Taking care of a dog without a yard for them to run and play can be more challenging, but it is not impossible. Some breeds, even larger dogs, are well suited for apartments for rent in laredo tx life and enjoy a small den-like home to relax throughout the day.
No matter what kind of dog you have, you can give them a good life in an apartment by adapting your home and giving them ample opportunity to exercise and play indoors and outside. Explore these ideas for caring for your dog in an apartment, from feeding them the right pet food to pet-proofing your space, and turn your apartment into the perfect dog home.
Know Your Dog
Every dog has a unique personality which makes caring for them in your apartment different in every case. One of the most critical factors is your dog’s natural energy level. If your dog is a hyperactive breed like a beagle or a terrier, you will need to provide significantly more stimulation throughout the day than a St. Bernard or a Great Dane.
You should also know how much your dog barks during the day. One of the most significant issues apartment dwellers face is anger from their neighbors over excessive barking. If your dog barks while you are away, you may need to add soundproofing to your apartment or try to train the behavior out of your dog.
Give Them Plenty of Exercise
Unless you have a tiny dog and a huge apartment, your home will likely not have enough space for your dog to run around and exercise. Running and playing is vital to a dog’s health, well-being, and quality of life. The amount of playtime your dog needs depends on your dog’s breed, age, and health, but most dogs require at least one 30-minute walk per day.
Understand your dog’s fitness needs and do your best to fulfill them. Many apartment dwellers recommend at least two walks per day, with additional physical playtime with games such as fetch or tug-of-war with a chew toy. If you have a sporting or herding breed, you should give them significantly more exercise time to prevent them from becoming destructive out of boredom.
Create a Play Area
A dog’s den is crucial to their sense of safety and comfort. It is essential that you create a space in your home that can be their own and fill it with stimulating toys to keep them occupied throughout the day.
Give them a comfortable bed with blankets for when they are cold and some soft toys for them to snuggle or play with. Have lots of chew toys, ropes, bones, balls and squeak toys available for their entertainment. Purchasing an automatic play machine like a ball thrower can be an excellent way for your dog to keep busy, and a treat dispenser puzzle can keep them happy when you are not home.
Make Your Apartment Dog-Friendly
Making your apartment dog-friendly is more than ensuring you get your deposit back. Beyond taking steps to ensure that your dog doesn’t damage your home, you should also make sure that your apartment is a comfortable home for your dog.
Many dogs love to watch the world go by and soak up some sunshine. If you have windows, keep the blinds and shades open for natural sunlight, and ensure your dog can reach a spot to look out.
Ensure that any potentially harmful substances or objects are out of reach or locked away to ensure your dog doesn’t hurt itself. Also, consider giving your dog a feeding area away from the busy parts of the apartment. Many dogs prefer to eat their pet food and drink from their bowl in a secluded place. This can help your dog feel more comfortable and at home in your apartment.
Feed Your Dog the Right Diet
A cornerstone of caring for a dog in an apartment is ensuring your dog has the proper diet. If their food does not give them the nutrition they need, they could become lethargic, sick, or have accidents in your home.
You should feed your dog a diet of high protein dog food, rich in the vitamins and minerals they need to lead a happy, active life. Cooked dog food made with ethically-sourced, human-grade ingredients is one of the best ways to ensure your dog gets all the nutrition they need without extra filler that could make them sick.
These foods will ensure they have energy for playtime, sleep well during the night, and have a healthy gastrointestinal tract for healthy bowel movements at the right time.
Make a Good Routine
One way to ensure that your dog makes the most of living in your apartment and doesn’t get bored is to maintain a good routine. Dogs are creatures of habit, particularly when it comes to feeding and going to the bathroom. Your dog may become stressed if they do not know when it will be fed, walked, and allowed to relieve itself. This stress can lead to destructive actions, loss of coat luster, or accidents in the home.
Ensure that you feed, walk, and play with your dog at the same time every day. The meals should be as consistent as possible so they won’t chew on furniture or break cabinets trying to access their food. Bathroom times should be the same time every day to prevent your dog from having accidents. Walks should be the same time and duration so your dog can have something to look forward to each day.
Make Your Apartment a Dog Home
Caring for a dog in an apartment is not difficult and can be a rewarding experience. Sharing a small home with the dog you love can strengthen your bond and help you share many memorable moments together. Following a few easy steps to make your home pup-friendly can make your apartment the ideal place for your dog to relax, be comfortable, and live their best life.