The importance of creating pet-safe spaces within your home is oftentimes overlooked. Some dogs and cats are naturally shy or afraid of loud noises and in some cases, suffer from anxiety being around large groups of people.
Creating space throughout your home where your pet can escape for a short period of time will help to establish a more comfortable environment. Using these tips can help create a sense of salvation for your pet leading to a more peaceful place to reside.
Create a Comfortable Environment
In order to create comfortable secluded spaces for your pet, it’s important to recognize where they usually spend most of their time when relaxing. Find that spot and scan for any upgrades you may be able to make, whether it’s under the stairs or secluded in a corner near the living room. Some potential upgrades include: blocking off the space from the rest of the house, creating a series of ramps, or even investing in heated floors in that area. It’s critical for this spot to regulate the right amount of temperature according to season. In a perfect world, it should be cool in the summer and somewhat warm in the winter.
It’s a good idea to test your air conditioning systems, especially in the summer. This will help make your pet feel as comfortable as possible in that space. Air conditioning failure or heating failure can create a variety of unexpected reactions by your pet. To be as proactive as possible, invest in a home warranty policy; this ensures that any unexpected air conditioning failure will be fixed in a timely manner.
Make it Easily Accessible
Pet owners must understand that there are usually multiple locations that your pet will find comfort in. Your pet should grow to understand that any space can feel as safe as possible. Give your pet a variety of choices, that way if they feel like being closer to you, they can enter and exit at their own discretion. There should be several spots spread out around the house where they can easily sneak off to without bothering anyone.
Make sure their areas are not completely isolated. Certain pets become increasingly social, and while they might want a break from the chaos, they may still want to be near their family. Invest in a variety of pet doors; These doors can increase your pets’ self-esteem by giving them the freedom to move about as they please. It can also assist in overcoming several behavioral issues such as housebreaking, destructive chewing, excessive barking, and scratching furniture. Certain doors can help your pet escape from dangers inside your home like a fire or dangerous intruder, while also giving your pet the chance to
Provide the Essentials
Every pet needs the right amount of food and water along with essential accessories such as bedding, blankets and even pillows. This will help to make their spaces as stimulating as possible. The spaces that are the most secluded from distractions are the best feeding stations for any pet. Depending on your pet, it’s relatively common for there to be multiple areas where they can eat and drink. In order to maximize a feeding station, provide your pet with a spill proof bowl. That way, you can limit the amount of messes that are made.
Pets love toys; make sure to provide a variety of safe and appropriate toys for your pet in their spaces. This can directly impact certain behaviors your pets may display depending on their mood. Some pets are more devious than others. Try to minimize that by putting their favorite toys in certain locations, for example, a specific bone for a dog or a ball of yarn for a cat. Not only does this prevent them from chewing on significant items, but it also helps to tire them out by working their brains. Activities of enrichment can help decrease stress and anxiety by giving your pet a practical way to meet their instinctual needs.
Set up their safe space away from any outside noise as much as possible, especially away from any windows. You can always mask any outside noises by having a fan or sound machine running for white noise. Consider using a white noise machine for certain areas, much like humans who use ASMR or calming sounds to soothe while they sleep – pets can relate.
Prioritize Peace & Quiet Indoors
Much like people, it’s important for pets to have a safe space where they can find a sense of peace and quiet. Depending on your pet, some might demand attention while others may shy away from the spotlight. Creating a silent space is especially useful for dogs dealing with noise phobias, like fireworks or in some cases thunder.
Set up their safe space away from any outside noise as much as possible, especially away from any windows. You can always mask any outside noises by having a fan or sound machine running for white noise. Consider using a white noise machine for certain areas, much like humans who use ASMR or calming sounds to soothe while they sleep – pets can relate.
Decluttering the interior of your home can improve the overall setting. Having a messy home can create feelings of anxiety and chaos in certain pets. Some pets like to scratch couches, grab shoes, or even slobber on socks. It’s important to stay organized so your pet doesn’t mess up anything inside or an item that is personal to you. It’s best to keep these areas clear. This way, they will be less motivated to get intoCreate Stimulating Space Outdoors
Every pet owner should designate specific spots outside of their home where their pets can roam and run around. Pets love spending time outdoors, it can help fulfill their natural tendencies while being a reliable way to tire them out. A common phrase that many pet owners use is that a tired pet is a good pet, and it’s true.
Every pet needs some sort of physical activity in their daily regimen. Whether that is a short walk or going for a run, something is better than nothing. This is the best way to calm pets that may be over-energized at times, many dogs like to chase squirrels or dig holes in the backyard. Your backyard can make for the most ideal spot to satisfy their innate impulses. It’s especially important to have stimulating toys outside as much as inside, given more space pets will interact with their toys even more. It’s best to leverage different spots outdoors, so that your pet will have more options to roam around and relax. Having a flat area such as a patio or deck for your pet to lay is essential.
A lot of pets like to mark their territory by finding a common location outside, whether that’s the backyard or front yard. For outdoor spaces, look into new fencing or hiring fencing contractors if that is something that your backyard is lacking. This way you will feel much more comfortable when leaving your pets unattended in these spots.
Owning a pet is an exciting adventure, but it can be a lot of work. It’s an important part of the process to cater your lifestyle to that of your pet. Much like creating an appropriate environment inside and outside of your home for yourself, consider that when creating a home for your pet.
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