Making your pet comfortable at home should be your topmost priority as a pet parent. That sounds like a lot of pressure, right? Don't worry because we got you. In this post, we'll share a few things that can help you become the best fur parent you can be.
Here are some tips on making pets more comfortable at home, from providing the right bedding and accessories to understanding their needs beyond what's material.
1. Create a Safe Space
You must create a safe space for your fur (or furless) baby. This is one of the most important things you must do as a pet owner. First, you need to identify the things that can potentially hurt your pet. The next obvious step is to hide or remove these hazards. Example:
- Active and playful dogs tend to bump into tables and corners often. So, make sure sharp knives and pans are out of the way. Put them safely in drawers or hang them securely so they won't fall and hurt your pet.
- Both cats and dogs have a keener sense of smell than humans. Some might think that this makes them more discerning and less prone to ingesting harmful chemicals. But they are curious creatures, so it's best to keep medication, skincare items, and cleaning agents covered and away from easy access.
- Many houseplants can be toxic to cats and dogs. While some may cause mild symptoms, the toxicity level varies among different pets. It’s important to consider how to keep your pets safe from your houseplants.
Private Corner or Sanctuary
Aside from removing hazards, pets need their own safe space. They would likely want to hang out wherever you are at home and are perfectly content sleeping on the floor and furniture. But they should have their own comfortable space to retreat to and enjoy a sense of security. Here are a few things to consider when creating for your fur baby:
- Younger dogs might need their crates until they can adjust and feel safe in your home. Older dogs, meanwhile, usually need a special orthopedic bed to prevent or manage joint pain, which is common among larger breeds. Pets in general are scared of thunder and lightning (and other loud noises), so they need a hiding spot to ease their anxiety levels.
-
Cats love to climb, scratch, and hide. A cat tree or cat tower makes a great private space for cats because it’s like an all-in-one space for them to express their feline instincts. Of course, this is not necessary for them to enjoy your home. You can designate a spot for them on a shelf or even leave out cardboard boxes where they can hide. The scratching bit is tricky because they love to scratch.
- In addition to setting up a dedicated space for your pets, having specific eating corners is also essential. This arrangement keeps your living area tidy by concealing food dishes and water bowls from immediate view.
Is It OK for Pets to Be on the Furniture?
Before getting a pet, it's essential to answer one important question: are you ready to share your living space? There’s nothing quite like curling up on the couch with your cat or dog after a long day at work.
However, if you'd rather not have your pet on the furniture, you'll need to commit to extra training to guide them to appropriate areas. This also means that you need to prepare a special space for your pets where they can chill in the same room where you are but off the furniture.
Quick Tip: If you live with your family, you must decide as a group. This ensures that all members are aligned in training and disciplining pets.
Pet-Friendly Materials Are the Best
If you're comfortable with pets lounging on furniture, go for pet-friendly materials that are easy to clean. Wipeable textiles are ideal choices but there are other factors to consider besides maintenance. Generally, you would want a high-quality, hypoallergenic, and easy-to-maintain fabric.
Consult the professionals (that’s us) if you’re unsure which fabric and material to use. Feel free to talk to our experienced staff at T.Y. Fine Furniture so you can choose the best furniture and upholstery for you and your precious furry friend.
Check out: Pet-Friendly Fabrics From American Leather
2. Teach Them Where to Go
How can you teach your pets where to go?
Reward-based training is an effective way to guide pets to their special corner. You can use their favorite snacks or toys as a little incentive once they make it to their cozy spots. They'll be eager to dash over to the good stuff (at least that's the plan), especially if the treats are tempting enough. Most dogs go crazy for peanut butter (and catnip for cats), but just make sure your furry friend isn't allergic to these treats first.
Avoid chastising or punishing your pets harshly if they go off-course and don't immediately follow your command. Training does take time, so be patient and give them lots of love as they try and learn. Showing them unconditional love and support is part of creating safe spaces for your pets.
Quick Tip: Pets prefer warm, comfortable spaces to sleep, so provide them with cozy beds and extra blankets. During winter, you might need to make the extra warm with heating pads.
3. Build a Fun Zone
Creating a fun zone for your pets is a great way to keep them occupied and happy at home. It hardly matters if this space is simple or elaborate. Your pet will certainly appreciate that it has its own little playground.
Whether indoors or outdoors, this special place must include toys, scratch posts, perches, tunnels, cushions and blankets, pet-safe trees, and anything that your fur baby might need. And, of course, don't forget to provide water and food bowls, just in case your pet gets thirsty or craves a snack.
4. Establish a Routine
Establishing a routine is important because it helps your pets adapt to your lifestyle. Ensure your pet is comfortable with all the loud noises and activities it may encounter while living with you. Gradually introduce them to any activity you enjoy, like playing the drums or camping outdoors, whatever they may be, so they don’t get scared or overwhelmed.
If you work a 9 to 5 job in an office, it makes sense that your pet (especially dogs) gets its potty break in the morning or evening. If you live the dreamy van life, driving across the country and staying in vast outdoors, give your pet time to adjust to the open space (and the small space in the van).
5. Let Them Adjust to Your Lifestyle
Establishing a routine is important because it helps your pets adapt to your lifestyle. Ensure your pet is comfortable with all the loud noises and activities it may encounter while living with you. Gradually introduce them to any activity you enjoy, like playing the drums or camping outdoors, whatever they may be, so they don’t get scared or overwhelmed.
If you work a 9 to 5 job in an office, it makes sense that your pet (especially dogs) gets its potty break in the morning or evening. If you live the dreamy van life, driving across the country and staying in vast outdoors, give your pet time to adjust to the open space (and the small space in the van).
6. Ensure Their Health
Your pet's health should be a priority. Regular vet visits help catch health issues early, especially when they're young and more vulnerable to serious diseases. No matter their age, routine checkups and vaccinations are key to keeping your furry friend happy and healthy.
Quick Tip: Watch out for signs of stress or anxiety in your pet, which may manifest as changes in sleeping habits and behavior.
Is grooming required, and how often?
Grooming is actually very important for your pet’s physical health and overall well-being. Many pet owners are guilty of skipping pet grooming too often. However, if you want to keep your pet’s skin healthy, get rid of parasites, and help detect diseases early on, you should groom your pet regularly.
The grooming schedule depends on the breed of your pet. Long-haired pets typically need grooming at least once a month to prevent matting and dirt build-up. Short-haired breeds, meanwhile, may not need as much grooming. Still, they might also have other needs. The hairless Sphynx cat, for example, doesn’t need hair brushing. But it does need regular baths to remove dirt and grime from its skin.
Quick Tip: Regular visits to a skilled groomer can also help to safeguard your furnishings!
7. Be There for Your Pets
Pets need attention just as much as humans, and you must ensure your furry friends get enough of it. Spend quality time with them, whether you take them outdoors or simply snuggle with them on the sofa. When they’re scared, hug them and assure them that everything is okay. When they want to play, give them a few minutes of your time.
Your dependable and loving presence is key to making them feel comfortable in your home. A fancy fun zone or an elaborate pet corner hardly competes with you simply being there for them.
Related Articles:
- What Do Rug Pads Do: 5 Reasons Why You Need Them
- How to Choose Furniture for Smaller Spaces
- How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies: 4 Home Remedies You Must Try
First published on March 30, 2022. This article has been updated.