5 Ways to Dog Proof Your Apartment
Owning a pup while living in an apartment can be a little rough at times. Your pup may end up causing damage to your rented space, which can ultimately lead to some major issues with your landlord. Here a five tips to ensure that you don’t kiss your security deposit goodbye.
Invest In A Good Doggie Gate
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As all dog parents are aware, when unsupervised dogs are bound to get into mischief. Puppers will chew up your brand new slippers and use the toilet as their own personal drinking station. More technologically advanced pups may even hack into your email account and give your boss your two weeks notice, explaining that you have made the decision to quit in order to spend more time with your dog. For these reasons, it’s probably not in your best interest to allow your pooch to have free range when you are away from your domain. To keep your doggo confided to a safe, hazard-free space consider purchasing a dog gate. Make sure that you get something that is sturdy and durable, like Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate or the Regalo Super Wide Gate, as some hounds can be master escape artists.
Protect Your Carpets
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A major issue for renters with pets is the prospect of your carpets becoming completely ruined. There's a good chance that even the best-behaved dog may have an occasional accident if their owner is away for long. While traditional plastic puppy pads are the obvious solutions, there are not always the most sustainable. That being said, environmentally-conscious dog owners will be happy to hear that there are now numerous eco-friendly options, including Klean Paws Indoor Dog Potty and the Rocket & Rex Washable Pads.
Dogs, who are either anxious or understimulated, may also have the inclination to chew your carpets. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to prevent this destructive behavior. You may consider taking your pup on longer walks before you have to leave the house or even purchase more chew toys. Another way to keep their chewing at bay is to spritz your carpeting with bitter anti-chew spray.
Make Sure Your Pup Can’t Get Into Your Waste Bin
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Your dog see your garage bin as a treasure trove full of tasty treats that you are so cruelly keeping from them. Obviously, what they don’t understand is that your trash may be full of hazardous materials or even just food items, like sugar-free gum, that can be fatal. So that your pup doesn’t accidentally poison herself or even just make a mess of your apartment while you’re away at work make sure that she is unable to get to the contents of your waste receptacle. A simple way to do so is to purchase a dog-proof trash can with a heavy lid, that is not made out of flimsy material.
Keep Your Pooch Away from Any Cables and Cords
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Some pooches may be unaware that cables and cords are not, in fact, super fun chew toys. So your pup doesn’t harm the electronics in your apartment and more importantly himself, secure your items so they are not within your pet’s reach. You can either protect your cords with a spiral wrap cable or hide them cable clips. For a more aesthetically pleasing approach you can make a cable drawing on your wall. Granted, this may not be the most feasible if you are not artistically inclined.
Purchase an Air Vent Cover
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If your pooch sheds, it’s likely that his hair may be damaging your apartment’s air ducts, which is something that your landlord is sure to be unhappy about. In addition, having floor vents in your apartment can actually be a hazard for pets. Your pooch may get his toenail stuck in one of its gaps which can lead to serious injury. To remedy both of these issues, you can simply install a vent cover.