16 Home Renovation Ideas for Dog Owners
For some pet owners, it’s their dogs who more or less set the rules for the house. Home renovation ideas for dog owners showcase ways to modify an existing property to suit your favourite pets better. Planning a remodel? Could you think of how it might impact your dog? Positive or negative, there are consequences to every renovation as it relates to your pet.
Here are some dog-friendly renovation design ideas.
Built-In Pet Beds
Maximize space in your home. Incorporate your dog’s bed into furniture, in-wall storage, or similar pieces. Focus on the best place for a cozy hideaway to optimize the floor space you use.
Cabinet for Dog Food Storage
Create a cabinet storage area for freeze dried dog food. Pull out a big bag of kibble or a can of something special, and then tuck it right back away. No hassle and no mess. A simple pull-out cabinet or bin can make a world of difference.
Feeding Stations
Create stylized feeding stations for your dog. Elevated or smart feeding stations are easier than cleaning up messy spills or tripping over dog food bowls that always seem to be in the way. Your dog will be so excited the next time they call in for a meal!
Install a Pet Pantry
Make a pet pantry to organize and store treats and other goodies that supplement your dog’s normal dog food diet. The pantry does not need to be large but can help keep these snacks organized.
Install Their Mural
Make art for your dog. Either by sculpture, mural, or wall art, hang custom-designed pieces representing your pup. This alone can make a home feel a lot more dog-friendly for all.
Redo Your Flooring
If you have a dog running around and playing in your home, it will need fairly resilient flooring. Ensure the quality of the flooring so that it can tolerate clawing and accidents without immediately appearing damaged.
Like many of us, dogs love heated floors. If your house is traditionally colder than average, heated floors add a new dynamic to your dog.
Install Bay Windows
With bay windows, dogs have a perfect place to sit, relax under the sun’s heat, and enjoy the outside aesthetic. Floor-to-ceiling windows or large windows like this are very interesting to pets. It gives them the chance to see outside whenever they like.
Give Them Their Room
Every dog needs a play area. Give them their room. Inside, include a mattress for comfort, their best toys, and any décor or designs that suit the dog’s room. It’s where you want them to play, but it can also provide your dog peace. If you work at home with a puppy, having a dedicated room for your dog is particularly helpful.
Dog Washing Station
Install a dog washing station for your four-legged family member in your kitchen or bathroom. If you don’t want a station like this in either room, you may use the laundry room or the mudroom if you have one. Many homeowners set up theirs in this room without issue.
Build a Dog Ramp
Consider a dog ramp for an older dog struggling with stairs or getting up on the couch. This way, you can help your dog up and down from his favourite places and keep him connected to you.
Pegboard Insert
Although it’s a small renovation—if it can even be considered such—a pegboard insert in a storage cabinet can act as your wall-mounted pet tool organizer. You can put nail clippers, brushes, medicines, and more here.
Discreet Pet Door
Please install a discreet pet door that allows your dog to enter and exit whenever possible. You won’t have to keep a door open or open the door to let your dog go outside.
Built-In Dog Gates
Create a built-in baby or dog gate layout that fits your home’s design. Forget about using standalone gates that take up more space than needed. A sliding gate, for example, can be a strong investment that works for dogs and young children.
Make a Backyard Dog Path
Have you got a big backyard? Your dog will likely have an instinct of wanting to patrol it and protect what they have. Make a backyard dog path to help facilitate your pup making the rounds.
Set Up a Potty Patch
A dog cannot always go outside to do its business. Ensure you set them up with a pee pad or potty patch. This gives them an area to go to the bathroom without getting into trouble or going outdoors.
Create Dog Caves
Add a series of small dog caves around the house. These aren’t as big as a room but are more pit stops for them and areas your dog can call their own. Add cozy beds and accessories. These dog caves can be put under benches or stairways, kitchen islands, or open cabinet bases during renovation.
