Pet friendly spaces - 10 tips.

We love our pets, but letting the house 'go to the dogs' (and cats) isn't practical.  Here are ten tips to create a space that you and your pet can enjoy.

1) Add a throw.  Like my pets, yours may love the sofa, easy chair or bed, but shedding makes it difficult to keep clean.  Use an acrylic or polyester throw whose fibers capture hair quite well, and usually wash out. Better on that throw than your best suit! For beds, you can add an extra decorative sheet or duvet that's easy to wash. Dining chairs can be covered with cloth napkins and look great as well as serve as protection for your fabrics.

2) Vacuum it up. Purchase an easily handled vacuum and use it faithfully at least twice a week. You will reduce the amount of oil and odor that shedding hairs leave behind. I have a small hand-held that slips behind the sofa..plugged in at-the-ready. 

3) Go hard.  On the floors that is...Thick pile carpet is nice but captures hair, bacteria and odor. Wet stains are nearly impossible to remove. If you love carpet, try a berber or other low pile product. Be sure you use an anti-microbial, moisture resistant pad for long-term durability and best results. Porcelain or ceramic tile is an ideal flooring (See details in previous blogs) and with the variety in style and color, and easy care, make it practical and beautiful. Hardwood floors are good if the right floor is selected...soft woods do scratch and claws can often leave gouges.

4) Switch fabrics. I love silk and wool but they are not pet-friendly. With body oils and nails, there is often enough damage from one 'leap' to cause me to want to re-cover.  Crypton has some fabulous colors and patterns and the fabric is stain, soil and bacteria resistant. Ultrasuede takes the place of velvet quite nicely.

5) Use pads. Under your mattress cover, you should add a waterproof pad so the inevitable accident doesn't ruin the mattress. Have a featherbed?  First use a waterproof zip-on cover, then soften that with a nice cotton or bamboo one.

6) Groom and bathe.  Trimming dog and cat claws will help your floors and upholstery. If you brush pets regularly, less hair will end up everywhere else.  Some dogs hate baths, but it's easier than removing stains from your sofa.

7) Make special spaces.  Cats love to perch and climb, dogs like dens. If you don't like the look of ready-made climbing trees, window perches, or dog crates, incorporate them into your design.  MDF cat perches painted your trim color are great to add to walls (yes walls!), windowsills, and even bookshelves. Create a space for dog beds and crates under window seats, in cabinetry, and under tables.


8) Create barriers.  This refers to a literal barrier to prohibit pets from using certain areas in your home.There are some beautiful wooden fences at Frontgate, and may be perfect for puppies and kittens. Create a barrier between the litter box and the floor with boot trays that capture litter and make it easy to pull out and clean the boxes. Some cats don't like enclosed boxes...but that's another option.

9) Match it!  When selecting fabrics, pillows, flooring, etc....try to select colors that work with your pet.  A white marble floor for a black lab isn't practical so try a deep taupe tile or ebony bamboo flooring! You get the idea.










 
10) Aim for practical.  It's not easy to rush around grabbing paper towels and cleaners when the dog throws up. Try to keep a stash of cleaning products in easy reach of most rooms. A lidded wicker box that also stores shoes is great for hallways, near entry doors, and even in the bedroom. Watch the color and treatment of the treats you give so you don't have extra cleaning. Pets love smoked bones but the natural ones don't leave marks and are healthier.