Since we are all home a bit more this year thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, it makes sense that we are also spending more time with our beloved pets. Probably no one has a problem with that — except maybe your cats who used to enjoy some peace and quiet during the day. Now that you’re home more often, you may notice that your pet needs some better products to help get through their day and make life more enjoyable. Learn about a few pet-friendly products that you should consider trying in 2020.
Rethink your laundry detergent and softener.
We may not always think about this, but pets have sensitive skin, too. Those laundry detergents, dryer sheets, and fabric softeners that make your clothes, bedding, and blankets smell great can potentially irritate your animals’ skin. Instead of using synthetic scents, liquid fabric softener, and dryer sheets that can actually damage your dryer over time, consider using more natural products. Some drops of your favorite essential oil like lavender, peppermint, or lemon can add that scent to your clothes and wool balls for dryer can provide those same benefits without depositing potentially irritating scents that will bother your cats and dogs. Additionally, New Zealand wool dryer balls are eco-friendly and help save money by making your dryer more efficient. They also help to prevent static cling.
Make sure to clean up your yard regularly.
If you have dogs, then you know that their waste can accumulate in your yard quickly without a routine dog poop cleanup. Additionally, the longer that dog waste sits outside, the more damage you may see on your lawn. Animal waste can kill grass and leave behind brown spots that are undesirable. The waste will also leave an unsanitary environment for your dogs and your kids, which is not something you want to have. On top of all that, your dog could end up tracking fecal matter back inside your house, making it a health concern.
A dog waste removal company can come out regularly to remove that poop, leaving behind a clean yard for your dogs to enjoy. Search for reputable dog waste removal services by typing in “dog poop removal North Aurora IL” and check out the reviews you find on Google.
Add pet-friendly plants to your landscaping.
Did you know that some landscape plants are actually poisonous to dogs and cats? If your animal gets into the wrong kind of plant, you could end up with a huge vet bill to treat their illness. In some cases, your pet could even end up dying from eating poisonous plants. While some of these plants may produce a beautiful bloom, it’s better to avoid toxic plants such as lilies, sago palms, tulips, azaleas, oleander, chrysanthemum, English ivy, and more, according to the ASPCA. If you do want these plants in your yard, it is best to keep them out of your pet’s reach, behind a fence or other barrier.
Instead of these, look for pet friendly plants that will not adversely affect your fur babies. There are many options available for your front yard and backyard, but make sure to consider your local climate as well as whether they need bright light or low light before choosing certain plants. Some may thrive in an area with high humidity and subtropical climate, while others prefer cooler temperatures. Some pet-friendly plants you may want to consider include:
- Bromeliad
- Peacock Plant
- China Doll
- Succulents
- African Violet
- Boston Fern
- Marigolds
- Magnolia
- Basil
- Sunflower
No matter what plants you choose that are pet-friendly, there are so many that you can pick a landscaping vibe that matches your home and is also low-maintenance. Chat with a local landscaper to get their opinion as well.
