Living with a pet can be a huge source of joy for so many people. They are always excited to see you, keep you active, and are great companions. Whether you are a dog person or a cat person, living with a pet will bring more happiness into your life. There is a bit of responsibility that comes with having a pet. You will need to feed them and give them water, as well as take them to the vet when needed and ensure that your apartment is a good fit for your pet. There are a few things you should do to ensure that you and your pet can thrive in your apartment. Check out these helpful tips and tricks for creating a safe and fun home for you and your pet!
Make Sure Your Pet is Entertained and Exercised
Dogs and cats both need to be played with and entertained to ensure they have the highest quality of life possible. Be sure you have an ample selection of toys around the apartment for your pet to play with so they do not get bored.
Dogs will also need exercise to remain healthy; 20-30 minutes of exercise per day is a good rule to live by. Not only will this keep your dog healthy, but it will also help keep you active and in good shape!
Cats Need To Scratch!
Cats naturally need to scratch things to keep their nails healthy and will often scratch whatever is available. If you do not want your cat to scratch your furniture, you should train them to use a scratching post. You should do this as early as possible, so your cat makes it a habit to scratch its post and not your furniture. Both you and your cat will be happy you did!
Dog’s Will Chew!
If your dog gets bored, they might develop a chewing habit that can evolve into them chewing up your furniture, shoes, or other things. Puppies, just like babies, go through a phase of teething where they will chew on things to soothe the pain of getting new teeth.
You should provide your puppy with plenty of chew toys and other toys specific to teething. For adult dogs, bones are an excellent choice among other chew toys. Providing your dog with plenty of chew toys will keep your furniture and other belongings safe from your dog’s teeth.
Get a Gate Right Away
If there are areas of your apartment that you want to keep your pet out of, get a gate to block them off. Getting a gate right away will help train your pet that these areas are off-limits. Using a gate can also help block off your entryway from exciting pets when you have guests over, allowing your pet to calm down before they have the urge to jump all over your guest.
Invest in Pet-Friendly Furniture
Wear and tear on furniture is inevitable when you live with a pet, but choosing the right furniture can help minimize the amount of wear and tear from your pet. Choose furniture with fabric or leather that is easy to clean, durable, and stain-proof. Remember that many breeds of dogs are prone to shedding, so choosing furniture that doesn’t trap hair is essential.
Use A Pet-Proof Trash Can In Your Kitchen
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can definitely smell any leftovers that have been thrown in the garbage. If you do not have a trash can with a locking cover, you might come home from work one day to find a huge mess in your kitchen from your dog rummaging through the garbage like a raccoon. Using the right trashcan will save you a huge headache and your dog a stomachache.
Lock Up Chemicals and Other Toxic Products
This might seem obvious but is worth mentioning. Be sure that you lock up anything that could be toxic to your pet. These things include cleaning supplies, chemicals, and insecticides. You want to keep these as far away from your pet as possible under all circumstances. You can lock these in a closet on a high shelf or lock them under the sink by using a child lock on the handles.
Your Pet-Friendly Apartment Awaits
Using these tips and tricks will help you ensure that your apartment is safe and fun for your pets. Whether you have a dog or a cat, many of the same rules apply. Keep your pet healthy and happy with these great tips and tricks!
