundproof a space, but sound-absorbing wall panels can also be installed to reduce noise levels and create a quieter area for your dog.
Create an area where your dog can play
If you have enough space in your home, you could create an area where your dog can play with interactive toys, climb, run, and make a mess while he’s having fun. Think about a dedicated playroom but for a dog instead of children. You could even create a small DIY dog agility course, perfect for a dog with high energy levels.
Use technology to make your dog more comfortable
Our last tip on creating a dog-friendly space in your home is to rely on technology to help make your furry companion more comfortable. Think about a smart feeder, an interactive toy that dispenses dog treats, a smart pet door, and a pet monitor that allows you to watch your canine friend whenever you’re away from home. Different devices can help make life simpler and more satisfying for you and your dog, and they belong in a dog-friendly home.
