11/02/2021
Homes Fit for Fido
When you’re looking at buying a home, it’s important to keep the needs of all family members in mind, including your fur babies. While most pets can adapt to various living environments, taking their needs into consideration can help you give your beloved pup a good, safe life, while also protecting your home from unintentional damage. Large breed dogs, in particular, have special requirements when it comes to space. Amber Waves is an expert when it comes to caring for certain dog breeds and provides valuable insights and information to help you make informed decisions.
Dog Breeds and Space Needs
Larger dogs need more room than smaller dogs, and some high-energy breeds need extra space for running and exercising. Finding a house close to a park or open green space or a home with a large yard can fit the bill. You’ll want to keep your pup safe in your yard with fencing, especially if you’re close to traffic or if you have a pool. You can find qualified installers online, but make sure you read online reviews and ask for price estimates and completion timelines in writing before hiring someone. The cost for fence installation will vary based on size, location, and materials.
Dog Age and Physical Abilities
According to Pet MD, some dog breeds fare better than others when it comes to physical abilities and decline due to age, chronic condition, or injury. For example, a dog prone to hip and knee problems will do better in a single-story home than a two-story, while a pup diagnosed with cataracts may be more comfortable in an environment with a simple floor layout that’s easy to navigate. How you use the house is also important. Installing baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs and putting furniture against walls can allow you to retrofit your environment to your pet’s needs.
Location and Traffic
Even if you use a leash every time you take your dog outside, there’s still the potential for them to get away or for someone to inadvertently let them out. This can be scary for both you and your pet, even more so if you’re close to a major traffic flow. A house that’s set back from major highways and heavily traveled side streets, combined with adequate fencing, can keep your pup safe. Also, consider how close you are to playgrounds or bus stops. If your dog is loud and social, having constant outdoor activity in close proximity could result in a lot of vocalization.
Flooring Choices
The American Kennel Club recommends making flooring choices for your house based on your preferences and your dog’s needs. While you can always change out flooring in a home after closing, if you can choose one with the best options when you buy, it will save you time and money. Both older and younger dogs, as well as dogs with bladder issues, have the potential to have bathroom accidents or otherwise damage flooring through scratching and chewing. Hard surface floors that are easy to wash can be preferable to carpet. On the other hand, dogs with vision or mobility problems can sometimes slip on hard surfaces — hard flooring with carpet runners for navigation can be a compromise.
Multi-family housing, like condos and townhomes, can be tricky for pet owners with neighbors so close by. This type of environment might not be the best fit if your dog is large, highly active, loud, or lacking in human/canine social skills.
Amber Waves is a leader in knowledge and services related to Great Pyrenees breeding, ownership, and care. To learn more, visit the website or reach out for more information.
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