A new pet can be a lovely addition to your home, but without some careful preparation, your new furry friend can turn each room upside down.
The following household tips will get you on your way to having it all – a loving pet and a tidy home.
Windows
- Avoid vertical blinds, pooling drapery, ornate tassels and long cords that can become strangulation hazards. If a dog gets caught in any of these, he could panic and bring objects around him crashing down.
- Think twice about mini-blinds, which can get bent beyond repair when a curious dog tries to see the outside world.
- Fabric shades, café curtains and draperies are excellent choices for homes with dogs.
Furniture
- Provide comfy beds in each room or designate one piece of furniture as your pet’s place. Cover this piece with a washable throw and teach your pet that this is the only piece of furniture he is allowed to frequent.
- Make sure slipcovers are machine-washable, especially if a light-coloured solid is your upholstery of choice.
- Leather and vinyl furniture is easy to clean, but can be damaged by too-long toenails. Be sure to clip your pet’s nails regularly.
Walls
- Use washable semi-gloss paint in areas where your pet may sprinkle spittle on the walls.
- Washable vinyl-backed wallpaper is easier to clean than traditional paper-backed wallpaper.
- Relegate antique wallpapers or fabric wall treatments to the top half of the walls; paint or hang a washable wall covering below.
Floors
- Machine-washable area rugs are easier to keep clean than wall-to-wall carpeting. If urine soaks into carpet backing, it’s nearly impossible to remove. If you do decide to stick with wall-to-wall, it's a good idea to stock up on carpet care products, especially cleaners made specifically for pet accidents.
- Roll up vegetable-dyed oriental rugs until your new dog is fully house-trained, and if rugs have decorative fringe, don’t put them back down until your pet is well past teething age.
- Tiles and sheet linoleum are pet-friendly floorings that allow you to easily wipe away accidental droppings.
- Seal hardwood floors with polyurethane to prevent urine odour from lingering.
Pet's area
- Spill-proof water bowls help prevent drooly drinkers from spilling on the floor.
- A large, absorbent placemat under food and water bowls will make for easier clean-up after messy eaters.
- Frequently wash your pet’s blanket and bedding; use a lint roller on pillows.
- Scoop the poop out of your cat’s litter box at least once or twice a day.
Image via Pinterest.
