Is Your Home Dog Friendly?

Is your home dog friendly? For some of us that is importan so here are a few things to help you make your new home comfortable. 

At first thought for this blog I thought about doggie doors to exit and enter at will, as well as pet stairs to reduce the risk of them getting hurt in and out of bed. Of course that is size and breed invovled too. But then I ran across some other interesting considerations. 

1. Vacuum regularly (with a good vacuum) - There are vacuums and then there are vacuums. While the furr may not bother you it can create health issues for others. There are some furr friendly ones starting at $99 these days. Read the information, there are some better than others for long hair vs short. 

2. Bathe and groom your pet often - This sounds like a no brainer but yes, sometimes they do smell and can be difficult to get out of furnture and such. It also depends on the breed and such.  You may even want to invest in a pet station (Amazon $489). 

4. Put washable fabrics on your bed. Those dry clean only comfortors can be expensive to clean and may not be good for paws.

5. Skip wall-to-wall carpet. I am a carpet hater anyway because I have seen far too many carpets pulled with the muck underneath the pad and the pad itself can be pretty yucky. have seen homes with carpet whereby the carpet was pulled up and so much urine had been in their favorite spot that it actually crystallized. There were several places where it was so bad that the subfloors had to be removed. That is not good to breathe for anyone.  If you are not able to replace it then consider professional cleaning with an enzyme based cleaner.

6. Choose hard surface floors - Not only do the avoid the grunginess they are easier to clean and disinfect.  If you are one of those people who like softness in the bedroom consider room size rugs that can be easily cleaned or remove. I personally use an indoor/outdoor rug in my bedroom. I spray it from time to time with OdoBan and I take it to the car wash here and there to power wash it, usually do to people stains like I knocked over a drink. 

7. Set up an animal room near an entry. This gives the pets a safe place. My dog likes to sit in his crate with the door half open. I tested this once by putting a pillow by the door and the crate with just a towel in it by another door. He chose the other crate. 

8. Give your pet tidy, attractive treats and toys. I like to use season toys that can be washed easily. These "chic dog toys" are definitely more attractive than ones I buy, but I am eclectic. I do think that rubber chickens that squeak are more my Leonard's style. 

9. Use leather, wood, or metal furniture. Its much more dog (and kid) friendly, as well as easier to clean. They typically last longer too so more economical in the long run.

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