What Impact Does a Pet Have on Your Home?
If you're thinking of sharing your home with a beloved pet, wrap your head around these considerations first
Not only do pets deliver fun and cuddles on a daily basis, they are good for our mental health, too. According to recent research carried out in the USA, pet owners have higher levels of self-esteem, and are more extrovert and less lonely and fearful than non pet owners.
So there’s no doubt that pets impact positively on our lives, but the less publicised story is how they leave their mark on our homes. So without dissing dogs, criticising cats or running down house rabbits, here is a realistic look at what you can expect when there’s a pet in the house.
So there’s no doubt that pets impact positively on our lives, but the less publicised story is how they leave their mark on our homes. So without dissing dogs, criticising cats or running down house rabbits, here is a realistic look at what you can expect when there’s a pet in the house.
Watch the fur fly
Despite cleaning themselves regularly, cats will leave hair on chairs and other furniture, so you will need to vacuum frequently. Most dogs also shed, especially during the spring.
Brush your dog regularly to remove loose hair or select one of the newly popular breeds that don’t shed, such as cockapoos. Remember, though, that non-shedding dogs will need to have their coats trimmed frequently by a groomer.
Despite cleaning themselves regularly, cats will leave hair on chairs and other furniture, so you will need to vacuum frequently. Most dogs also shed, especially during the spring.
Brush your dog regularly to remove loose hair or select one of the newly popular breeds that don’t shed, such as cockapoos. Remember, though, that non-shedding dogs will need to have their coats trimmed frequently by a groomer.
Make it washable
We enjoy curling up in a comfy armchair and so do dogs, but a muddy, moulting, dribbly dog can mark your upholstery in the space of a nap. So if you can’t keep your pooch off the furniture, make sure your seating has machine-washable covers or have loose covers made.
Leather upholstery is another alternative, as it’s often easy to wipe down, but water and scratching will mark it.
We enjoy curling up in a comfy armchair and so do dogs, but a muddy, moulting, dribbly dog can mark your upholstery in the space of a nap. So if you can’t keep your pooch off the furniture, make sure your seating has machine-washable covers or have loose covers made.
Leather upholstery is another alternative, as it’s often easy to wipe down, but water and scratching will mark it.
Stop sneaky thieves
Many dogs are hard-wired to steal food and the bigger the dog, the further its reach. There is no replacement for good training, but even the best-behaved dogs can be opportunistic thieves, so be prepared to change your kitchen habits.
Store food up high, in cupboards or the fridge, and never feed your dog from the table or kitchen worktops, as this will encourage it to see these places as its own personal buffet!
Many dogs are hard-wired to steal food and the bigger the dog, the further its reach. There is no replacement for good training, but even the best-behaved dogs can be opportunistic thieves, so be prepared to change your kitchen habits.
Store food up high, in cupboards or the fridge, and never feed your dog from the table or kitchen worktops, as this will encourage it to see these places as its own personal buffet!
Try not to bring the outside in
Helping the outside and inside of our homes flow together is a lovely idea when you’re thinking only about interior design. Apply that concept to a cat with mucky paws or a big dog who’s just had a wallow in a puddle, though, and it’s not so pleasing. Pets often walk mud and rainwater into a home, so be prepared for a blurring of in and out, thanks to your animal.
You could always install an outdoor shower, specially designed for washing a dirty dog. The cheaper option is to dig out some old towels and a bucket!
Helping the outside and inside of our homes flow together is a lovely idea when you’re thinking only about interior design. Apply that concept to a cat with mucky paws or a big dog who’s just had a wallow in a puddle, though, and it’s not so pleasing. Pets often walk mud and rainwater into a home, so be prepared for a blurring of in and out, thanks to your animal.
You could always install an outdoor shower, specially designed for washing a dirty dog. The cheaper option is to dig out some old towels and a bucket!
Scratch that
Cats need to scratch regularly so loose claws can be dislodged to reveal sharp new ones. You can buy a scratching post designed for this job, but your cat may have other plans and prefer to use the side of your sofa. For that reason, seating with wooden or solid legs, rather than upholstery, stands a better chance of surviving.
Cats need to scratch regularly so loose claws can be dislodged to reveal sharp new ones. You can buy a scratching post designed for this job, but your cat may have other plans and prefer to use the side of your sofa. For that reason, seating with wooden or solid legs, rather than upholstery, stands a better chance of surviving.
Prepare for the worst
Anyone who’s ever house-trained a pet or tended to an animal with a tummy upset will know the value of solid flooring! It’s also worth remembering that, even if most of your floor is hard and wipeable and only a tiny bit is covered by a rug, your pet will aim for the rug.
Anyone who’s ever house-trained a pet or tended to an animal with a tummy upset will know the value of solid flooring! It’s also worth remembering that, even if most of your floor is hard and wipeable and only a tiny bit is covered by a rug, your pet will aim for the rug.
Wake up and smell the doggy
Pets bring with them their own unique aroma. Dogs often produce a distinctly canine aroma, especially if they’ve been out in the rain. Cats, on the other hand, may not smell, but their litter trays can quickly become whiffy if not cleaned and changed frequently. Then there’s the smell of the pet’s food, its bedding and, er, its emissions… Have I put you off yet?
Pets bring with them their own unique aroma. Dogs often produce a distinctly canine aroma, especially if they’ve been out in the rain. Cats, on the other hand, may not smell, but their litter trays can quickly become whiffy if not cleaned and changed frequently. Then there’s the smell of the pet’s food, its bedding and, er, its emissions… Have I put you off yet?
Budget for big changes
Readying your home for the arrival of a pet often involves some potentially pricey alterations. You may need to install a cat flap, which can be expensive, particularly if you have double glazing. Think about how you will transport your pet, too – a big dog needs an even bigger car.
Readying your home for the arrival of a pet often involves some potentially pricey alterations. You may need to install a cat flap, which can be expensive, particularly if you have double glazing. Think about how you will transport your pet, too – a big dog needs an even bigger car.
Think about the garden
If you have a garden of any size, you will need to prepare this for the arrival of a dog. Some canines are great escape artists and little dogs can wriggle out through small gaps in fencing.
Many dogs also dig, so your flowerbeds could experience some rearranging. And if you have a large pond or even a swimming pool, a dog that’s fond of water… You get the picture.
TELL US
What other pet facts should wannabe owners be aware of? Please share your advice in the Comments.
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If you have a garden of any size, you will need to prepare this for the arrival of a dog. Some canines are great escape artists and little dogs can wriggle out through small gaps in fencing.
Many dogs also dig, so your flowerbeds could experience some rearranging. And if you have a large pond or even a swimming pool, a dog that’s fond of water… You get the picture.
TELL US
What other pet facts should wannabe owners be aware of? Please share your advice in the Comments.
MORE
30 Pawfully Cute Dogs Lapping Up the Aussie Sun
Houzz Call: Send in the Dogs
Doggy Decor: 10 Ways to Make Your Dog Feel Like Part of the Family
Even the smallest dog or cutest kitten is capable of creating a whole heap of damage, so don’t suppose that choosing a small pet will limit its impact on your home. Sharp teeth and tough claws can chew through rugs, rough up chair legs and dig up sofas, no matter how big the animal that owns them.