dog
After the coronavirus pandemic, people have increasingly added pets to their households as an attempt to combat loneliness and provide exercise. This trend has given a significant boost to the pet industry with stores like Pets at Home reporting record annual sales figures.
For maximum animal wellness and comfort, design their space to meet their needs – this includes reducing noise pollution as well as allergens or chemicals which could pose respiratory threats for them and their humans.
Designate Space
Pets enjoy having quiet places to retreat to; create one for them by adding cozy beds, blankets and toys they enjoy playing with to their designated area. Make sure your food and water bowls are nearby so your pet can quickly eat or drink when necessary.
Litter boxes should be situated away from feeding areas for maximum effectiveness. Pets will likely use their litter box more if it feels secure and comfortable in its surroundings; make sure it can be reached easily without needing to climb multiple flights of stairs to gain entry.
Match the decor of the room when choosing a kennel or pet bed, to make cleaning and keeping tidy easier for both yourself and your pet. Doing this will also reduce distractions for both of you! Additionally, choose an uncarpeted space so any spills or accidents are easily cleanable up after.
Maximize Storage
Pets often bring along an abundance of stuff: food bowls, litter boxes and play toys can quickly make even the best-designed room seem untidy.
Create a pet center to keep everything organized by outfitting a bench with hooks for leashes and dog walking supplies, then adding shelves stocked with baskets to corral toys, chews, catnip mice and blankets. You could also install magnetic chalkboards so your dog walker can leave messages, or purchase pretty kitchen canisters to store snacks or children’s toys.
If your area is susceptible to storms and other natural disasters, designate one room as a safe zone for your pets and family members alike. Make sure this room includes emergency kits, medications and any other essentials; having such plans in place ensures everyone remains together while the storm passes over safely – this makes the experience much less stressful for everyone involved!
Designate an Outdoor Area
Dogs benefit greatly from having access to an outdoor area that’s safe in the cold, such as a backyard fenced with fencing or an enclosed porch or patio that’s safe from weathering conditions that make for good exercise. A playground-type environment will add hours of outdoor playtime while providing them with shelter during stormy conditions. When the temperature dips too far for playtime or relaxation, pet shelter can become necessary – providing your furry pal a place for rest or even sleeping or hiding when weather becomes uncomfortable.
Indoor spaces must also be pet-proofed in order to prevent accidents or injuries, according to Ada Chen Rekhi of Notejoy. Food platters should be placed out of reach and closed trash can lids should be secured to deter pets from picking up scraps and eating them. Litter boxes should also be located away from workspaces in one designated area while making sure the space is free from cords, open drawers and any other hazards which might cause injuries.
Grooming and bathing regularly will reduce shedding, odors and other health concerns in your dog. Also make sure to feed them a healthy diet and regularly take them on walks. In addition, it’s essential to identify and remove plants toxic to dogs such as lilies, tulips or sago palms in order to ensure their safety.
Create a Safe Zone
Pet-friendly workplaces can contribute to employee wellness and foster an optimal work/life balance; however, employees may be concerned about potential injury caused by animals in the workplace.
To reduce risks to coworkers, ensure all pets are on leashes or within designated areas and wear collars with up-to-date contact details. Also consider installing childproof cabinets containing cleaning products and toxic plants safely out of reach; additionally ensure any food or water bowls do not overshadow litter boxes.
Nan Ruvel of Pets at Home recommends designing an environment in which pets feel secure and relaxed. Recently she transformed a breakfast room into a mudroom for two dogs belonging to clients of Pets at Home; complete with stain-resistant fabrics for easy cleanup and an upholstered banquette seat made specifically for their use. In addition, she created a separate area for their litter box which provided enough privacy so the dogs felt more at ease with it all.
