Furry friends make life a lot more fun, but your home occasionally suffers the consequences. If your pet is prone to making messes (even unintentionally), it is important to know what to do. Consider our list of home maintenance tips for pet owners.
Tips for a Pet-Friendly Home
Whether your home is 50 years old or built brand new and custom, catering to pets can be a little tricky. However, it is important for both your health and for your pet’s comfort that you apply the following 10 tips for pet owners.
Groom your pets as often as recommended.
Let’s start with the basics. Did you know that dust, dirt, and pet dander reduce your indoor air quality and threaten your health? Particularly if you want to keep dirt and fur off the furniture, make sure you groom your dog or cat as often as your vet suggests. Wash their fur, trim their nails, etc. Not only does this keep your pet more comfortable, but it also protects your flooring from scratches and your air from allergens.
Remain consistent when training animals to stay off furniture (even if inconvenient).
The training period is tough, but to keep your home clean and maintained, be consistent. Decide ahead of time where you don’t want your pet to go, then don’t budge. For example, if you don’t want your dog on your bed, try placing something they don’t like on the mattress.
If building your home from the ground up, keep future pets in mind.
Of course, you can only work with what you have if you move into a preexisting home. However, if you plan to build a custom home, keep all current or future pets in mind. Plan for pet doors, litterbox stations, durable flooring, scratch-proof cabinetry, etc.
Stay on top of HVAC system maintenance.
It is also important to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. Because your HVAC system filters your home’s air, allergens from your pets get pulled through the system and recirculated. Make sure you change your air filter regularly to trap excess pet dander.
Designate a specific space for your pet.
Containing the pet mess is a little easier if you have a designated space for your pet to eat, drink, sleep, play, etc. Obviously, you shouldn’t contain a Great Dane to a closet-sized space, but keeping supplies together goes a long way in keeping your home maintained.
Finish hardwood floors with a scratch-proof sealant.
If you have hardwood floors, we recommend sealing them with a scratch-proof finish. Or, lay down plenty of rugs to avoid too many claw marks.
Invest in an air purifier.
An air purifier provides help in the air quality department, particularly if you own an outdoor animal that comes inside periodically.
Keep air circulating to avoid pet odors.
Of course, we can’t forget everyone’s favorite sign of pets: the odors. Your best defense against the unavoidable pet smell is to keep the air in your home circulating. Use fans, windows, A/C, etc. to push stale air out and bring fresh air in.
Always clean up spills and accidents immediately.
Whether you have carpet, hardwood, cloth couches, or leather couches, never leave accidents to sit. The odor and moisture seep into the material and cause long-term damage. Make sure you clean up immediately! These are just a few helpful tips for pet owners.
Accept that there will always be “some” sign of an animal.
Ultimately, being a pet owner means accepting a certain level of dirt, odor, and maybe a scratch here or there. Try not to stress about it. Things can always be fixed. Instead, enjoy the company of your pet and rest in the knowledge that they are worth it.
Looking for a New Home?
At Next Modular, we know that choosing a home is likely one of the most important financial decisions you will make. As an experienced modular home builder, we are committed to being your guiding light throughout this process. If you need a modular home built near Goshen, Indiana, or if you have any further questions regarding resale value, call us today.
