Everybody loves a pet at home, whether it’s a dog, a cat, a bird, or all of them. Some might be more conservative and prefer the old-fashioned, low maintenance goldfish in a bowl aquarium. Regardless of the pet one chooses, is there a way to make the house pet-friendly and, at the same time, a haven for kids?
This is an important question because there are people, especially young children, who can have allergies to several things, including pet dander. In some cases, it is the cat or dog litter that triggers an allergy. Even the most ardent pet lover does not love the smell of fecal matter inside the home. To address this challenge, consider the following suggestions on how to care for the small ones in your lovely abode:
1. The Air In There
The first order of the day is to shop around and install a high-quality air purifier. With good filters, this equipment will keep dust, mold, pollen, and other allergy triggers from outside the house. When installed, it will also help prevent bacteria and viruses from entering the interior of the house.
It can do this because of its HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) component. Some systems make use of photoelectrochemical oxidation that serves as a nano-filter for catching even the tiniest of particulates. Of course, these filters also help reduce animal smell inside the home, which can really accumulate over time.
Naturally, investing in this sanitation equipment also greatly helps improve the health of children. Clean air helps stop triggers that make children suffer, especially those with asthma and other respiratory ailments. It is not that common, but some dogs and cats can get asthma. So, by keeping the atmosphere crisp and clean, everybody inside the house gets to breathe just fine.
2. Toilet Training
If there is anything that most pets and all children need to do, it is to get toilet training. There are many effective techniques for teaching this, but generally, it must be done while the pets and kids are still young. ; The old folding newspaper trick still works fine for many puppies and kittens. Some of these furry friends, however, prefer to be toilet-trained in an actual bathroom. Another option is to get a litter pail that could serve as the starter set. After the puppy or kitten grows big enough, they can be transitioned to using the actual toilet and be taught to be flush it after use.
For small children, there are many potties available for purchase in the market. The key is not to pressure the small tots and just allow them to become comfortable sitting on the potty. At times, they might want to have a chat or play with a favorite toy while using their mini-toilet. When they are tall enough, they can also be transitioned to using the actual toilet, with perhaps a low stool or stepper on-hand.
By toilet training the pets and kids, there will be a little possibility of them soiling their bed, the sofa, or any part of the house. The important part is to let them know that they can approach you anytime to ask for help when they feel that urge to go to the bathroom.
3. Good Old-Fashioned Street Walks
Having a good walk with the pets in the outdoors is perfect for giving them fresh air, some sunlight, and a much-needed exercise. With a pet litter kit on hand, you can maintain the cleanliness of the neighborhood or the park even if the dog or cat suddenly decides to pass body waste on the sidewalk. People understand that this is normal for pets, and the only thing necessary is for the owner to do the cleaning afterward. These walks build a routine that teaches the pets not to soil the carpet or floor or anything inside the house. Instead, the pets bark, jump, or make sounds to let their owner know that they need to step outside to answer nature’s call.
It may be a different story with children since people are not allowed to relieve themselves anywhere. But like pets, children do need to walk outside and enjoy playing in the park. By bringing children out regularly, they get to exercise and expend the extra energy they have. At home, they will feel more relaxed and, just maybe, be a little less boisterous as most children are when they have nothing to do. It is normal for children to be noisy for that is part of their nature. But those walks in the park will do wonders for them in terms of their physical health and social development.
4. Especially Designed Walls, Floors, and Furniture
One of the best ways to keep home interiors clean is to have pet-friendly rubber or vinyl floors and walls, washable fabrics, and even leather seats or sofas. These materials are relatively easy to clean and sanitize even if a pet or child “emergency” does happen, and they will. Some interior materials like wool and fabric rugs can be difficult to clean, or sometimes, they easily stain. It is best to have items inside the home that are resilient to dirt and foul smell.
Keeping the Home Safe and Happy is More Important
After all is said and done, what we all want is a happy home where everyone is safe, including our beloved pets. By leaving room for some days of cleaning, we can let go of any stress that comes with cleaning after small children and little pets. After all, the joy and laughter they bring to our lives is truly a blessing. Having to wash and mop a spot or two every once in a while is just part of the life with our children and furry members of the family.
