The idea of getting a pet home will surely be a heartwarming experience filled with excitement and joy. Their playful antics and companionship can instantly brighten up your living space. However, along with the happiness of having a furry friend around comes the responsibility of making your home a safe environment for them. Without the right precautions, what seems like a harmless household item could potentially risk their well-being. With some planning and a few adjustments by our pet care Dubai experts, you can make your house a safe haven for your pets.
1. You Have to Keep Them Entertained
Compulsive behaviors in pets might include wall-scratching, gnawing on furniture, and breaking into things they shouldn’t. A range of pet-friendly toys will keep them occupied and entertained. Pets can benefit from interactive toys such as feather wands or laser pointers, while canines can enjoy puzzle games that shoot rewards. To keep your pet interested and happy, it would be helpful to get them new gifts each time.
2. Make a Scratching Post Available
An essential item for cat owners is a scratching post. Scratching is a cat’s instinctive behavior that helps them mark their territory, exercise their muscles, and maintain the health of their claws. If you don’t give them a specific place to scratch, they can end up using your pricey sofa or curtains. Select a multi-level cat tree that gives your pet access to a variety of surfaces and levels, or go for a durable scratching post with diverse textures.
3. Buy Chewable Items
Pets enjoy chewing, particularly puppies and kittens. This behavior may be motivated by curiosity, boredom, or teething. Invest in chewable toys made especially for them to keep them from chewing on furniture, shoes, or wires. Choose toys that are suited for your pet’s size and chewing tendencies, safe, and long-lasting. Rubber bones, dental chews, and plush toys are excellent alternatives to sate their chewing cravings without damaging your home goods.
4. Install Pet Gates
If there are certain areas in your home where you don’t want your pet to venture, consider investing in pet gates. These gates can help create designated pet-friendly zones while restricting access to other rooms. For instance, you may want to keep your dog out of the kitchen when cooking or prevent your cat from entering a nursery. Pet gates come in various sizes and materials, making them easy to match with your home’s decor.
5. Keep Toxic Items Out of Reach
Similar to toddlers, pets may be drawn to explore home objects that could be dangerous to them due to their innate curiosity. Even some houseplants and common household items like cleaning supplies, pharmaceuticals, and specific foods can be dangerous if consumed. Everything poisonous should be kept out of your pet’s reach on high shelves or locked cabinets. Furthermore, become knowledgeable about pet toxins and make sure your pet cannot access them.
6. Choose the Right Upholstery
Pets love to snuggle up on the couch or your favorite armchair, but choosing the wrong upholstery can lead to wear and tear from fur, claws, or drool. When selecting furniture for a pet-friendly home, consider materials that are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to scratches and stains. Leather, microfiber, or tightly woven fabrics are great options that can withstand the rigors of pet ownership. Adding washable slipcovers or pet blankets can also help protect your furniture and make cleaning easier.
Conclusion
Although it may seem difficult, you can make your home pet-proof so that your furry family members have a secure, contented, and cozy space. These tips and tactics can help you enjoy a peaceful connection with your pet while keeping your home tidy and well-protected. They range from entertaining them and stopping destructive tendencies to protecting potentially harmful things. A house that is pet-proof is ultimately a pet-happy home!
