When it comes to pets, one thing is certain – they are an equal part of the family. As a result, pet owners are doing everything they can to make their furry friends happy and healthy, from delicious and nutritious treats to cute clothes, special furniture, and fancy pet spas. They are even putting their pet needs above their own. And who could blame them? Nobody can look at those cute faces and say no to them. After all, they are the ones who are always so happy to see us. They deserve it. That’s why we’ve decided to give you seven tips to make your home more pet-friendly and your four-legged friend happier. Let’s see what you can do!
A mudroom is a must
Dogs enjoy running around the park and playing in muddy puddles. So, if you have a furry friend like this, you should consider adding a mudroom to your home. Traditionally, mudrooms are linked to the back entrance, accessible from the backyard, which makes perfect sense because you don’t want your dog coming into the house with muddy paws.
However, if your back entrance is already too cluttered, or if you live in an apartment and don’t have a backyard, you’ll have to make do with something in the entryway. Fortunately, mudrooms don’t take up much space and can be installed almost anywhere. A small bench, hooks for extra gear (leashes, wet towels, or coats), and storage space are all you need.
Storage is essential here. We recommend installing a few drawers underneath your bench so you can keep all your dog’s stuff there. Remember: if you want to make your home more pet-friendly, you’ll have to be organized!
Build a washing station
Aside from the mudroom, every home with a pet will benefit from a washing station. This is one of the home improvements that will make your home more pet-friendly and drastically improve your and your pet’s lives. After all, we all know how difficult it is to lift our pets into baths or showers. So why not give them their own washing station?
Typically, shower stations are half the height of a bathtub, although people with smaller animals are more likely to opt for a counter-height tiled tub. Some standard features in washing stations are hot and cold water, a spray nozzle, and a flat surface for shampoos and combs.
Now, the only question is, “Where to install the shower station for my pet?” The most popular area in the house among pet owners is the laundry room. It’s as convenient as it gets! In addition, mudrooms also make an excellent place for installing the shower station. Also, some pet owners choose their bathrooms as the perfect spot for this pet-friendly home upgrade.
A pet showering station can be a serious life-saver.
Install a mess-free feeding area
There are so many reasons to own a pet. However, they can be pretty messy. One of the best tips to make your home more pet-friendly we can give you is installing a mess-free feeding area. Sounds paradoxical? Maybe, but it’s possible to achieve this in your home. Let’s elaborate.
Feeding areas typically occupy one of the kitchen’s corners. Because the kitchen is the busiest room in every home, running into or knocking over one of your pet’s dishes from time to time is inevitable. To stop this mess, many pet owners install hideaway feeding areas.
A built-in feeding station is an excellent pet-friendly solution for keeping your house clean and the feeding time organized. If you’re motivated to build this hidden feeding station in your kitchen, consider installing it beneath the cabinetry. It is an ideal way to save floor space and is simple to maintain.
Another excellent solution is to turn one of the lower drawers in your kitchen into a feeding station for your pet. This is a perfect solution for those who like to keep things neat and organized. Furthermore, teaching your dog to open and close this drawer greatly benefits everyone! They learn new tricks and get cognitive stimulation. You do a bit less bending.
Go for a disguised litterbox
Having a cat is a true gift. Dealing with unsightly litterboxes, on the other hand, is something that every cat owner loathes. That’s why we recommend adding a glittery touch to your cat’s litterbox. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to transform this unfortunate aspect of a cat’s life into something delightful and gorgeous.
You can make a fun DIY family project out of this and include your children. They will love it! On the other hand, if you don’t feel as creative, you can always visit your local pet store and choose your favorite design, shape, and color. One thing is sure – the choices are endless!
Litter boxes don’t have to be ugly; you can choose whatever size, shape, and color you want!
Built-in beds are always a good idea
While there are many different shapes and colors of pet crates, one solution is more creative, fun, and convenient – built-in pet beds. This is something that anyone can do with ease. While crates can take up a lot of space, this will save you a lot of it – the floor space, in particular.
You can include these beds in cabinets, shelves, or any other built-in part of your home. All you need is a framework, a screwdriver, a few nails, and comfy bedding for your furry friend! Make sure you make this bed two times your pet’s height and weight, and you’re good to go!
The truth is that pets need their own place in the home to feel secure and happy. They need their territory, even if it’s just a simple bad. Making them feel loved and safe in your home is also beneficial for pet owners. Besides the obvious reasons, such as mutual love and happiness, the effects of pets on the owner’s recovery (from various mental issues and addiction in particular) are immeasurable. Recent researches show that if you’re struggling with addiction, sometimes pets can help you through this period more than people. Having someone who showers you with love and reminds you of life is helpful and can save you from going back to the darkness.
Make indoor & outdoor Catio space
If your can isn’t active enough and spends most of its time inside, they can become aggressive and destructive. While dogs are very attached to their owners and enjoy joint activities, cats are more independent. As a result, it’s only natural to provide them with adequate playing space.
Catios are a massive hit with cat owners for indoor and outdoor cat activities. This is a safe haven for your cat, complete with stuffed animals, gadgets, toys, and climbing places. You can think of this as the ultimate cat gateway. This will calm your kitten and give them a reason not to roam around the neighborhood.
Playing is extremely important for cats that don’t go out as often.
Have an older pet? Install ramps & heated floors
If you have an older pet, you’ll have to get more creative to make your home more pet-friendly. Senior pets, for example, have difficulty climbing the stairs. You can easily carry a smaller pet upstairs in your arms. However, if you have a larger dog, you’ll need to come up with another solution.
We recommend constructing a pet ramp. Not only will the ramp make it easier for them to get up and down the stairs, but it will also save you time and energy. This way, you’ll keep your dog happy and healthy for a long time.
Furthermore, heating floors can help significantly, not only your senior pet but anyone in your house, especially if you live in a colder environment. You can set up heating tiles in your bathroom for a surprisingly affordable price and let your pet relax on the floor. You can, of course, pick a different room or even go for your pet’s favorite spot.
Conclusion
Having a pet is the best thing in the world, and pet owners are doing everything they can to improve their pets’ lives. So, if you’re one of those pet owners constantly looking for ways to make your home more pet-friendly, you’ve come to the right place. We gave you seven awesome tips that will forever change your and your furry friends’ lives. So, what upgrades will be the first on your list?