If you love dogs, your home should reflect their presence with design features that make their lives better. If you get a pet after your house is built, you might need to make some changes to ensure they feel comfortable. The aim is to give your animal a good life, just like you would want for yourself.
With the help of an interior designer, below are some excellent home ideas you can try as a dog parent.
Install Dog Food Stations
You might not realize it, but dogs also need a specific feeding spot, just like your dining area. The station has an in-built bowl and drinking trough where you can put food and water.
Some even have storage spaces for your pet’s essentials, such as dog treats, food, toys, wipes, washcloths, and more. Ensure you invest in premium-quality dog food made with novel proteins and organic vegetables from californiadogkitchen.com. Depending on the space you have in your home, you can purchase a readily made food station or construct one.
Proper Flooring Design
The form of flooring in your home also impacts how freely your dog can live and walk around comfortably. So, what are the best flooring systems for a dog owner? First, it should be easy to clean and maintain.
Vinyl tiles have won the top recommendation from many specialists and experienced pet parents due to their scratch resistance and ease of cleaning. Remember to incorporate non-slip features on the flooring to prevent fall accidents, considering how playful paws can get. Carpets do not have to cover every corner of your house.
Dog Rooms
Depending on the size of your home, you can always consider giving your furry buddy a room of their own for more freedom and comfort. Here, it would help to incorporate several essentials such as bedding, storage area, play area, and much more into the same space.
Dog rooms are easy to design, meaning you don’t have to hire an interior specialist. Having one also means less stress and anxiety when your guests visit.
Dog-Bearable Fabrics
You don’t want to complain daily about how your dog messed up your home fabrics, right? It may not be very clear because you love them so much and value your house. Save yourself the hassle today by embracing fabrics that can withstand dogs.
These include leather sofas/chairs that may need a little cleaning when they have dusty paws. Curtains and carpets should also be stain-resistant and fur-repellent. It is highly recommended that you use materials and colours matching your dog’s fur colour.
Washing Areas
Your dog must shower occasionally, which can be stressful when you don’t have a specific washing area. This station is a must-have in every pet parent’s home for convenience and hygiene. Most people situate the station in their laundry rooms, mud rooms, garages, basements, and bathrooms if they are large enough.
Whatever you choose, dog wash areas should not be near the kitchen or living room. The surrounding materials should be waterproof to last longer and not be compromised by excess humidity.
Dog-Friendly Plants
When it comes to home supplies, it should be all about everyone, and fur creatures should not be left behind. Some plants could be more welcoming to dogs. Hence, their presence would be harmful no matter how beautiful they make the space.
That shouldn’t deter you from parenting plants because more pet-friendly options exist. Some examples are Pilea peperomioides, pachira aquatica, hoya varieties, rattlesnake, spider, calathea, nest fern, and basket vine. The list is long, but the characteristics you should look for are non-toxicity, low maintenance, blunt/soft edges, and resilience.
Maximum Security
Another crucial idea for dog-friendly homes is good security. It’s well known that these pets are sneaky and can easily escape with the tiniest amount of space. Homeowners must ensure total protection of the surroundings both internally and externally. First, keep human and dog food out of reach in locked cabinets. Windows and doors should have a stable lock system and be closed appropriately. A wireless dog fence is also a smart idea; a dog that runs off will generally come back of its own accord, but that’s a fraught and frustrating wait and it’s best if you can remove the mere idea of it happening.
If you’re in an insecure area, consider installing a CCTV surveillance system for further protection. Other home safety tips for pet parents include covering trash cans and heating/air vents, keeping toilet lids down, managing electrical cables, and blocking tiny spaces.
Absorb Them Into Your Décor
What’s more comforting than seeing a décor design you relate to? Your dog would feel happy at home if you incorporated them into your home’s décor ideas. Many ways to fulfill this include adding doggie-themed art pieces, hanging a photo of them, and using paw-printed textiles. You can also progress to dog-themed scratching posts.
As a dog parent, you’re fully responsible for creating a satisfying and safe environment for your furry friend. This is fulfilling for them and you, keeping you from those “Oopsies” scenarios that bring second thoughts. For more impressive results, you can always engage specialists to get their nuggets of wisdom.
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