As Americans, we love our pets. In 2018, we spent $72 billion on our pets for toys, food and other supplies, medication, vet care, and other services. So it is no secret that when we bring our friends into our homes, we want the best for them.
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To keep your pets safe in your home and to keep your home safe from your pets, follow these four tips:
Choose Stain-Resistant, Easy To Clean Fabrics
Choose stain-resistant, easy to clean fabrics when purchasing furniture and carpets for your home. Pets leaning, sitting, and laying on fabric can stain and discolor them via the oils in their hair and fur. Stain-resistant fabrics are easy to clean and can withstand discoloration that can be difficult to remove. Alternatively, you can purchase removable furniture covers that can be easily cleaned in the washer and removed when guests come over.
Invest In Cordless Window Treatments
Cordless window treatments such as those with automation and LiteRise® are the safest options for pets in your home. Traditional corded treatments can be tempting to pets who may see the cords as a toy and accidentally become entangled, leading to injury or death.
Lift systems such as LiteRise®, PowerView™, SoftTouch™, and UltraGlide® are all amazing, easy to use, pet-safe alternatives to the traditional standard cordlock. These lift systems are all cordless or feature a retractable wand in place of cords, preventing entanglement.
Purchase Pet-Safe Containers & Locks
Pets are naturally curious and often have a habit of getting into places where they do not belong. Purchase pet friendly containers like garbage bins with locking lids and locks for cabinet doors that contain cleaners and other toxic substances. Not only will you be keeping your furry friend safe from dangerous materials, you won’t come home to a messy house from Spot digging in the trash!
Choose Pet-Safe Plants
While you may have a green thumb, your pets do not. There are many common household plants that are toxic to pets and should be avoided. For example, lilies can cause kidney failure in cats. Before bringing home any new plants, check to see if they are harmful to pets. If you must have it, keep it in an area that is off-limits to pets and out of reach.