For many Southern Homes homeowners, their pets are beloved members of their families so it’s just as important for them to have the perfect home. When it comes to decorating your home, there are some key elements to keep in mind to make sure your pets feel at home. Here are some simple ways to make sure your home is safe for your four-legged family members.

Create a pet nook

Just like everyone has their own bedroom, your pet also needs a dedicated space to relax. This allows them a quiet space of their own where they can go to unwind after a day of interacting with the family.  It can be as simple as a pet bed in the corner of your bedroom or a crate in another part of the house.  

Choose pet-friendly floors

You’ll want to choose a durable, scratch-resistant material like ceramic tile or laminate. These floors are much easier to clean and maintain. You can warm up the floor with area rugs. If you prefer carpet, look for a low-pile carpet that reduces the chances of the fibers catching in their nails. Just be mindful that carpet does take more work to clean and maintain since allergens tend to get caught in the fibers.

Be mindful of your décor

When it comes to choosing colors, use your pet’s fur as inspiration. Choose colors that are close to your pet’s fur so the hair they’ll inevitably leave behind won’t be as visible. Likewise, you’ll want to choose furniture with stain-resistant fabrics to make cleaning and upkeep easy. Keep small decorative pieces out of reach of your pets and make sure you choose pet-friendly plants.

Choose mess-free toys

It’s important to give your pet toys to keep them entertained and keep them from destroying your furniture. However, not all toys are created equally! Choose toys that won’t make a mess, like the rubber chew toys or durable fabric toys. While some dogs love rawhide bones, chew toys like those leave greasy stains on the floor and furniture. While most veterinarians don’t recommend giving your pets these types of chew toys, if you do, save those for outside. For your cats, provide scratching posts, smaller toys they can play with by themselves, and elevated places they can sit (a cat tree or cat shelves are great options).

Fence them in

Good fences make good neighbors but they also keep your pets safe. If your pet spends any time outside, you’ll want to make sure you have a sturdy fence around your yard. This keeps them safe from running out into the street and keeping other strange animals out.

These small touches will turn your home into a pet-friendly home your furry family member will be safe and happy in. Every member of your family will love living in a Southern Home, even the furry ones. Visit us online at MySouthernHome.com to learn more about our new homes throughout Polk County.