7 Ways to Make Your Home Pet-Friendly

Pets may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about home improvement. But since they live in houses, too, we’re sharing how you can make your home more pet-friendly.

In this episode, find out how to keep your pet safe while protecting your house from the inevitable damage that’s bound to occur.

1. Safeguard Your Pet

A number of chemicals, drugs and plants can make pets sick and even be fatal for them. Cats, in particular, are very sensitive to household cleaners and other chemicals, as well as medications like aspirin, so be sure to keep them hidden away, out of reach and behind closed doors. Certain plants — such as lilies, holly and mistletoe — can be toxic to cats as well.

2. Prevent Fleas 

The lifecycle of fleas lasts two to three weeks. Most flea treatments target either the eggs or adults, but not both. To reduce flea problems in your home:

• Vacuum your home frequently and thoroughly.
• Add flea power to the vacuum cleaner bag before vacuuming to kill any fleas that are sucked up.
• Dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag outside when through.

3. Keep Dogs from Digging Under a Fence

To prevent a dog from digging out under the gate of a fenced yard:

• Dig a shallow trench under the gate the width and height of pressure-treated landscape timber.
• Measure the distance between the fence posts, and cut the landscape timber to length.
• Fit the landscape timber between the fence posts on either side of the gate, so it’s flush with the surface of the ground.
• Attach the landscape timber to the fence posts using deck screws.

4. Train Them to Stay in Your Yard

An electronic containment system is less obtrusive than a fence and easier to install. It uses a buried wire, transformer, and battery-powered shock collar to prevent the dog from leaving your yard.

To install an electronic containment system:

• Dig a 3- to 4-inch-deep trench around the perimeter of the area.
• Position the wire in the trench and backfill.
• Attach the wire to the transmitter.
• Place temporary flags around the perimeter of the area to serve as a visual reminder during training.
• Buckle a battery-powered, wireless collar on the dog.
• Train the dog by leading it near the wire until the collar emits an audible chirp, warning the dog not to go further.