Creating a Healthy Space for your 4-Legged Family Members

Creating a Healthy Space for Your 4-Legged Family Members (and the 2-Legged Ones as Well!)

They greet you at the door with wagging tails, meeting you with unconditional love barely able to contain their joy at your homecoming.They sit in the sun languidly pretending they aren’t happy to see you, but as soon as you open the door, they wind their way through your legs almost tripping you as you try to come into the house.They squawk or bark with joy, singing to the world that you have arrived.They are the furry, feathered, finned or scaled family members with whom we share our living space.

There are 60+ million pet owners (or caregivers) in the US.Studies have clearly demonstrated the benefits of having a pet share your life.Pets reduce stress.Pet owners live longer and are considered more social than non-pet owners.With all that pets do for us, unconditional love not withstanding, shouldn’t we give back by providing a safe, healthy environment?This means more than providing clean water, food and shelter.

Pet related design is a health benefit as it decreases the stress of sharing your space with a pet and provides a space that is easier to maintain.Healthy design for pets has become important because of the rapid rise of cancer, allergies and asthma cases diagnosed in the last 10 years.Increased use of pesticides in our gardens, the products we use to cleanour homes and the textiles, paints, and other decoratingtools we use in our homes affect our health, therefore, every change we make impacts our lives.Dr. Ann Morgan, of the Silver Spring Animal Wellness Center in Glendale, WI, states pesticide use is the #1 contributor to what is ailing our pets, with household cleaners a close second.By making more conscious choices in what we bring into our homes, we can easily make our home healthier and safer, yet still stylish and easily maintained.

In looking at pet-design, paint, flooring, textiles and cleaning products, as well as space-planning, should all be considered.All major paint manufacturers have now come out with low or no VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint products.VOCs are all of the toxins and chemicals that are put into paint for fast drying and inhibiting mold and bacteria growth they are basically poisons.Paint off-gasses for up to 18motnhs after application, this means that new paintsmell that is evident for a few days after we paint is still being emitted into our space months later.It’s these toxins (along with those from carpeting) that can affect our breathing and increase the instance of upper respiratory infections, allergies, headaches and certain types of cancers.When getting ready to paint your pet’s space, look for these low/no VOC paints for easier breathing for all occupants.

When looking at flooring options, think hard surfaces for areas occupied by pets.There are many benefits: as hard surfaces are healthier and easier to maintain as carpeting traps pet hair, stains and odors.It’s cooler for pets with thicker coats and in summer.Resists claw marks.Hard floor surfaces can be accented with area rugs that are easy to clean (launder and/or take outside to shake) and can be replaced easily and less expensively than wall-to-wall carpeting. Make sure area rugs are anchored with rug grips to prevent pets (and people) from slipping.Look at tile, bamboo, hardwood, laminates or rubber flooring instead of wall-to-wall carpeting.If you can’t live without your carpeting keep these tips in mind: make sure the area is well-ventilated when replacing, look for recycled or PET on labels (PET means that the carpet is made from recycled plastic-it’s very durable, soft and relatively inexpensive).Stay away from large looped Berbers as pet nails get caught and can cause them injury or pull and snag the carpet.Choose flooring that matches your pet.If you have a Golden, choose beige. Patterned flooring as it hides hair, disguises stains and will look cleaner longer.Patterned flooring should not be used as an excuse to not vacuum or sweep!When carpet is used consider purchasing Pet Agree, It has a laminated poly-film backing that prevents pet accidents from seeping into the flooring!

Tremendous strides have been made in the field of pet-friendly fabrics.Look for tightly woven fabrics as they resist tears and rips.Leathers, ultra suede and micro fibers are all extremely durable, odor resistant and easy to clean.Since leather is smooth, it’s also not as tantalizing to cats that would love nothing more than to claw at any tufted fabric or dangling curtain tie-back or fringe.Patterns and textures will act in the same manner as patterned flooring.If buying new furniture isn’t an option-SLIPCOVER it!Slipcovers come in a variety of colors and styles AND are easy to clean as you just wash when dirty.Check out denims, canvas and twills for that casual, yet chic look.Window dressings for pet owners run the gamut from nakedto shutters and Roman shades.Stay away from floor length drapes and curtains, as this is an invitation for play (i.e. shredding and unraveling if you have a cat).Sheer curtains and simple shades also don’t collect dust and pet hair like long and heavy drapes-which is very important to help control allergies.Mini-blinds are a no-no and should be kept out of reach of pets (as well as kids!) to prevent chewing and/or strangulation.

• Remember to keep extra fabric to make matching beds, mats for food and water dishes and floor pillow. Extra carpet makes a great scratching post that coordinates with the dcor!

Accessorizing your home in a healthy and safe way for your pet also needs to be considered.When choosing live plants, stay away from ivies, philodendrons and dieffenbachia, as they can be harmful if ingested.For the larger dog, wrought iron and wood stands that elevate their food and water disheshelp prevent neck and back stress/injuries.

Space planning for your pet really allows you to be creative.Pet cubbies, are niches that are built under cabinets to keep pets out of the way in busy households.It gives them their own dento sleep in or just to get away from the activity of the house.Litter boxes can also be disguised in this way.They can be incorporated under vanities and cabinets to better service a cat’s needs and give them the privacy they want and need.Efficiency and multi-functional furniture should all be considered when designing for your pet.An attractive leash holder by the door, as well as a towel to dry off muddy paws (or better yet, a faucet/shower outside to wash paws off), hidden storage bins for food with tightly closed lids to keep pests away, trunks for toys and zippered covers for beds that can easily be cleaned and made to match home dcor and/or change with the season.Ramps can also be addressed here for navigating stairs (and getting up on furniture if allowed).Ramps help reduce back and joint injuries and are beneficial for small dogs, elderly pets and the disabled and/or injured pet.They are relatively easy to install and the cost will be made up in less frequent vet visits/rehab.Electrical wires need to be kept out of reach and plastic safety plugs should be placed on outlets to prevent the adventurous from sniffing, licking or chewing.

Household cleaners need to be addressed as well.Baking soda and water are a tried and true method for stain and odor removal.Pyrethrum is a botanical insecticide that can be purchased at an organic retailer or garden supply store for flea control. All cleaning products, from toilet-bowl disinfectants to laundry and dish detergents, should be stored in tightly sealed containers and locked cabinets or on high shelves.Contact can cause gastric upset and severe burns on mouth.Many books have been written on home-made cleaners-great if you have time, but a good rule of thumb is look at the ingredient list and see if you can pronounce and know what the items are (i.e. baking soda).Seventh Generation and Sun & Earth cleaning products are two pet friendly brands that are available at many retail outlets, by mail or in co-ops.They are generally price competitive with chemical-laden cleaners.

*A note on lawn and garden products-fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides can be toxic.The smaller the pet, the more at risk they are.As a pet walks across a treated lawn, the chemicals adhere to its feet and can become ill from licking the residue off its paws.The air-borne properties of pesticides can cause upper respiratory problems.

In conclusion, by creating a design plan that is pet friendly, you are creating a space that is healthy, easy to maintain (reducing stress for primary caregiver), safe and comfortable for all occupants.

Sidebar:The elderly pet requires special consideration.They tend to gain weight, experience hearing loss, impaired vision, increased elimination, reduced mobility and a thinner coat with thicker skin.Ramps can be installed if stairs are an issue and mobility is limited, elevated food and water bowls make eating and drinking easier.Bedding should be placed in a dry, warm place that is draft free.Where impaired vision is an issue, rearranging furniture and redecorating can cause stress and confusion.Help your dog by using runners as a pathway to guide them to their food, water andthe door.Keep nails short and put nonskid matting under rugs to prevent slipping and injury.

DeAnna Radaj, an interior designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating Feng Shui and healthy home principles to create a balanced, healthy and supportive space) is the owner of Bante Design LLC/3E Products (www.bantedesign.com). Ms. Radaj is a national speaker on topics ranging from Healthy Home design for all family members (children, adults and pets), Feng Shui, easy design tips and trends and exploring a problem most of us have…CLUTTER (why we have it and how to “get rid of it”!). She has been a featured guest on radio and TV, and has authored two books, Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In,and Feng Shui for Teens.tart your article