The pet population worldwide has climbed dramatically in recent years. In fact, it sometimes seems as though our adopted four legged companions now outnumber humans.

Not surprisingly, this means that the topic of how to care for one’s furry friends has taken on increasing importance in recent years. Making one’s home pet friendly and pet safe is an idea that one must consider when considering modern interior design.

Making your home pet friendly isn’t just about spoiling your pet. When you bring a pet into your home, you are responsible for its well-being and safety. Of course, this means that it’s a good idea to consider how to keep your pet as healthy and happy as possible.

1. Not All Plants are Animal Safe

While plants are most definitely a good idea for humans to have around, as they remove toxins and pollution from the air, not all plants are animal safe. Make sure that whatever plants you have in your home are animal safe or that your animals are unable to reach them. In the specific case of cats, this goal can be much more challenging than it might seem. Cats can seemingly reach almost anything in your home.

2. Consider Safer Green Cleaning Alternatives

Once industrial cleaners that used harsh chemicals were the only real game in town, but those days are gone. It is now possible to use safe, environmentally friendly cleaning agents that will not harm your pets. Moreover, green products have the added benefit of not exposing you and your family to harmful detergents and chemicals. In fact, steam cleaning is a safe and time-honored way to clean almost anything.

3. Watch Out for Industrial Cleaners

Even if you are using green cleaning products, it is best to keep this products away from animals. Keep in mind that many chemicals that you might have around your home can be poisonous to animals. For example, antifreeze can kill a dog. Your best bet for animal safety is a cabinet that your four-legged friends can’t make their way into.

4. Watch Out for Chewing

Dogs, and often cats as well, like to chew on all sorts of household items. This is a problematic issue as it obviously can damage your stuff, coffee table legs anyone?. Your pet’s chewing habit can be also dangerous. If you find that your pet has taken to chewing on electric cords, for example, that is a problem that you must take very seriously. Further more the last thing you want to see is your new home furniture with teeth marks all over it.

If this problem is quite serious, you will have to look for ways around the issue, such as keeping animals away from favorite electronic chew toys, unplugging items or maybe even relocating electronic items that seem irresistible to your dog or cat.

5. Your Pet’s Emotional Well-Being

Remember that your pet has an emotional life just as you do. If you spend enough time around your pets, you will grow to realize that they do indeed get their feeling hurt, become bored and get angry. Look for ways that you can make your home more interesting to your pet.

One innovative way to keep your pets entertained is the use of a food ball or other food toys. These toys have food inside of them and get your favorite pet up out of his or her bed. Such food toys can be made out of simple household items such as plastic bottles. With a little ingenuity and design ideas from the Internet, you can make your very own food toys for your dog or cat.