Simple ways to stop your pets destroying

Adopting a new pet is incredibly exciting, however it's important you pet-proof your home to minimise any damage. From hiding away scented candles to trimming your canine's nails, there are plenty of great hacks to help you protect your space. What people don’t tend to prepare themselves for is the damage that pets can do to your home.

Need some help? Take a look at the tips to help you reduce the chances of your pet wrecking your home...

1. MAKE SURE YOUR PETS ARE WELL EXERCISED

Full of energy and life, our pets need regular exercise to keep them stimulated. Just like humans, pets too can get bored at home, which is why it’s vital to ensure they are entertained.

“When dogs don’t have an appropriate outlet for this innate desire, it can lead to ‘problem’ behaviours that can cause damage in the home,” Rachel Rodgers, dog owner, says. “For some dogs, this may be digging which can manifest as ripping up soft furnishings like pillows, quilts and mattresses.”

To prevent any destructive behaviour, try giving your dog a ‘destruction box’ for them to rip up. Something like an old cardboard box or packaging is a surefire way to provide them with hours of fun.

2. USE AN ANTI-CHEW SPRAY AT HOME

Protect your furniture and accessories by spraying an anti-chew spray. With a naturally unpleasant taste, it will discourage your pets from chewing on carpets, curtains and furniture.

3. THINK TWICE ABOUT SCENTED CANDLES

Be careful with reed diffusers, scented candles and wax melts if you have pets. While they’re incredibly calming in the home, animals can easily knock them over. “Make sure that any scented candles are pet friendly and placed high up where your pet can’t reach them or knock them over,” says Lauren Rosenberg, an anxiety, fear and phobia expert.

4. CREATE A COSY SPACE FOR PETS

Give your pet a cosy, relaxing spot to unwind at home. Whether it's their own den or a soft bed, this will help them to give them a place to feel settled.

The team advise: "Crates are a quick way to do this but you can also convert furniture or even purchase furniture with spaces ready-made for dog beds, cat baskets etc. Having a little den gives pets a place feel safe if they are nervous or new to the family and have somewhere they are not being disturbed by other pets or family members!"

5. REMOVE ANY AT-RISK ITEMS

Nail scissors, tweezers, jewellery, medication or fragile vases can be easily discovered by inquisitive pets, especially young puppies. Keep anything like this well out of reach or tucked away in a drawer to prevent it being chewed on.

Pets love to explore, so it’s up to you to keep an eye on what they might find. Pay close attention to places such as bedside cabinets, sideboards or small bathroom bins.

6. KEEP YOUR BEDROOM PET-FRIENDLY

While a previous study found that sleeping with a dog in your room can improve your health, it’s important you do all you can to keep your bedroom pet-friendly. If you do choose to allow pets into your room, keep it a safe place that deters disruptive behaviours. Cats, for example, may scratch on the corners of your bed, so placing a scratching post in the corner is great to consider.

Cat sitter Anna Wan advises: “Keep your bedroom door open, so they can get to you if they want to, but also feel comfortable staying where they are knowing they have that option if they want it. And provide them with a place to sleep outside of your room which is their own.”

7. OPT FOR PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

If you are struggling to train your dog, why not enlist the help of a professional? Many dog trainers have moved their services online, making it easier for owners to get help at home.

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Campaign to publicise little-known condition affecting one in ten women

A common condition that affects one in ten women of child-bearing age and can lead to difficulties falling pregnant - polycystic ovary syndrome - is under the spotlight this month with fertility experts in the South West and Wales taking part in PCOS Awareness Month throughout September in a bid to increase understanding of the condition. Oli O’Donovan, consultant gynaecologist with Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM), said: “PCOS is a common hormonal condition that affects a woman’s ovaries and how they work, but it’s poorly understood and is a difficult disease to diagnose. “Many women have the condition without realising, but some women have difficulty falling pregnant and there is an increased risk of health problems later in life. It can take a long time to get diagnosed through the usual channels.

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