Simple ways to stop your pets destroying your home 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.
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 What people don’t tend to prepare themselves do this but you can also convert furniture or for is the damage that pets can do to your even purchase furniture with spaces home. ready-made for dog beds, cat baskets etc. Having a little den gives pets a place feel safe Need some help? Take a look at the tips to if they are nervous or new to the family and help you reduce the chances of your pet have somewhere they are not being disturbed wrecking your home... by other pets or family members!" 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.”
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.
To prevent any destructive behaviour, try giving your dog a ‘destruction box’ for them to rip up. Something like an old cardboard box If you do choose to allow pets into your room, or packaging is a surefire way to provide them keep it a safe place that deters disruptive with hours of fun. behaviours. Cats, for example, may scratch on the corners of your bed, so placing a 2. USE AN ANTI-CHEW SPRAY AT HOME scratching post in the corner is great to conProtect your furniture and accessories by sider. spraying an anti-chew spray. With a naturally unpleasant taste, it will discourage Cat sitter Anna Wan advises: “Keep your your pets from chewing on carpets, curtains bedroom door open, so they can get to you if and furniture. they want to, but also feel comfortable staying where they are knowing they have that option 3. THINK TWICE ABOUT SCENTED if they want it. And provide them with a place CANDLES to sleep outside of your room which is their Be careful with reed diffusers, scented own.” candles and wax melts if you have pets. While they’re incredibly calming in the home, 7. OPT FOR PROFESSIONAL TRAINING animals can easily knock them over. “Make If you are struggling to train your dog, why not sure that any scented candles are pet friendly enlist the help of a professional? Many dog and placed high up where your pet can’t trainers have moved their services online, reach them or knock them over,” says Lauren making it easier for owners to get help at Rosenberg, an anxiety, fear and phobia home. expert. “The longer a problem continues, the harder it becomes to correct. 20
