Welcoming a guest calls for some special arrangements in the house. From cooking special dishes to transforming the house in the best possible way, people go all out to leave a lasting impression. The stakes are further raised if the guest is here to stay for a prolonged period. Speaking about guests that are here to stay, welcoming a pet may not be so different in many ways. The furry friends are there to stay and it is a wise move to get your house ready for the curious fellows.
Dogs remain people’s preferred choice for pets but with their adaptation, comes some additional responsibilities. With a few changes, you can create an ideal and safe environment for the canines. We have compiled a list of some tips for dog-proofing your house and giving your furry friends an ideal home.
Households with Pet Dogs
Bringing a dog home may alter your lifestyle to a fair extent. While the furry fellows are undoubtedly a person’s best friend, they also have the tendency to wreak havoc at your place. The curious nature of dogs can land them in unfamiliar places and situations. Apart from preparing your home to welcome a dog, you must also take care of their well-being like providing proper food or taking them out for regular walks.
Luckily, owning a pet in the UAE can be a great option with the many veterinary clinics and pet supply stores. Moreover, you can find several pet-friendly communities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other cities of the UAE, perfectly suited for your furry friends. All said and done, the onus lies on the owner to play their part and prepare their home to welcome the dogs.
Tips for Dog-Proofing Your House
Pet owners cannot fathom the idea of a house without a furry friend, however, it is equally important to prepare your home before bringing a pet home. Let’s go through some ways to puppy-proof your home and providing a safe environment for the canines.
KEEP FOOD ITEMS AND MEDICINES AWAY FROM DOG’S REACH
Not all food items are safe for dogs. In fact, many of the edibles beneficial for humans can cause allergies in animals. Dogs have a curious nature and they can end up eating an item which might not be good for them.
It is advised to keep all such items behind closed cabinets, away from dogs’ reach. The same should be applied to medicines as they can be more harmful. Additionally, packaging of all kinds should also be kept away as the dogs may choke on the wrappers.
USE CHILDPROOF LATCHES FOR CABINETS
Latches not only come in handy for babyproofing your house but they can also be used for keeping things away from your dog’s reach. Cabinets without locks can easily be accessed and the furry fellows are smart enough to figure it out. You can use latches on the cabinets that are accessible to dogs and keep the harmful material behind closed doors.
SECURE YOUR GARBAGE CAN
Dogs take a keen interest in garbage cans and shoppers. They can consume items that might be hazardous for them. Another effective way for dog-proofing your house is to ensure your garbage is disposed of promptly and kept away from the dog’s reach.
You can place the garbage bags in a locked room or closet. Moreover, choose a closed bin with foot pedals which cannot be accessed by dogs.
HIDE WIRING, TOYS AND PLANTS
Dogs have a habit of chewing stuff and this could be dangerous if you have wires lying around. Chewed wires are not only a safety hazard for family members but they can also be the reason for high electricity bills. Moreover, chewing habits can also damage kids’ toys and interior plants.
It is advised to keep all wiring, toys and plants away from reach. You can use carpets to conceal the wiring and keep the toys at their designated place once the kids are done playing with them.
BLOCK ACCESS TO SMALL AND UNSAFE PLACES
Curiosity can take animals to places where they shouldn’t be. This includes small spaces in the house which aren’t easily accessible. This could pose a threat to the dog’s safety and extracting them could also be a hassle.
You should limit access to all such places by placing some items in front of the openings. Suitcases, large boxes or any similar items can do the job just fine and you don’t have to bear any additional expense for doing so.
MAKE THE BATHROOM DOG-FRIENDLY
Bathrooms are one place where you may often take your pets for bathing and cleaning. Making some adjustments to the washroom is an important part of dog-proofing your house. First up, you need to make sure the toilet lid is always closed. Dogs, particularly if they are a smaller breed can get stuck inside the toilet and put themselves in danger.
Moreover, dogs are easily fascinated by tissue rolls and can turn the bathroom into a battlefield in no time. Soaps, shampoos, towels and tissue rolls should all be stored at a reasonable height – away from the dog’s reach. Additionally, you can also make use of the bathroom storage ideas to get some additional options for storing your stuff.
This brings us to the end of our tips for dog-proofing your house. Dogs are a person’s best friend and remain the most sought-after type among pets. But with adopting a dog or any animal comes a great responsibility of looking after them.
Pet-proofing your home before bringing your furry friend is a viable option to ensure the animals’ safety and well-being.
Additionally, there are some things to consider before bringing a pet home to ensure you are ready to look after the animal. That said, if you are planning to adopt a pet but feel like your place isn’t ideal, you can always opt for a different place. Check out the following:
Stay tuned to UAE’s top property blog for tips for having a pet and more.
