For pet owners, you may often have to put up with some messes in the home as well as everyday safety concerns. However, you can make a few adjustments in your home’s design that will make life easier for both you and your furry friend.
A pet-friendly entrance
A mud room by the entrance of your home is not only a great place to stash shoes, coats and umbrellas, but also a perfect spot to get your pet clean after a walk outside. Store pet wipes, treats and other essentials by the entrance to keep the area tidy.
A pet-friendly kitchen
If you’re doing a kitchen renovation, think about how your pets will use the area too. Consider a built-in feeding area to keep your kitchen neat and tidy. This also prevents food bowls from spilling and causing a mess. Installing a swinging gate or half-door would also be ideal if there are times you’d rather keep pets out of the kitchen.
A pet-friendly bathroom
Your bathtub gets a lot of use if you own a dog, so if you’re doing a bathroom renovation, consider bathtime with your dog as well. For example, have a large drain installed so pet hair won’t clog it up. Handheld showers make it easier to clean your pet and an open concept shower area gives both you and your dog plenty of room. If you’re a cat owner, you could have a cabinet or corner perfectly designed to fit their litter box.
A pet-friendly outdoor area
A fully-fenced yard is a must for any pet-owner. Consider an enclosed patio so your pet can get some fresh air and sunlight without you worrying they’ll wander near the pool or a flowerbed. If you have a senior pet or a pet with mobility issues, a ramp would be an excellent addition.
Pet-friendly materials
If you’re re-upholstering or getting new curtains and carpets, there are some fabrics you should avoid to make cleaning up less trouble. Fabrics that are a magnet for pet hair include velvet, mohair, corduroy and velour. Smooth tapestries, leathers and synthetic fibres are chic alternatives. Furniture with exposed wicker and rattan are tempting to chew on for a dog, but metal and chrome are not.
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