4 Simple Ways to Make Your House a Dog-Friendly Place
Welcoming a new pup in the family can be a wonderful thing. Having a loyal friend by your side all the time can be fun and comforting. But before bringing the dog home, you should prepare the house and make it dog-friendly. There are several things you can do to transform the space.
Install a Dog Door
Installing a door for your dog will give it a lot of freedom of movement and independence. Your dog can go in and out when it needs to, while still keeping the house insulated and accident-free. These doors have evolved over the years. Nowadays, they’re not just holes in the walls or the doors. They have a sophisticated design, come in different sizes and colours and can have different features. There’s a plethora of high-quality dog doors to choose from.
There are several types of doors. Flyscreen doors are perfect for medium-sized dogs. The dog can easily get in and out without tearing the mesh on the flyscreen. They have flexible flaps and are very quiet. The magnetic closure keeps the annoying insects out. Sliding pet doors are good for larger dogs. They have an adjustable aluminium construction that gives you installation freedom.
Standard doors have an internal lock. This gives you peace of mind that the dog won’t run out in the middle of the night. They’re easy to install and wind-resistant. The more modern version of these doors is the microchipped one. They use a microchip to let the dog in and out. Some of them can be programmed to let the dog out only a few times a day and prevent it from exiting at some times. Plus, they’re great for keeping other animals from coming into your home.
The size of the door will depend on the size of the dog. Measure your dog’s height and look for something they can easily fit through without bending uncomfortably. The door’s location matters as well. If you have a multiple-floor house the door should be on the ground floor. If you live in cold weather install the door in a room that won’t affect the warmth in your house.
The door frame is usually made of plastic or metal. They’re both good options, but metal is stronger and more durable. If you can, always go for an all-weather door that will keep you safe from the weather conditions outside. These doors can stand up to winds of 80 kph. Invest as much as you can in this door. It’s a long-term investment that should last for many years to come, even if you get a new dog.
Buy a Dog Enclosure
Dogs come in many shapes, and sizes and can have different characters. Some are lazy and quiet, some are energetic and aggressive and some just want some peace and a place where they can hide. A dog enclosure can help all of them find their place and get comfortable in their new home.
These enclosures can be made of different materials, come in different sizes and can have a lot of extra features. Their main purpose is to serve as a temporary home for the new dog. There are indoor and outdoor enclosures. The outdoor ones are usually bigger and made of more durable materials so they can withstand different weather conditions. The indoor ones can be made of plastic or metal.
Overall, the most common enclosure materials are metal, wood, plastic and in some cases fabric. Fabric and plastic are more of an indoor choice. Just like with the dog doors, you have to measure the puppy before buying the enclosure. Your new friend should be able to stand up, lay down and stretch comfortably inside. There should also be some room for a blanket, pillows, toys and other trinkets.
If you want to make cleaning and maintenance easier, choose an enclosure with a simple design. Something with not a lot of nooks and crannies where dirt, dust and food can’t pile up and leave a stinky smell.
Get a Comfortable Dog Bed
Each dog needs its own separate space. A location where it’ll rest, relax, and sleep soundly after a long active day. Your dog shouldn’t sleep in the bed with you because human beds aren’t made for dogs. This can hurt their joints, muscles and bones. Instead, invest in a comfortable dog bed.
If you’re bringing home a newborn pup, it’s best if you buy a cave bed. It has a design that can replicate a mother’s closeness and warmth so the pup feels safe and cosy. It has a velvety interior that will act as a safe place when the pup is scared or overwhelmed.
Even though they don’t look luxurious, elevated beds are very comfortable. They keep the dog off the floor and because they’re elevated there’s airflow underneath. This helps the dog with temperature control. Plus, they’re very easy to clean and maintain which is very important when it comes to dogs.
Dog owners often choose memory foam as their first choice and they’re not wrong. This is an amazing material that will shape around the dog’s contours and give it full support. It’s the best choice for the dog’s muscles, joints and bones. Just make sure you get the right size, otherwise the dog will feel uncomfortable and won’t use the bed.
Don’t Forget a Cosy Blanket
Dogs often find comfort in blankets. They keep the blankets at their sides as they eat, sleep, and move around the house and can sometimes take them outside through the puppy door and in the backyard. Find a blanket made of soft materials like cotton and linen in the right size and it will become your dog’s best friend.
The size of the blanket depends on your dog’s size. This is not a one-size-fits-all situation. In general, the dog should be able to stretch and still be covered with the blanket. Avoid blankets with trinkets, buttons and other hanging details. They can be a choking hazard. Choose a lightweight blanket you the dog can carry it around easily.
