Pets have mischievous tendencies. Sure, they may not mean to scratch the couch, tug the drapes or pick the carpet apart, but let’s face it, animals are well… animals.
Whether you’re a renter or long-term buyer, pet-based damages can deteriorate your home’s value.
You needn’t engage radical redesign methods to pet-proof your home, and a few easy solutions exist for those seeking happy, safe pet-free environments.
Pet-Proof Tip #1: Use Your Vacuum Cleaner as a Gage
If your vacuum cleaner can’t fit behind it, you should pet-proof it. Cats and small dogs love crevices, nooks and crannies. Moreover, they love engaging areas you won’t see. If you can’t vacuum it, the animals are probably playing in it.
Consider rearranging these gaps to completely close them off. Even if they’re entirely safe for animals, they’re still hidden from watchful eyes.
Pet-Proof Tip #2: Opt for Dark Colors and Small Patterns
Dark colors hide stains and dark hair. Similarly, small patterns tend to mask any ripped edges, abrasions or other damages. Where pattern colors are considered, light colors assist with stain location, helping your cleanup process after accidents or pet-based damages.
Pet-Proof Tip #3: Install Cupboard Clips
Petco.com has covered several pet-proof tips for dog owners, focusing on keeping dangerous foods and chemicals safe from prying paws.
While safety, of course, should be prioritized, cleanliness is also gained from pet-proofed cupboards and storage areas. AVMA.org depicts average American households contain approximately one dog and two cats, though even a single companion pet can mess up kitchen, living room and even bedroom areas if cupboard areas are accessed.
Cupboard clips are cheap, and they’re entirely safe for both humans and animals. Additionally, they protect household pets while maintaining cleanliness.
Pet-Proof Tip Four: Try Soft Paws
Sharp nails damage upholstery, but Soft Paws round your feline’s claws while avoiding any unethical practices.
Soft, and applied with pet-safe nail polish, soft paws are small enough to keep your furry friend comfy as they retract their nails. Pain and discomfort aren’t existent, and neither are household damages. As they wear down, simply replace them. They may feel awkward at first for your cat, but they’re relatively adaptable and easy to change out.
Pet-Proof Tip Five: Coordinate Pet Colors
If you can’t beat them, join them. If your animals tend to shed, try aligning rug and drape selections with their hair color.
As they shed, their hair will blend in with surrounding details. Too much time is spent avoiding hair that, eventually, will fall. Coordinated households are dynamic households, and a living room capable of hiding cat and dog hair is much more appealing.
Remember: Your pet should always come first.
When pet-proofing your living area, remember to determine your animals’ safety at every turn. Though areas might be safe for you, they may pose threats to small, furry friends.
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