5 Remodeling Upgrades for Dog Owners

Like most dog owners I consider my dogs part of the family. They have access to every room in the house, and on occasion sleep in my bed.

The problem is I'm also a clean freak, and since and I don't want to come home to find wet dogs sitting on the furniture, or muddy paw prints on the carpet, they need to be able to let themselves out while I'm gone and stay clean.
 
The average life span for a dog is about 12 years so investing in some home improvements while undergoing a remodel may be something neat-nick dog owners may want to consider.

Here are some ideas that dog owners can incorporate into their remodel that will help keep their home cleaner, and may save thousands of dollars in repair, replacement, and cleaning costs.

Doggy Door
Dog doors that insert into sliding patio doors aren't very attractive, and swing doors may not be located where owners want their dog to exit, so an in the wall dog door would be an excellent option.
 
In the wall dog doors can be installed into stucco or wood, with 2x4 or 2x6 framing. Keep in mind where you want your dog to exit and re-enter.  On rainy days your dog may come back in with muddy paws so you may not want to install the door where your dog will step directly onto carpet.  I've even installed dog doors in the back of cabinets for clients who find dog doors too unsightly. If you are worried about other critters getting into your home you can buy the electronic type that opens when your dog is wearing a remote collar.

Consider having your contractor pour a small concrete area just below the dog door for two reasons.  One; if your dog is small, the drop won't be as high, and two; you can place down a mat that would help to absorb some of the moisture and mud before your dog enters back into the house.  Be sure the concrete is poured with a decent slope or you'll end up with a birdbath which would defeat the purpose.


Synthetic Potty Grass
Small indoor potty grasses have become very popular for urban dwellers but synthetic potty grass can also be used for landscaping.   Pup-Grass® sells 12 foot wide custom cut lengths that can be installed in place of real grass.  At the time when I researched synthetic grass for my dog run, I found that Pup-Grass® made by PupGear was the only product that was lead free and made in the US. This is important because one of my dogs will occasionally chew on synthetic grass and many dogs lick their feet. 


Outdoor Doggy Shower
I do my own grooming so in the summer outdoor baths happens every three weeks.  Have your plumber run a hot water line to a location where you would want to bathe your dog outdoors preferably where it will be sunny.  This is not an expensive add and your dog won't have to endure cold baths which is one reason why some dogs hate baths.  You can simply attach a regular garden hose and spray nozzle.  If your dog fights baths, install an eye hook to the house for a tether.

Indoor Doggy Shower
Add a slide bar and hand held shower head on a diverter in your shower.  Some people like these anyway for cleaning.   If your dog sheds a lot of hair during bathing, cover the drain with a rubber strainer to keep your drain from clogging.

Dog Run
If you don't want your dogs to have full run of your back yard this would be the time to install a proper dog run since you already have a remodeling crew on your job.  If your setbacks will allow, a dog run designed on the side of your house that has access to your mud room would be optimal so that the dogs could enter and exit as they needed without having access to the entire property.

A proper dog run consists of a concrete pad for cots or Igloos,  pea gravel or Pup-Grass® area for toileting, good drainage, water line for hosing down, cyclone fencing, and some type of awning to shield from the sun and rain.  If you have concerns about extreme temperatures, misters and heaters  are pretty easy to install.

Dog accommodation upgrades may be a worthwhile investment when you consider how much damage a dog(s) can do to landscaping, water lines, or furniture.