Dog Owner Home Buying: Protect Your Dog with a Healthy Home

Do you own your dog? Or does your dog own you?

Approximately 60-65% of all US households own a dog, and families with children under 18 have the highest rates of dog ownership at over 70%.

Dog ownership peaks in the 50-59 age range, with nearly 70% of Americans in this demographic having dogs.

Over 50% of senior citizens own dogs, as dog ownership’s companionship and health benefits are well documented for older adults.

Suburban areas see slightly higher dog ownership than urban cities, and single women are likelier to have a dog than single men.

Having a fenced yard also correlates with higher dog ownership rates. Dogs are the most popular pets across many demographics.

So, as a dog owner, what should you look for in the ideal home for you and your furry friend?

Here are a few key factors dog owners look for and steps you can take to ensure your new home is comfortable, safe, and dog-friendly:

Fenced Backyards for Dog Play

A securely fenced backyard is a top requirement for most dog owners.

A fence gives your dog a safe, enclosed outdoor space to play, run around, and “take care of business” without risking wandering off or getting injured.

Choosing the Right Size Home for Your Dog

The new home needs adequate indoor space for your dog to play, sleep, eat, and move comfortably.

The space needed depends on your dog’s size and activity levels. For example, large or high-energy dog breeds require more open floor plans or room-to-roam than smaller lapdogs.

Proximity to Dog Parks and Trails

Easy access to parks, walking trails, dog parks, and green spaces is a huge perk for dog owners. Living within walking distance of outdoor areas allows daily exercise, playtime, and socialization.

Nearby dog parks also provide off-leash play for your pet.

Dog Owner Home Buying involves Seeking Dog-Friendly Neighborhoods

Dog owners should look for neighborhoods with a dog-friendly community culture, nearby pet stores and veterinarians, and neighbors who welcome pets. Sidewalks for dog walking and community events for pets also get bonus points!

Picking Durable, Pet-Safe Flooring

Many owners opt for scratch-resistant hardwood or laminate flooring to withstand scrambling paws and accidents over time. Tile or laminate floors provide super easy clean-up. However, repeated dog traffic can quickly wear down and stain carpeting.

Making a Home Dog-Friendly

Beyond finding a home with dog-friendly features, you can take additional steps to adapt your home for pets:

Designate Dog Areas

Please set up a corner with your dog’s bed, crate, toys, and feeding station to create your dog’s designated space. Containing these items in one area helps keep the rest of the home tidy.

Dog-Proofing Your Home

Secure hazardous items like chemicals and medications, cover wires, install child locks, and use sturdy pet gates to restrict access to unsafe areas. This prevents your dog from getting into dangerous situations.

Choosing Pet-Safe Furniture

Opt for couches and beds with removable covers for easy washing. Use scratch-resistant materials like wood or fabrics that resist stains and damage from pets.

Providing Outdoor Access

Depending on home security issues, consider installing a pet door for backyard access.

Install leash hooks by the main entry for frequent potty walks.

Fenced yards allow your dog to play safely outdoors.

Adding Convenient Pet-Friendly Touches

Built-in food bowls, a mudroom with a pet washing station, and indoor potty spots are great conveniences if your dog’s mobility is limited.

Essential Dog-Friendly Yard Features

When preparing your outdoor space for your dog, consider these essential dog-friendly landscaping tips:

Pet-Safe Plants and Gardens

Many common plants can be toxic to dogs if ingested. Avoid poisonous varieties like lilies, azaleas, daffodils, oleander, and tulips. Instead, opt for dog-safe plants like roses, pansies, and marigolds.

Secure Fencing

Fence in your entire yard or designated dog play areas for safety.

This keeps pets securely confined outdoors and deters wandering.

Doggie Clean-Up Station

A pet washing station or mudroom by the door lets you quickly rinse off dirty paws after playtime or walks.

Dog-Proofing Tips for Pet Owners

Dog-proofing your home is essential to adapt it for your furry friend. Follow these dog safety tips when prepping your new place:

Secure chemicals, medications, and toxic foods in latched cabinets to avoid poisoning accidents.
Cover trash cans and keep food locked away since dogs love to scavenge.
Use cord covers and keep appliances unplugged to prevent electrical hazards.
Install smoke and CO detectors and maintain a pet emergency first aid kit.
Block access to unsafe areas with sturdy gates and provide plenty of chew toys.
Ensure your yard is fully enclosed and free of dangers if your dog will spend time outdoors.

With smart dog-proofing, you can eliminate hazards and anxieties for you and your pet.

Best Dog Breeds for Active Senior Citizens

For older adults and retirees looking to add a dog to their lives, certain dog breeds make excellent companions:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Extremely social and loves being a lapdog.
Havanese – Lively, small dogs that thrive on companionship. Low-shedding and low maintenance.
Miniature Poodle – Intelligent and energetic. This breed is hypoallergenic
Maltese – Affectionate lapdogs that are gentle and minimal shedding.
Shih Tzu – Sweet, loving dogs that make great therapy pets. Require daily grooming.

For seniors with limited mobility, tiny breeds under 10 pounds are the easiest to manage. Adopting a senior shelter dog can also be a great option!

Key Takeaway

Dog owner home buying involves searching for your perfect home with your and your dog’s needs in mind.

Prioritize dog-friendly features like secure yards, durable floors, and proximity to sidewalks and trails.

Take time to properly dog-proof your new home with safety in mind for you and your furry friend, and you’ll be on your way to many happy years together!