As much as we love having pets in the home, our furry friends do have a reputation of wreaking havoc with their chewing, scratching and shedding. If your pets spend time indoors you’d want to ensure that your home is pet-friendly to minimise the damage they can cause, and that your four-legged friends can enjoy your new home as much the rest of the family. Here are our top six ideas to help you create a pet-friendly home.
- Choose pet-wise flooring
Floors and carpets are often first to show the wear and tear caused by pets. Avoid this by using durable materials such as ceramic tiles, hardwood with a urethane finish or any other non-porous surface that is scratch resistant. These floor types are also easy to clean, and you can get rid of dirt, fur and pet smells with a quick vacuum and wash. If you prefer carpets, choose a tough material and a colour that matches your pet’s coat, as this will help mask the pet hair. - Protect your furniture
To minimise the damage pets can cause to furniture, opt for easy-care and stain-resistant fabrics like microfiber, ultrasuede or leather which is simple to clean. Remember to stick to colours that match your pet’s fur. Cover your couches and bedding with blankets and throws for an extra layer of protection that is easy to remove and clean. - Pet-proof your garden
Most pets spend a large amount of unsupervised time in the garden. Keep them safe by keeping them inside your garden with a fence or wall and identify and remove toxic plants that may harm them. Also remember that most insecticides and fertilisers are harmful to pets and the safest option would be to switch to organic gardening. You can ensure that mud and dirt from the garden stay outside the house by placing dirt-trapping floor mats by the door. - Stylish pet accessories
Having a pet around doesn’t necessarily mean you have to sacrifice your home’s beauty and style. Customise their beds, bedding and feeding bowls with colours and fabrics that match your home’s interior. Try to incorporate items like dog beds and litter boxes into the design of the home. For example, a dog bed can be elegantly added below a bench top or the bottom of a built-in shelf. - Designate a pet space
Give your pet its own space to retreat to in the corner of the kitchen or living room or a room that you don’t mind getting dirty, such as the laundry. Place a bed or crate in a comfortable spot out of direct sunlight, and add some toys, water and food close by. Your pets will enjoy retreating to this space when they need some down time. - Keep away the smells
Pets tend to leave nasty smells in the furniture and carpets. You can prevent this by regularly washing and grooming your pets and cleaning any surfaces they come in contact with. To get rid of stubborn smells in fabrics, spray the area with a solution of baking soda, white vinegar and water.
At Ross North Homes we are dedicated to building homes that not only look beautiful but suit the Australian lifestyle and climate perfectly. With over 40 years of experience as home builders in Perth and a special emphasis on quality and high standards, we have built a reputation of being true leaders in the industry. Whether you want a home that is pet-friendly, kid-friendly, or perfect for entertaining, our team can assist you in making your building vision a reality. For more information call 08 9431 8150 today.
