Adopting a large dog comes with consequences other pet owners won’t experience. Large dogs need large beds, sturdier toys, and more effort in dog-proofing your house. You should always keep essential belongings tucked away in places they can’t reach, as well as use strong collars and leashes that can withstand their weight and size. And as new dog owners, you should take responsibility for making your home as safe as possible for your big furry friends.
What You Need to Be Aware of When Renovating Your House for Your Big Dog
Dogs are another tenant you need to be conscious of. Just like any other member in the house, your dog needs space to live comfortably. Big dogs need spacious rooms to expend their energy. Often, large dogs are clumsy and can easily break your belongings by accident. Hence, it’s best to keep furniture minimal if your living arrangement isn’t large enough. Since large dogs are very active, let them burn all that energy in a nearby dog park so that they’ll be less likely to jump around inside your house.
Train your dogs to live inside the house. If you’re living in an apartment that only allows limited freedom for your dogs, it’s best to train them to get used to living inside the house. Buy toys they can play with when you’re away and hide treats your dogs can find throughout the day to keep them from getting antsy from boredom. If you’re looking to train your dog further, consider buying a book on training dogs.
Enroll in a daycare for dogs during the renovation. Often, home renovation projects include noisy machinery and make your living room uninhabitable for days. That’s why you should look at enrolling your dog in daycare to let them rest and avoid the undue stress of renovation. Albeit pricey, daycares provide a safe place to stay for dogs, and you can work without thinking of your pet’s safety.
Home Renovation Ideas Fit for Dogs
Install A Dog Cleaning Station
Muddy pawprints are the common enemy for people who own dogs of all sizes. Luckily, with a dog cleaning station, you can easily hose down the mud away from your pets. Cleaning stations consist of a hot-and-cold water spray, a ledge with tiles, and a shelf for shampoo and accessories. Consider installing washing stations near the door to your house. If you live in a condo or an apartment, you can include washing stations in your bathroom renovation.
Installing Sturdy Flooring Is a Must
Dogs love to jump and run around the house. Since dogs are armed with sharp claws, cheap and brittle flooring will break away from continuous wear and tear. That’s why installing durable flooring is crucial for dog owners.
We recommend using hardwood flooring to spruce up your house and avoid hurting your dog’s claws with splinters. However, keep in mind that wood is easily scratched and stained if not appropriately treated. If wood isn’t an option, consider ceramic tiles or concrete flooring. Both are easy to clean and scratch-resistant. Remember to stay away from marble and stone floorings, as it’s slippery and could cause accidents for your pets.
If you can’t change your flooring, add carpets or hire floor-sanding professionals instead. Rugs provide a non-slip alternative to hardwood floorings and are perfect for keeping your pets safe. However, carpets are prone to trap odor and pet hairs, so choose rugs that are easy to clean and resistant to tearing.
Stay Away from Wallpapers
Wallpaper is a landlord’s nightmare, and so goes the same for homeowners with pets. Dogs can accidentally scuff wallpaper and create an unsightly mark on your wall. That’s why it’s recommended to paint your walls instead. You can paint your wall with either a glossy or matte finish to make it dog-proof and aesthetically pleasing.
If painting isn’t your cup of tea, use stencils instead. Stencils provide unending customization to your house by using unique patterns or custom designs.
Get Furniture Fit for Dogs
Like people, dogs enjoy sitting on furniture too. Thus, you need to select furniture that’s large enough for your dog, easy to clean, and durable. We recommend furniture that’s padded up with leather, canvas, or other synthetic materials. Upholsteries made from synthetic materials are unaffected by stains and fur, easy-to-clean, and are resistant to shredding from claws.
For owners who are still training their dogs, their furniture shouldn’t be made from delicate fabrics. Untrained dogs are notorious for shredding pieces of furniture and chewing on soft velvet upholstery.
If you’re looking to up the ante, consider allocating a room or space for your dog. You can place dog beds that are tailored for your dog’s size and needs. Plus, if your dogs have their nook, they will most likely spend their time there and avoid breaking other belongings in your house.
Final Thoughts
Renovating your house to improve your dog’s life involves lots of planning, budget, and hard work. However, you’ll be greeted by the sight of your beloved furry friend having the time of their life. And what’s better than that?
