Many of us gave in to those puppy dog eyes and brought a dog into our homes over the last year. Being dog owners ourselves, not to mention maintenance professionals in Geelong, we wanted to share some ideas to make your home more pet friendly.
1/ A built-in pet bath
It is suggested to wash your furry friend at least once a month. However, if your dog spends the majority of their time inside with you, you may want to wash them more regularly. The back-breaking exercise of washing a dog in the bathtub is something none of us want to go through, so, why not build a purpose-built tub in your laundry or garage to wash your pet?
A back-friendly tub will be a lifesaver for years to come.
If you don’t have the space in your home for a pet bathtub, set up a small cleaning station near the door so that you can clean your dog after a messy walk. You will need some old towels, some pet-friendly wet wipes and storage for walking leads and soggy dog coats from rain or puddles. A cabinet or shelving unit is a great way to store dog-related gear.
2/ Install a doggy door
We can hear it now – the dog scratching at the door to go out, again! Why not install a doggy door so your pooch can come in and out as they please? Plus, no more accidental messes on the floor because you didn’t get to the door quick enough to let the dog out.
3/ Smelly dogs
A dog in your home will absolutely change the scent in the air, but you can keep this under control with a few simple tricks:
- Sprinkle baking soda on the sofa where your pooch likes to curl up, leave it for 15 mins, then vacuum the residue off.
- Wash pet bedding regularly and add some vinegar to the rinse cycle.
- Purchase an air purifier to help with pet dander in the air as well as odours.
4/ Custom-built dog houses
Some dogs need to feel that they have a safe, secure hiding space of their own to escape from the sounds of little kids, fireworks or a storm. Many homes have nooks that are great areas to turn into a space for your dog. Or if you don’t already have an area, engage an experienced handyman to build a custom dog house unit you can put inside or outside. Fill up your dog’s area with blankets and cushions to make the space cosy and warm. Furthermore, a door on this space helps you to contain your pets when needed.
5/ Keep them safe
Some of the dangers in your home are obvious, such as chemical cleaners, medications and electrical items. However, have you checked that your indoor plants and essential oils you diffuse in your home are safe for pets? Many plants and oils are toxic to pets, so make sure you do your research.
Make your home pet-friendly
Without a doubt, adding a pet to your family is lovely and fun. Equally important is to make sure your pet feels part of the family. By installing a dog door, creating a space for the dog to feel at home, or bathing them in their own dog bath will help your pet feel cherished, safe and secure.
If you are interested in installing a built-in pet bath, adding a doggy door to door or are curious about a custom-built area for your pet MMD can help. Servicing Colac, Geelong and throughout the Bellarine Peninsula, MMD is the best maintenance handyman for all your pet-friendly projects. Contact MMD’s dog-loving friendly team on 5222 6022 to request a quote.
And because we know that dogs sometimes get into mischief when you are at work, we offer 24/7 emergency repairs for homes in Geelong, Colac and throughout the Bellarine.
Let us know the advice you would give to new pet owners.
