When you have a four-legged friend, your home isn’t just yours anymore. Just like when you have a child you baby-proof your space to make it safer, you should be doing the same to make your house pet friendly. If you’re unsure of where to start, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered with tips to make sure both you and your furry friend are enjoying your time at home.

A cat high fiving

Know your pet’s habits

Do you know when your dog likes to take a nap and for how long? What about how active they’ve been throughout the day? Slipping the FitBark 2 around their collar is a simple way to answer these questions. The device will monitor them to help you determine how much they sleep and how active they are. Knowing your dog’s habits will allow you to help make them more comfortable at home and allow for needed adjustments to be made. For example, if they like to nap while basking in the sunlight you can leave your curtains open for them. Or if they are active during your lunch break, you can stop by and play with them for a bit. 

Paint with your pet in mind

Autumn is a great time of year to freshen up your home with some paint. We all know how harsh the smell of paint is to our noses, so imagine how much stronger that scent is to your beloved pet. Keep your pets health in mind when painting inside your home by using an odorless and non-toxic paint. Not only will it be pet friendly, but you also won’t have to worry about temporarily relocating so neither of you are breathing in potentially harmful paint fumes.

A dog on a couch

Upgrade your sofa

When relaxing in your living room at the end of a long day, you should want your huggable pet to join you on the sofa without worrying about it being ruined. Plus, don’t you feel bad when they look up at you with those sad eyes after you say no to them being up there with you? Put your mind at ease by replacing your current sofa with one made with quality and durable materials, like leather or polyester. Now you won’t have to worry about stains with an easy to clean sofa, and you and your pet can spend some cuddly quality time together.  

A shihtzu in front of a fireplace

Secure your fireplace

As the weather starts to get colder, if you have a fireplace in your home you’ll begin to use it more frequently. While you know the dangers of an open flame and the basics of fire safety, your pet does not. When you are making use of your fireplace, ensure you are following some important steps to make sure your pet is safe. The most vital thing to remember is to never leave your pets alone with a fire going, just like you would never leave a child alone. 

Clean consciously

Chemicals in your cleaning products can be detrimental to your pet’s health. And if they’re harmful to them, there’s a good chance they’re impacting your health in some way as well. It’s odd to think that what you’re using to keep your space and belongings clean and germ free can also be harmful. From laundry detergent to floor cleaner, make sure you’re using pet-safe products throughout your home. 

A cat curled up in bed

Make room for your pet

Your home is your pet’s home too. Make them feel welcome in as many places you possibly can. Give them their own space by having a special crate for their toys and a bed for them to call their own, even if they prefer sleeping with you. Give them their dinner at the same time as you eat yours, and place their bowls near where you eat to make them feel included. If you do let your pet into your bed, make use of pet stairs to make getting in and out easier for them, especially if you have a smaller dog or an older pet. Do whatever you can do to integrate them into your space with as few restrictions as possible so they can enjoy your company and home as much as you do!