Make Your Home a Dog-Friendly Haven

Whether you have a new puppy or a shelter rescue, a Poodle or a Pomeranian, it is important to have a dog-friendly home. Becoming a pet parent brings a great deal of responsibility so you need to spend time pup-proofing your pad before your dog moves in.  

Take a look at what you should consider so you can keep your dog safe and comfy at home:  

Tips for a dog-friendly home 

Remove dangerous items and precious belongings 

Like children, dogs are naturally curious and will get into anything and everything that they can.  

It’s up to you to create a dog-friendly home and make sure your pooch can’t access items that could potentially put their safety at risk. The wrong sorts of food, electrical cables, cleaning products and sharp objects are dangerous for a dog to eat or chew on. Remember that foods like chocolate, onion and grapes can be harmful to your dog’s health and get into the habit of keeping all food out of reach. 

For a dog-friendly home, don’t leave your favourite belongings on the floor or in a place where Fido can access them. Dogs chew on things for a number of reasons and they can’t tell the difference between a special toy and your favourite pair of runners. While chewing shoes isn’t so likely to make them sick, the risk is to the future of your relationship! Save both of you from the heartache caused by a beloved item being destroyed by your pet because it was left lying around. 

Photo by Kevin Turcios

Look out for big drops 

Dogs who get carried away or very curious are at risk of falling from a deck/balcony or even out of a window.   

To prevent the risk of broken bones caused by a fall, ensure you have railings at a good height and protective covers on your windows (or keep them closed). This is extra important if your dog is tied up on a deck or verandah. You don’t want them to lose their footing and end up struggling because they are stuck!  

Even stairs can be tricky for puppies so a baby gate may be a good precaution in the early days. 

Think about hygiene 

Unfortunately, dogs and fleas go hand in hand for many families.  

Fleas can be controlled by regularly giving your dog medication recommended by your vet but you also need to be proactive about cleaning your home. Pesky parasites can live on hard floors as well as carpet so remember to vacuum regularly. It’s also important to wash your pet’s bedding on a regular basis so it isn’t also playing host to a bunch of nasties.  

For a dog-friendly home, the fewer plush surfaces you have, the better. Your own sanity will be saved if you’re not constantly chasing your pup off your favourite fluffy blanket (which it loves because it smells like you).   

Think about mental health 

Anyone who tells you that dogs don't have complicated emotions is wrong! Dogs are intelligent (sorry cat people, dogs are smarter than their feline counterparts) and they have personalities and emotions just like you do.  

This means dogs are susceptible to depression and anxiety. They also get bored all too easily. To create a dog-friendly home, make sure you provide purpose-made toys and entertainment, especially when you’re not around.  

Dogs are social animals so make plans that mean your dog has regular company from you, a neighbour or a dog walker. With that being said, it’s also a good idea to designate a quiet space where your pup can go and chill out alone. This is especially important if you have small children who can’t help but torment their furry playmate.   

Eat right and exercise well 

Having a dog-friendly home means making sure your dog spends time away from it or at least in the garden. 

Exercise is vital for dogs' physical and mental health. If you have a smaller home and there is less room for Fido to rush about, follow a solid exercise regime with regular walks plus extended play sessions. 

Aside from keeping your new pup safe from accidents, you also need to make sure they eat well. Your dog should eat a well balanced and nutrient-rich diet with the right portion control.  

Look for wholesome, vet-recommended foods and don’t give your dog oily food like sausages and bbq meat. Secure your bins and resist the temptation to throw scraps of dinner to your hungry pal, no matter how much begging goes on. 

Finally, consider your dog’s hydration. If your home is truly dog friendly, there should at the very least be a bowl of water available and easy to access at all times. You can also boost your dog’s diet and wellbeing with Nectar of the Dogs, a scientifically formulated, hydrated treat that is delicious and created by vets to keep your pet in the best of health. 

At Nectar of the Dogs, creating healthy dogs of all ages can be as simple as Scoop, Stir, Slurp. Take a look at our range now.