Deciding to get a dog brings about so many changes. Aside from their oh-so-cute cuddles and wagging tails, you need to make sure your home is ready. Regardless of age, your dog needs to know what it can and cannot do inside your home. They also need time to adjust and that means learning a new set of rules. Although most mishaps can be corrected with time and training, it's still a good idea to dog-proof your home. Below are three ways to keep both your home and your sanity intact.
Choose Hard Floor Surfaces
Moving to a new home can cause a lot of anxiety, even for the most mild-mannered pups, so it’s important to create a space where they feel safe. Since it’s not uncommon for dogs to have accidents, especially puppies who need housebroken, where they spend most of their time needs to be durable and easy to clean. There are various types of scratch-resistant flooring for pets to look into, so one that will stand the test of time as your new family member settles in.
Use Stain-Resistant Fabrics
In addition to durable flooring, you also need to protect your furniture. Dogs and puppies alike love to jump on furniture. Unfortunately, they may also get too excited and inadvertently relieve themselves on your sofa. If your furniture is stain resistant, you might want to keep it covered at first. Once your dog knows that getting on the furniture is off limits, you can then uncover it.
Prevent Injuries and Illness
Just like young children, dogs will put just about anything in their mouths. Since a lot of houseplants are toxic to pets, you need to make sure the ones you have aren't. You can check out the ASPCA's website for a complete list of pet-friendly plants. You also need to safeguard any type of power supply in your home. This includes electrical outlets and electrical cords. You can either find a way to secure them out of reach, or you can purchase tailored-made cases that house the cords safely inside.
Making your home dog-friendly is easy. Think about what you would do if you were making your home safe for your own child. Whether you're a new pet parent or simply making home renovations, keeping your furry friend safe needs to be a top priority.
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