Bringing home a four legged family member can take the love and joy within your home to the next level. From cuddles to playtime, there’s plenty to love about having a furry friend in the house.
However, they can also come with plenty of challenges. Whether it’s muddy paw prints down the hallway floor to scratches on your furniture, pets can also be destructive. With this in mind, it’s important to choose the right materials (floors, furniture, decorations, etc.) for a pet-friendly space.
Let’s take a look at the materials that will make your home a fun and safe space for you and your furry friends.
Flooring additions that are safe and easy to maintain
Much like the rest of your family, your pets are going to spend a lot of their time on your floors. That’s why it’s important to select a flooring option that’s pet friendly and easy to maintain.
Hybrid flooring styles can be a great option for durable and scratch resistant flooring. Low maintenance and easy to maintain, they also come in a range of colours and designs to suit your space. You’ll also want to add some non-slip rugs throughout your home to enhance comfort for your furry friend’s little paws (and your feet) but it’s important to ensure that your selections are stain resistant and machine washable in case accidents happen.
Wall and door finishes that survive the test of time
Pets chew and scratch. Even the most well mannered dog will probably decide they want to know what the door tastes like at least once in their life, and cats simply can’t help themselves when they think something will be nice to sink their claws into. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to choose wall and door finishes that can survive the test of time.
Semi-gloss and satin paint finishes are ideal for this as they’re easier to clean if they get mud or other elements that usually live outdoors on them, and scratch guards for your doors are always a good idea. You may also want to upgrade your doors to a more robust material (think solid timber) if your pet makes a habit of chewing or scratching them.
Practical yet stylish window treatments
Much like children, pets don’t understand the dangers of cords and other window fixtures that they can get tangled in. The first thing you should be checking with any window furnishing is whether it has the appropriate child-safe features and mechanisms.
You’ll also want to consider the durability of any option you’re thinking about bringing into your home. Curtains and drapes may look nice, but they aren’t well suited to cat owners. Dog owners can generally get away with this type of window treatment as long as you choose a washable option, but it may be wise to take the safer route and opt for shutters.
Choosing outdoor furniture and accessories
While outdoor furniture and accessories are more durable by nature, it’s still important to choose pet friendly options when designing your outdoor spaces.
In particular, you’ll want to focus on selecting materials that can withstand chewing and scratching. Metal is a great option for this, but if you’re looking for something a bit warmer, teak is also quite strong and durable. Those wanting something a bit more unique could also look into resin, and, of course, you’ll want to select soft furnishings that are machine washable so if your furry friend jumps on them covered in mud, you don’t have to panic.
Read Also: Top 5 Pet-Friendly Home Features
A quick note on insect and pest repellents: Many common pest and insect repellents can be toxic to cats and dogs. Because of this, it’s important that you ensure that you select a pet safe option when looking for something to keep flies and mosquitoes away.
Setting up a safe and fun play area
Another tip for styling your outdoor areas is to create a designated play area for your pets. Sandpits and pet friendly water features are great for keeping pets entertained, while agility equipment can help them burn off extra energy and stay in top shape. It’s also vital to ensure that you have a well maintained yard with good fencing for your pets, and always supervise them when a new element is introduced.
Weatherproofing for pet comfort
Finally, your pets will likely be spending a lot of time outside, so weatherproofing is important for their comfort. Appropriate shelter is a must all year round, helping to protect them from both the sun and rain. You can even invest in other accessories like heated pads for winter, and cooling mats for warmer months.
Bringing it all together
Pet proofing your home doesn’t have to mean compromising on style or function. When the right elements are chosen, a pet friendly space offers comfort for everyone living in it, while maintaining practicality and personality. Not only that, you’ll have a better relationship with your pet if you aren’t worried about them ruining your beautiful home.
