How to Turn Your Home into a Pet Paradise

Guest Post by: Dirce Guerra

If you consider yourself a pet lover, there’s no doubt that you want the absolute best for your furry, finned, or feathered pals. Whether you have dogs, cats, birds, or other animals, it’s important to make sure that they are safe, happy, and comfortable. After all, your home is their home! Make sure you take a few simple steps to turn your home into a paradise for your pets so they can thrive. When pets are comfortable and happy, they’ll be healthier and likely live longer, too. Read on for some tips that will help you make a few simple changes to create the ultimate pet paradise.

Dogs

Happy dog.

Dogs are man’s best friend, and that’s why it’s vital to keep them comfy and happy at home. Here are some tips for setting up a pooch paradise:

  • Designate a dog-friendly resting space: Dogs like soft, comfortable areas where they can sleep and feel safe. Create a sleeping spot in your home that’s up to their standards, such as a cozy corner of the living room or perhaps even a spot near your own bed. Dogs prefer natural fabrics like cotton, so look for dog beds made of this or other organic materials. The softer the dog bed, the happier they’ll be.
  • Keep their space tidy: Your home is your dog’s territory, so it’s important that they feel free to move around. Keep your home free of clutter, and don’t block your dog’s line of sight. Dogs need to be able to see through doorways and out of windows. A neat, clean space will make your pup comfortable and help them to feel like they’re able to protect their home since they can see any activity that’s going on around them.
  • Don’t use cleaning chemicals: Heavy-duty household cleaners often contain harsh, potentially toxic chemicals that can cause health problems in dogs (and other pets). Use cleaners that contain natural ingredients that won’t be dangerous if they’re ingested or breathed in. This won’t just benefit your dog – it will also benefit everyone else in the household, too!
  • Avoid using essential oils or strong fragrances: Essential oils can make your home smell wonderful, but they can also be highly toxic to dogs and other pets. Stay away from using any essential oils that can be accidentally ingested or breathed in since they may cause a number of serious health problems for canines and many other animals. Stick to other means of freshening the air in your home, like potpourri or scented candles made without essential oils as fragrance. Certain scents like citrus, ammonia, and perfumes can be upsetting to dogs, even if we humans aren’t bothered by them.
  • Designate a place for food and water: It’s in your dog’s instinct to protect his food and water. To make him feel comfortable, select a place in your home that will be used solely for feeding. When you create a “dining space’ for your dog, they’ll feel comfortable and in control of their environment and won’t have to worry about potential “predators” sneaking up and stealing their food.

Cats

Happy cat.

When it comes to picky pets, cats are definitely at the top of the list. Here are a few quick tips to ensure your feline has the paradise they deserve:

  • Cats love to scratch: It’s in a cat’s nature to scratch, which could mean serious damage to your furniture. Provide your feline friend with a scratching post and keep their nails trimmed so that they resist the urge to constantly scratch at your sofa, dining chairs, or carpet.
  • Cats like to play: Cats have an instinct to chase, hunt, and pounce. Keep your cat happy by buying them lots of fun indoor toys, games, and playsets. When a cat is active, they’re much calmer and will be happier overall, especially if your cat is indoor-only (which is highly recommended). Look for the best cat toys that the two of you can play with together, which also creates a bond between you and your little panther.
  • Keep the litter box clean: If possible, scoop your cat’s litter box one to two times daily. Cats like a clean environment when they use the restroom, and if they’re unhappy with their box, they might go outside of it. If you’re unable to scoop the box as often as you should, consider an automatic cleaning litter box that will do the hard work for you. It’s a win-win that will keep your home clean and your cat content.

Fish

Happy fish.

If you own fish as pets, it’s important to give them a  healthy environment to ensure a long lifespan and a happy life:

  • Clean the fish tank: Fish require clean water to breathe, so you should clean their tank approximately once per month. When you clean the tank, don’t forget to clean the gravel as well as any other items that have been sitting in the tank. A clean tank will also make it easier to monitor the levels of pH or salt in the water, which can ensure a healthy, safe environment.
  • Place the tank in the appropriate place: Avoid leaving your fish tank in total darkness or direct sunlight. Too little light can cause the water to get too cold, and too much light can make algae grow at a much too rapid pace. Choose a place where there’s a happy medium between darkness and light to help regulate the water temperature and algae growth.
  • Add greenery to the tank: Natural or even faux plants can not only make your fish tank beautiful, but they also give your pets a place to sleep and hide. Fish need plant life to mimic their natural environment, reducing stress, resulting in happier pet owners and fish. Real greenery is the best choice since it can also produce more oxygen and absorb harmful nitrates.

Birds

Happy bird.

Birds are some of the most beautiful and unique pets out there. To keep your feathered companion happy, keep these tips in mind:

  • The bigger the cage, the better: Birds love to have room to hop around and play. The larger the cage, the happier your bird will be. This goes for any bird you own, whether it’s a tiny finch or a large parakeet.
  • Keep their water clean: Remove deposits from your bird’s water source so that they always have access to clean drinking water. Seeds and other debris can get into your bird’s water, as well as common deposits like calcium and other minerals. It’s best to clean your bird’s water bottle or dish daily so that they’re content and able to access the clean water they need to stay healthy.
  • Provide a nesting place: Just like humans, birds need a comfy, safe place to rest. Create a cozy nesting area in your bird’s cage so that they have a place to escape. You can find products at your local pet store or make your own using a box and a small washcloth or towel.
  • Add plants and greenery: To really give your bird a paradise, add some plants to their cage. Greenery will help your bird feel more at home since it resembles his natural environment. Just make sure that the plants you choose are safe, as many varieties can be toxic to domesticated birds.

Hamsters/Ferrets/Rabbits

Happy bunny.

Smaller furry friends like hamsters, ferrets, and rabbits also need to feel comfortable and happy at home. Try these tips to give your little pet a paradise they’ll love:

  • Give your hamster the perfect play area: Hamsters love to move, which is why you need to give them lots of stimulation. A hamster wheel, tubes, and other fun toys will keep these small animals stimulated and able to display their innate, natural desire to move about.
  • Feed them a healthy diet: Ensure you’re feeding your hamster, rabbit, or ferret the right diet. These small creatures require specific nutrients to keep them active and healthy. If you’re not sure what to feed your pet, talk to your veterinarian. Never feed them table scraps without confirming that it’s safe (like carrots and other fresh veggies).
  • Keep enclosures clean and homey: Just like any other pet, you’ll need to keep your animal’s enclosure clean and remove messes at least every few days. Replace nesting materials so that they have a clean place to sleep and burrow. You can make their environment nice and homey by adding a small hideaway made from a shoebox or a ferret “sleeping bag” you can find at most pet stores.
  • Make sure they have a friend: Hamsters, ferrets, and rabbits tend to prefer having at least one companion. Give your pet a friend, and they’ll be able to thrive much better at home. Having a friend also keeps them active and entertained when you’re away.
  • Allow enough space for exercise: Ferrets are especially vivacious and require lots of room to play. Make sure that your ferret has the room he needs to get proper exercise. You can find ferret harnesses so you can let him out of his cage and run around.
  • Bunny-proof your house: Rabbits love to chew, so make sure you protect your pet and your home by wrapping cords with plastic flex tubing and using outlet covers to protect your pet from electrical shock. Use a baby gate to keep your bunny from getting into rooms where they shouldn’t be. Never leave your rabbit unsupervised, and make sure that your home is free of toxic houseplants to ensure a safe environment.

By making a few simple changes, you can transform your home into the perfect pet paradise. Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, fish, or a tiny furry friend, your pet will flourish if they have the right environment. Consider these tips to give your pets the environment they need to stay happy and healthy for years to come.