Homes are designed for comfort, and most of the time they’re the coziest place for a furry best friend to snooze. But the same tables, sofas, and chairs that make life comfortable for people can sometimes pose unexpected risks to a four-legged pal. The goal isn’t to worry or limit their fun. It’s simply to notice little details that make the home safer and more welcoming. In fact, the following safety tips are similar to those you might use with a small child in the home.
Furniture That Might Tip
An excited jump or a wagging tail can sometimes turn a wobbly lamp or light bookshelf into a hazard. Securing taller pieces to the wall helps keep them steady and prevents accidents. Solid, low furniture often works better in shared spaces where pups play since it’s less likely to topple.
Corners and Moving Parts
Many of us don’t think twice about a sharp coffee table edge, but to a canine buddy running around at eye level, those corners can cause a bump or scratch. Soft corner covers blend in easily and add peace of mind. Another sneaky risk lies in motion furniture — reclining chairs or sofas with moving parts. The motion of extending footrests can create pinch points, and paws or tails don’t always know to stay out of the way. A little training, along with careful use, keeps everyone safe without giving up favorite chairs.
Fabrics and Finishes to Watch
Dogs explore with their noses and sometimes with their teeth. That means finishes, adhesives, or special coatings on furniture are worth checking. Choosing pet-safe fabrics and wood treatments cuts down on risk while keeping furniture family-friendly. When ordering new pieces, asking questions about the materials is smart. Many families choose white glove delivery, which makes it easy to double-check details while furniture is being set up right in the home.
Sofas and Sectionals as Gathering Spaces
For many households, the couch is where memories happen, whether it’s movie night or a lovely Saturday afternoon nap. Comfortable sectional couches often become shared spaces with a pup stretched out right in the middle. Rather than keeping them off, consider slipcovers or sturdy upholstery designed to handle toenails and fur. That way, everyone enjoys the comfort without sacrificing style or cleanliness.
Height and Jumping Concerns
Beds and chairs are favorite spots, but climbing up and down can be tough for smaller breeds, puppies, or senior pups. A ramp or set of steps not only saves joints from strain but also reduces the chance of a tumble. These little additions blend easily into the room and give a furry pal independence to reach a favorite place safely.
Putting It All Together
Designing a pet-safe home doesn’t mean trading style for safety. Anchoring shelves, rounding off corners, checking fabrics, and adding small aids like ramps are easy adjustments that keep pups safer from injuries while still letting people enjoy their space. Even motion furniture like reclining sofas can stay in the room as long as families use them with awareness.
Our canine pals rely on us to keep them safe, even from potential dangers in the home. By taking a fresh look at furniture and spotting hidden hazards, we can keep our homes both stylish and secure. A few simple adjustments that take only moments to implement mean our furry best friends get to relax, play, and snuggle without a worry. At the end of the day, what matters most: creating a space where two- and four-legged family members feel right at home together.
Author bio: Bruce Peters is the Chief Marketing Officer at Sofas and Sectionals. He has been in the furniture industry for more than 20 years. He has helped successfully launch brands and provided interior design advice to thousands of pet parents.
SOURCES
https://www.stylemeetscomfort.ca/learning-center/pet-friendly-furniture