5 Tips to Create a Safe and Happy Home for your Pet!

5 Tips to Create a Safe and Happy Home for your Pet!

Buying a house can be stressful enough but the real challenge comes when you actually move in. Giving your house that warm and inviting feel is most likely number one on your list, but what about making a happy home for your pet? I’ll be sharing my five best tips and tricks on how to keep your pet happy, comfortable and safe so you can focus on the important stuff

1. Stock your home with natural cleaning products

Did you know that there are thousands of toxic chemicals on the market and many of them probably live in your home right now? These synthetics were developed in WW2 for chemical warfare but have since been dumped into our everyday cleaning solutions. These toxins live in household items such as bleach, air freshener, disinfectants and even baby shampoo. Not only are these chemicals toxic to your pets but also to your family! Luckily there are some natural products you can use in your home that are backed by science. More and more local grocery stores are carrying natural products as consumers are becoming more educated on the dangers of these man-made chemicals. When shopping for cleaning products look for labels that do not include 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde, chlorine, ammonia, parabens, abrasives, phthalates, and phosphates (just to name a few). A quick internet search will help you locate natural cleaners.

2. Install gates and barriers for your pet

One thing that can ultimately save your pet’s life is a pet gate. Whether you need it to block off the stairs or to block off the kitchen trash, a pet gate could be essential to your pet’s health. Most modern pet gates include safety lock features and finishes free of toxins. Safety gates come in all different sizes and are made for all types of pets. A great place to start shopping is online, mainly because of everyone’s thorough reviews!

3. Consider swapping candles for an essential oil diffuser

Aren’t you just loving my green home tips? I’m a super fan of this one simply because the pawssibilities (see what I did there) are endless! The more oils you have the more “recipes” you can make to keep your home smelling delicious. There are many reasons why essential oils are the safer option but the big one is that you are preventing your pet from getting burned with fire and/or hot wax. Cats are a bigger threat to hot wax and fire as they are far more curious than other household pets. Like anything new you bring into your house, it’s important to introduce the oils to your pet so they can get acclimated to the new scents. When I bring any type of new product into the house, I start by letting my dogs check it out. I remove the cap from my essential oils and let my dogs take a whiff. This helps them get used to the new scent before it’s even diffused. On another note, there are a few natural oils out there that disagree with our fur babies so it’s important to do your research and to pay close attention to any changes in your pet’s behavior or appetite while your diffuser is in action. A few of the most popular oils that are toxic to dogs and cats are wintergreen, peppermint, cinnamon and pine. These oils are usually only troublesome when ingested or spread on your pet’s skin. That being said, pay attention to your pet’s reaction while diffusing.

4. Grab an air purifier

This will become your new holy grail (I’m looking at you, Kentuckians). Not only will this cleanse your air of mold and allergens when the seasons change, but it will prevent you from going noseblind.

Adjective: noseblind – Lacking the sense of smell. Unable to detect particular odors and smells, usually due to familiarity with or prolonged exposure to them.

Most people with pets go noseblind. It’s basically a right of passage for pet owners but that does not mean we want stinky homes. The two most effective things I’ve found are changing your air filters often and having an air purifier. Depending on how many pets you have and the amount your pet sheds will determine what type of purifier you will need. Some of you may be able to get away with a less expensive, smaller model. While other people with, oh I don’t know, four dogs (AKA me ) may need a heavy-duty purifier. The best place to start your research is online and figure out which type is best for you. I promise this will be a game-changer for your pet and your family. You may not notice a difference in smell right away because you’re noseblind, but you will notice that you can actually BREATHE in your house now. Your pet will be happy too!

5. Don’t fill your house with toxic plants

This is a BIG one that most people don’t even think about. If you’re on the natural train like myself then you most likely want some air cleansing plants throughout your home. There are many plants that are safe to have around your fur children but some of the most popular house plants can be hurt your pets! I’ve included an infographic below listing the most common houseplants that are harmful to cats and dogs. It’s best to call your vet or research online about your plant of choice before you accidentally put your pet in danger.

Image source – https://visual.ly/community/infographic/animals/top-10-most-toxic-household-plants-pets