Include pets in your home renovation plans

written by

JENNIFER DOLAN DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE CUMBERLAND VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC

Are you planning home renovations this spring? Do you have pets? Why not include some pet-friendly renovations in your plans?

There are many innovative ideas that are aesthetically pleasing for your home décor and beneficial to your pets.

Utility rooms can serve double duty as a pet spa. Installing a raised tub with hot and cold spigots will make washing your dog a cinch. A ramp to the tub will make your life even easier. Have nonslip waterproof flooring installed. A central drainage area is a plus; it is convenient to use a squeegee to remove excess water from the baths to the drain and be done with all the mess. What a convenient way to avoid muddy pawprints and smelly fur in the house.

If you are a multidog household or you foster dogs, consider converting a space into a dog suite. Install “bedrooms” for several dogs. Separate enclosures can have full doors, half doors or Dutch doors (the top door can be closed or open to be either type of door) to suit your needs. The bedrooms can open up to a common social area, complete with beds and play areas. Use easy-to-clean flooring and surfaces, and, if possible, a drainage system.

Utilize any extra, unused space you have for a pet-specific area. It can be utilized as a dog bedroom or cat play area. Neutral colors and dog- or cat-themed décor can easily blend into the rest of the household.

How about a doggy nook under a staircase? Or a doggy bedroom that includes beds, food and water stations, and a toy station with baskets to contain toys. A cat area could include feline condos or even an indoor jungle. Create holes, bridges, stairways, ramps and scratching posts. Use scratch-resistant and easy-to-clean materials.

Does your dog love to go in and out all day long? If you have a fenced-in yard, doggy doors are a great addition. If you are creative, you can hide a doggy door behind a cabinet door, which allows you to control accessibility to the doggy door.

If you do not have a fenced-in yard, there are many invisible fence options, the use of which involves a specialized collar and some training so your dog knows the boundaries. Be aware that invisible fences work for most, but not all, dogs and they do not prevent animals from coming onto your property.

How about considering a “catio” – a screened-in area for your cat to enjoy sunshine and fresh air? They can range from a small screened-in area to an entire screened-in outdoor cat jungle. Consider your pets’ needs if you are planning renovations. They will appreciate the special attention. — Places

Full Service Veterinary Hospital Ultrasound Oncology Consultation and Treatment Bereavement Services Pet Resort Doggie Day Care Grooming Pet Boutique for pet lovers AND their furry friends!

17747 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown, MD

301-739-3121 Vet Clinic 301-739-5393 Kennel