Upon settling into your new LifeStyle home, damage due to your pet is the last thing you’ll want. Introducing your pet to their new environment can be an exciting experience, but it can also be challenging if you haven’t pet proofed.

To ensure your pet’s safety and prevent harm to your brand-new home, here are some tips.

1.Keep electrical cords out of reach. Electrical cords can be tempting to pets, and chewing on them can result in electrocution or injury. Keep all cords out of reach, and use cord covers or organizers to keep them neat and tidy.

2.Keep furniture and valuables protected. Pets can be curious and may chew or scratch valuable items, such as furniture or electronics. Keep these items out of reach, or use deterrents such as bitter-tasting sprays or covers to protect them.

3.Provide a designated pet space. Set up a designated space for your pet that includes a bed, food and water dishes, toys, and crate, if your pet is crate trained. This will help your pet feel more comfortable and secure and can also help prevent them from wandering around the house and causing damage while you’re unloading furniture and boxes.

4.Secure trash cans. Pets are known to dig through trash cans, which can result in them ingesting harmful substances. That is one reason why a pull-out trashcan built into your kitchen cabinetry is beneficial.

5.Store hazardous materials. As you’re organizing your cleaning supplies, medicines, and other potentially hazardous materials, make sure they are stored in a secure location that is out of reach of your pets. Similarly, some plants can be toxic to pets. Check the ASPCA’s list of poisonous plants before introducing them to your new home.

6.Train your pet. Invest time in training your pet, whether it’s house-training, obedience training, or behavior training. This will help your pet understand what is expected of them in their new environment.

7.Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Pets that are bored or under-stimulated may resort to destructive behavior.

8.Supervise your pet. Supervise your pet when they are in the house and keep them in a designated area when you are not able to watch them. This will help prevent them from getting into trouble and causing damage.

By following these tips and being patient and consistent with your pet, you can help prevent them from destroying your new home and ensure a happy and healthy relationship for years to come. To discover pet-friendly features you can incorporate into your new LifeStyle home, give us a call at (321) 727-8188.