4 Tips To Make Your Home Pet Friendly

Almost 90 percent of pet owners consider their dogs or cats are members of the family, according to a Harris Interactive Poll. If you love your pet and consider him or her a family, odds are you are willing to add the few features necessary to turn your home comfortable for your pet.

Here are some simple ways to go beyond the usual food bowl and create the sleep spots, hangouts and dining locales in your home that will pamper your four-legged friend and keep him or her safe.

• Sleep spaces
  Dogs and cats need a designated sleep space and 69% of pet owners allow their pets to cuddle or sleep with them. But if you’d like to enjoy your sleep space or your partner is uncomfortable having your four-legged pal in your room, consider setting aside a part of the house that is solely for your pet. A sleeping space can be as simple as having a pet bed or crate in the corner of your room, or as something as luxurious as converting an unused closet into a pet room.
• Potty time
  There are many creative solutions to the potty time problem. You can install a hidden litter box in cabinetry, such as built-in sofas or entertainment units, with hideaway entry points too small for dogs to access. If you have a dog that lets himself out of the house when nature calls, consider upgrading or changing your pet door.
• Pet hangouts
  If your pet likes to spend time outdoors, consider constructing a dog or cat house. The basic requirements for the hang out place are that it should be well-insulated against the weather and it should have proper drainage. It should also be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. You can also get creative with your pet hangout, depending on what you and your pet prefer.
• Pet safety
  To keep your dog from roaming the neighborhood, you install an electric fence. You can establish a perimeter  around the house, either through in-ground wiring or a portable wireless system. If your pet approaches the boundary line, a transmitter on your pet’s collar will deliver a safe yet annoying jolt. This would prevent them from approaching the boundary again.  If your pet bolts out of the house once the door opens, simply take an eye hook, screw it into the wall and attach a leash. So whenever you need to open the door, first leash your pet to the wall.

There are other small touches that can help pet-proof your home and make it safe for your furry friends. Put your trashcan in a locked  cabinet or pantry so the garbage or spoiled food won’t sicken your pets. Keep cleaning products, medications, vitamins, garden, automotive supplies  and other toxic substances in closed storage.