“Dear Jean and Richard, Any suggestions for “pet proofing” a house?” –Susan, Fairview

"Jean's dogs Fancy and Mary, and their feline brother Buzz, nap together on their leopard print beds, along with their stuffed animals from BOB."

Jean: Hi Susan. This is a subject near and dear to our hearts. Richard has a pound hound and I have a retired greyhound and a puppy mill mama cavalier King Charles spaniel.

Richard: And she has two cats. Eek! Bird killers.

Jean: Well, actually, they have me. But yes, there are four 4-legged children at my house, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Most of my suggestions are just common sense, but we may be able to offer a few tips.

Richard: Like obedience school? It was hard work but a great investment. And you don’t just drop the dog off.

Jean: My first suggestion is, wherever possible, to use washable area rugs without rubber backing. For some reason, pets are more likely to soil rubber-backed rugs and mats. And believe me, a cat will see even a small rug to use as a target for hairballs.

Richard: Depending on the size of your pet, leather furniture is a good choice for some people. But I would suggest a leather that is already aged looking. Pet claws can scratch and even tear upholstery hides. Washable slipcovers may be another option, or micro-fiber upholstery, which repels stains. And hair doesn’t weave into it.

Jean: Patterned upholstery fabrics are less likely to show dirt and wear, and can add color and pattern to a room: stripes, paisleys, florals, etc. The same goes for bedding. At my home I use washable bedspreads or coverlets—my favorite choices are chenille and matelassé. If your pet likes a certain spot, place a folded blanket throw there. And you can create a designer look by adding shams, pillows, or bed skirt to match or complement the draperies.

Richard: Well, of course the pets can have their own beds, and those can coordinate, too! But I suggest choosing pet beds that are easily washable and not making a fashion statement. And obviously, some of us don’t allow our animals on our furniture, except the bed.

Jean: Don’t tell my cats that! And speaking of cats, they love batting at dangling things, so I’d think twice about drapes with tassels or fringe. Some pet owners do away with drapes altogether and dress their windows with valances and blinds. If you do use them, avoid drapes that puddle.

Richard: And avoid pets that puddle. Seriously, if you are remodeling, choose hard-surface flooring over wall-to-wall carpeting. And if you are carpeting, they have water resistant padding. Use a high-quality, scrub-able paint on walls and woodwork—preferably satin or even glossier. Cat pheromones and the oil in doggy fur can stain flat paint.

Jean: Maybe instead of brushing the walls, we should be brushing our pets more often! Except for Richard, think of how often most of us brush our own hair.

Richard: That might eliminate the fur from your lampshades and cushions. For that problem, you can use a soft lint brush or a tape roller. But the Number One Tool for all pet owners is a new bag for your old vacuum cleaner.

Jean: My house wouldn’t be the same without stuffed animals and sparkle balls all over the place. I got a great looking big floor basket (we call it BOB – basket of babies) that we throw all the toys into. The dogs just run and grab them out. Now I need to teach them how to return them to BOB. All my challenges should be so fun!