Feeding

It’s important to regulate your pet’s eating schedule.  Dogs should be fed at a time that correlates well with a bathroom break following soon after, and both cats and dogs that are left home alone all day with a full bowl may develop weight problems, increase the incidence of bathroom accidents in the apartment and let your pets grow bored.  For water, the problem is the opposite – you should always make sure that water is available for your pet.

Luckily, today’s modern world provides a variety of tools that let us regulate our pets’ feeding environment.  Automatic feeders allow you to program times to feed your pet, and more advanced models will even allow you to specify how much food to release at specific times.  Automatic water dispensers work the same way, and pet water fountains make sure that water is always flowing for your cat or dog.

Entertainment & Exercise

The best way to keep your pet entertained while you’re not around is to have some really great toys.  For dogs, Kongs are a great toy that provide hours of entertainment.  By sticking a treat (such as a spoonful of peanut butter), you can entice your dog to bite, lick, and roll around with a Kong for hours.  Cats will respond well to a scratching post and some catnip toys – and a scratching post will pull double duty by providing an alternative to furniture and carpet for your cat to scratch at.

Another great tactic to make sure your pets don’t become bored with their toys is to make sure that you have a variety of toys that you put out on an alternating schedule.  This will keep toys fresh and new, and keep your dog or cat’s interest for a longer period of time.

And of course, the most essential tool you need to keep your dog healthy and entertained is a leash.  Your dog will need regular walks around the apartment community or neighborhood for exercise and to go to the bathroom.  A good, quality leash will let you lead your dog while giving him the option to run around and enjoy the outdoors.

Apartment Care

While all the above will help you keep your apartment in good shape while living with a pet, there are two tools that will really help you control your apartment’s appearance.  A good pet brush and a litter box.  The litter box is essential if you have a cat – and daily upkeep will keep smells out of your apartment.  As with feeding, there are litter boxes that will automatically clean themselves, but you will still have to maintain the removal process.

Regularly brushing your pet will help prevent your cat or dog’s fur from ending up on your clothes, sofa, and carpet.

Conveniently located near the Silver Spring Metro, an apartment rental at The Blairs lets you enjoy pet-friendly living near Washington, DC.

Close and Lock Cabinets

Cats especially are notoriously curious when they encounter closed cabinets and doors, although many dogs find it difficult to resist the temptation to explore.  Unfortunately for Fido and Sylvester, low cabinets are typically home to dangerous cleaning chemicals.  To keep your cats or dogs out of cabinets, a child-proof latch will typically do the trick.  These inexpensive latches are easy to install, and can be found at your neighborhood ACE or online at Amazon.

Hang Up Plants (Or Avoid Altogether)

Animals love to chew on green, leafy plants and grass, whether indoors or out.  In fact, given their love of chewing on plants, you’d be amazed how dangerous these plants are for them to eat.  Some plants are downright poisonous (click here for a PDF of plants that are toxic to domestic pets).  Even non-poisonous plants can cause vomiting and worse.  If you have a green thumb, ensure that your animals don’t run foul of your greenery by hanging your plants from the ceiling.

Unplug Cords

By unplugging electrical cords, you can ensure that if your pet does manage to chew through the cords, they won’t get a nasty shock.  You may also want to train your pets to leave these cords alone by coating them with a hot sauce or a non-toxic ointment/spray, or placing them in a cord protector.

Hide Fragile Objects

Cats loving jumping, climbing, and exploring.  Dogs routinely bump tables and shelves that are set low enough to be an obstacle.  Prevent damaged objects (and broken ceramic or glass on the floor) by either placing fragile items where pets can’t reach them, or packing them safely away until you can safely display them.

Get a Heavy Duty Trashcan with a Lid

Cats and dogs are drawn to smelly objects.  The items they find in the trash can be extremely hazardous to their health.  Make your apartment more pet-friendly by getting a heavy duty trashcan with a lid.  A step trash can works well by making the trash can more accessible for you, and less accessible for your pet.

Your apartment can be a jungle for cats and dogs, but with a little bit of planning and upkeep, you can tame that jungle to be a safe and engaging environment for your furry family member.  For more information about how to keep your pets happy and safe, visit The Humane Society of the United States.