The Easiest Way To Make Your House More Pet-Friendly

Having a pet can wreak havoc on your home. From cats deciding whether or not they want to use their litter box to dogs that chew and shred, having a pet can be a precarious situation if you like to have nice things in your house. Much like having children, pets bring huge changes to lifestyle, and if you aren't properly prepared for it, it can be a big shock.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep your home safe from pet adventures without sacrificing style. The trick is to get to know your pet's personality and adjust within reason. Then, pick out items and décor that will keep everyone safe and happy without compromising on beauty. Gone are the days when your four-legged friends had to live outdoors — today's modern homes incorporate pets as true family members and design each room accordingly, per Moving.com. This is especially true as more pet-friendly products are on the market than ever before.

It might sound obvious, but the easiest way to make your home pet-friendly is to take proper care of your pet. We're talking about beyond walking and feeding your little companion but making sure they are well-groomed to minimize shedding and damage.

According to HGTV, the cleaner you keep your pet, the longer your house will stay clean. Regularly trimmed nails won't be as easily able to scratch floors or upholstery. Brushing and bathing will remove loose hair before it appears all over your furniture, clothes, and bedding. You will also minimize how often you have to wash couch covers and rugs. Keeping your pet clean will lead to a tidy house, which is much easier and more fun than the other way around.

Of course, it is nearly impossible to keep homes spotless with a shedding family member around. So instead, invest in a vacuum that is designed to clean up pet hair without clogging or breaking. Although they can be a bit pricey, you'll find them to be a worthy investment when you see how much cleaner your house is with regular vacuuming.

An ideal way to make your home pet-friendly is to invest in quality fabrics that can withstand hair, drool, claws, and more. While there is no such thing as completely pet-proof fabrics, there are several that can withstand typical wear and tear from cats and dogs better than others.

According to Discounted Designer Fabrics, the key is the fabric's weave. The more tightly woven it is, the better it will hold up against animals. Microsuede is one example of a material that is easy to clean and incredibly durable. Besides this fabric, microfiber, leather looks, crypton, and vinyl are also easy to clean and quite stain-resistant. Furthermore, crypton is bacteria resistant as well.

Some other tricks to hiding pet damage and keeping your house looking its best? Go for large patterns that naturally hide small marks, and invest in a scotch guard treatment on whatever fabrics you have.