Once we’ve bought a home we love, we typically take the time to “make it ours” through renovations. We redo the kitchen to make it functional for our needs. We redo the paint to ensure that we love the indoor color. We invest in our property so that we can turn the house into a home for us to live for months and years to come.
If you’re a “dog person,” then you may also want to consider upgrades that are helpful for owning a dog. The best home renovations are the ones that fit your entire family’s needs, and your dog – as part of your family – may find that some renovations are better than others for addressing your pet’s happiness, and yours.
Examples of Home Renovations for Dog Owners
Different dogs have different needs, and different home renovations may benefit your pet as well. For example, if your dog is a breed that gets hot easily, renovations like new windows or new insulation could be beneficial. Working with a contractor may help you determine what options are best for your property.
With that in mind, consider the following:
- New Flooring
Some types of flooring are far better for dogs and dog owners than others. Carpet, for example, can be quite problematic, as it gathers hair and dander and is difficult to clean. Chris, a roofing, siding, and whole home contractor in Staten Island, recommends luxury vinyl planks or laminate flooring for dog owners. “Wood flooring scratches easily, and carpet isn’t ideal. LVP and high end laminate are very easy to clean, inexpensive to install, and can be covered in rugs for a softer place for dogs to sleep.”
- Large Bathtub
If you give your dogs baths at home, you may want to opt for a large, walk-in bathtub to make it easier for you to bring your dog into the bath. You can also look into whether it’s possible to fit a bathtub in a dedicated space, like a large garage so that you do not have to take your dog into your guest bathroom just to give it a bath.
- New Insulation
For dogs that are anxious or easily stressed, you may want to consider insulation that protects from both heat and sound. Insulation is a useful way to make your dog more comfortable and save money on energy bills, and it can also soundproof a property to make it quieter and more comfortable for the dogs inside.
- Large Cabinet for Foot Storage
It’s not ideal to keep dog food open in a place on the property where it could attract ants and bugs. A good place to keep the food might be in your kitchen. You can install a large cabinet during a kitchen remodel with a door that seals well and is easy to clean, and put dog food and other items in there for easier access.
- Doggy Landscaping
Not all home renovations take place indoors. Installations like dog proof fencing, or a dedicated grass area for your dog to make waste can be highly beneficial. “We do a lot of masonry” says Chris, “but even in large concrete projects, we often encourage dog owners to consider a dedicated grass space for their dog to use the bathroom.”
Creative Home Renovations for Dogs
You can also look into doggy doors, or new sliding glass doors so your dog can more easily go outside. You can look into creative ideas like a feeding station or even an outdoor shower. You can turn a large closet into one with a built in doggy bed. There are many ways to be creative about your space as well to help make your dog more comfortable.
These types of renovations are a great way to turn a house into a home not only for you, but for your dog as well. If you need help training your dog to use your home, or you’d like to learn more about our behavioral support for anxious or stressed dogs, contact Chicago Dog Trainer, today.
