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No matter if you are moving, or improving, our newsletter is packed with the best tips, tricks and ideas to help you dwell well.
Ask any pet owner what they think of their furry friend and they’re bound to call them family. Just like any family member, they deserve to live in a safe, clean household. Ensuring your home is pet-friendly doesn’t need to be complicated, a few upgrades and improvements can go a long way in creating a hazard-free, comfortable space.
According to Allergy U.K., 35% of pet owners in the United Kingdom are allergic to their animals, an occurrence twice as likely for those who own cats. In fact, severe reactions to cats could result in asthma attacks and rhinitis. Unfortunately, cats and dogs often get surrendered due to their owners’ allergies, leaving them homeless and displaced.
Vacuuming and dusting the house twice weekly will help remove hair and pet dander. Because pet hair contains oil that sticks to fabric, investing in a pet-friendly vacuum that’s efficient at sucking up fur is crucial.
Also, grooming your dog and cat will help you maintain better air quality for everyone. Brushing your pet once a day will reduce hair that builds up on the floors and furniture.
Imagine leaving work to find your pet was stolen or your house in disarray. Rule out an intruder and get to the bottom of your household chaos with security cameras.
Today’s security camera technology is highly efficient. Many surveillance systems can maintain high-quality video for one to three months or even up to 180 days, giving you plenty of time to investigate the situation. Additionally, new pet cams enable homeowners to check in on their furry friends from work on their smartphones, while advanced products even allow you to dispense treats or speak to them remotely.
Clearing out poisonous plants from inside your home and yard is also essential to creating a pet-friendly environment. The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals says cats are susceptible to kidney damage and death when exposed to lilies. Meanwhile, various fungi can cause gastrointestinal problems, vomiting, arrhythmias or fatalities when consumed by dogs or cats.
Other plants that are hazardous to pets include the following:
Tulips
Azaleas
Giant hogweed
Daffodils
Geraniums
Mistletoe
Oak
Ivy
Aloe vera
Poinsettias
Yew
Removing hazardous plants from your yard or house may be best if you need clarification on what it is. You can then replace it with a pet-friendly alternative.
Larger dogs, especially, may be tempted by an open garbage can, after all, what canine can resist those smells? However, many food residues can be dangerous for animal consumption, so you’ll want lids for all your bins.
Alcohol, blue cheese, onions, chocolate, Macadamia nuts and grapes are a few food items that can wreak havoc on your pet’s organs — and if you’re considering giving your dog the bone from the turkey or chicken carcass, think again.
Bones become brittle when cooked and may obstruct the intestinal wall if swallowed. In severe cases, your pet may need surgery to remove the bones and repair the stomach. So, when preparing a holiday meal, always ensure the meat is well out of your pet's reach and safely disposed of in a trash can with a lid.
Like the rubbish, properly stowing away and disposing of medications ensures your pets are safe in your home. Never leave pill bottles open or medication lying on the counter. If your dog or cat consumes the medication, it could be dire for their health.
Keep your pills in the medicine cabinet until you need to take them. Puppies especially may chew the plastic bottles until they break.
Call your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately if your dog or cat has consumed your medication. The quicker action you take, the better chance you have of saving your beloved pet.
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, people filed over 10,000 missing pet reports in 2021. The Kennel Club also suggests a 63% increase in lost or stolen dogs and cats during summer.
The last thing you want is for your pet to escape your home through an open window or door. Installing screens or a storm door is a practical home improvement project to make your household more pet-friendly, especially when looking for a cross-breeze in warmer weather.
A new puppy or senior dog will undoubtedly have accidents in the house. Therefore, removing carpets and investing in hard flooring materials is a better option for cleaning up after your pet. Additionally, your pet could get their nails stuck in longer rugs and injure their paws.
Although hardwood, marble or natural stone floors are lovely, pets can easily leave scratches and stains. Ceramic tile flooring is a more durable option, stain and water-resistant and much easier to mop and vacuum. If you must have carpeting in your home, ensure it has a low pile, which is easier to clean.
Creating a pet-friendly home for your beloved dog or cat takes little. A few simple upgrades and changes to your lifestyle can ensure your pet is always comfortable and safe.
Live well with Moving and Improving