15 good ideas for dog-friendly homes guide, House pets decor advice, Property fabric animal care

15 Good Ideas for Dog-Friendly Homes

9 December 2024

A pet-friendly home is what so many pet owners strive to achieve. A dog, however, is a specific kind of pet. They can be more destructive, easily bored, and require more intent in interior design, décor, and layout to keep them happy. As simple as it may appear from an outsider’s perspective, we all know as dog owners that it’s not just eating, sleeping, and relaxing for them. There’s more to think about when making decisions.

Here are some good ideas for dog-friendly homes to put to use.

Highly Durable Flooring

A dog-friendly home must have scratch-resistant, stain-resistant flooring, such as hardwood, laminate, or bamboo. Even if the dog is small, its paws and nails can easily leave marks and scratches as it runs around.

Stain-Resistant Fabrics

When you buy furniture, ensure sofas and chairs are covered in washable, durable fabrics. If not, add slipcovers for easy cleaning. Microfiber and leather are generally the preferred materials. Avoid anything similar to untreated wood or soft plastic for furniture. They cannot hide paw marks.

Avoid Carpeting Indoors

Carpets are hard to clean, so it’s strongly recommended that they be avoided in high-traffic areas. Even after spills, messes, or accidents are handled, carpets can trap odours. Washable rugs or rugs that can be removed and treated are okay, but a permanent carpet is asking for disappointment.

Design a Cozy Crate

Every dog deserves a cozy and comfortable crate area properly sized and spacious enough for your dog to stand and turn inside. A crate is your dog’s sanctuary. Add a plush mat, cushion, bedding, and chew toys. Make your dog’s crate as inviting as possible.

Raised Dog Feeding Station

Ensure a dog does not have to stress their neck getting down to their pet food bowl and water bowls. Provide a raised platform on which their bowls sit. Place it over a non-slip mat so that any messes are caught. Your floor will be protected from water spills, and your bowls won’t ever slide.

Designated Pet Food Storage

Ensure you have a drawer, cabinet, closet, or something ready to store pet food in. Big bags of dog treats, kibble, and snacks should all be tucked away where they are easily accessible and kept fresh. Keep the feeding area tidy and efficient throughout the day.

Install Baby Gates

There may be rooms you do not want your dog in, such as a baby’s or kids’ room where the kids’ toys are. To block off these restricted areas, use baby gates. This approach may also be taken for your kitchen, staircases, or anywhere else you feel uncomfortable allowing your dog.

Have Lots of Pet Supplies Storage

A dog will need storage. Consider buying many bins for leashes, brushes, bathing supplies, and toys. This will help keep things organized and prevent pet toys from being strewn everywhere.

Secure Cords and Cables

Especially with a new or young dog, they may sometimes want to chew cords, cables, and wires. If they are prone to anxiety, this may be a way for them to cope as well. Use cord covers and do what you can to hide any cables from sight.

Maintain a Dog-Friendly Kitchen

A dog-friendly kitchen minimizes the risk of hazards. It’s a room wherein food is stored securely, keeping kibble fresh and avoiding overeating. A kitchen should have non-slip falls. Cleaning supplies and chemicals should be stocked in a high place or kept in a locked cabinet.

Lock Down Your Trash Cans

Ensure your dog has no access to your trash can in the kitchen and bathroom. A hungry or curious dog may try to dig through your garbage and can easily make a big mess in minutes. There is also likely food and materials in your trash that can make a dog sick.

Multiple Dog Beds In Your Home

There are arguments for having multiple dog beds in your home. Try to put at least one on every level. In addition to their primary bed, the rest can fit under furniture or in parts of the room, maximizing comfort for them and you.

Secure Your Backyard

Build a sturdy fence that keeps your dog on your property. Avoid any gaps where a smaller dog could squeeze through. An unknown tip that many don’t know is to use bushes or decorative plants near the fence to discourage digging and enhance your yard’s aesthetic and security.

Dog Play Area Outdoors

Set up a dog play area with ramps, tunnels, agility equipment, a designated digging zone where toys and treats can be buried, and a soft ground surface for running around on. Grass, mulch, or artificial turf all work well.

Remove Toxic Plants

Verify that any greenery you have indoors is non-toxic to pets and dogs. Lilies and pothos are two examples of common houseplants that are highly toxic to dogs.

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