Most pets love the great outdoors, and what better way to surround them with nature than taking them with you to your cabin retreat? Whether you’re moving, going on a long vacation or heading to a lake cabin for the summer, bringing your furry friend along will benefit both of you.
Of course, the cabin environment might not be as secure or familiar as the one your pets are used to. As a responsible owner, it’s important to create a pet-friendly environment in and around your cabin to ensure your four-legged friend will be able to enjoy themself while staying safe and healthy.
So, before you head to the cabin with your furry companion, keep these tips in mind to create a pet-friendly retreat both indoors and outside so your pet enjoy the cabin environment by your side.
Navigating Nature
One of the greatest things about staying in a cabin is that you’re surrounded by the natural world. Most cabins are built in wooded or secluded areas, perfect for hiking, exploring and long walks with your favorite furry companion. But it’s still important to make sure you’re keeping your lawn well-maintained and safe for you and your pet.
Eco-friendly lawn care is essential to your pet’s health, it’s a great way to give back to the environment, and it’s easier to achieve than you might think. Some of the best strategies for a cleaner, greener lawn include:
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Reducing or eliminating the use of chemicals and pesticides
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Choosing native plants
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Xeriscaping
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Establishing a sustainable watering routine
You can have a beautiful cabin yard without using chemicals and ingredients that could harm your pet. You want them to be able to explore freely in your yard and surrounding area, so put some of these eco-friendly measures into place to take care of your pet and the planet at the same time.
If your cabin is in a wooded area, make sure you stay away from poisonous plants while hiking the trails. Additionally, examine your pet after every walk before you head inside. Dogs are prone to tick bites, which can be extremely dangerous and harmful to their health. Checking for ticks daily and removing any you see immediately will help to keep your four-legged friend and your family safe.
Establishing a Healthy Indoor Environment
As much as your pet might want to spend all their time outside, you’ll both need to be inside the cabin from time to time. So, make sure it’s a safe and healthy environment for your furry friend, starting with climate control.
Many people head to their cabins during the summer months to escape busy city life. But let’s face it – the summer can be scorching! Imagine having a thick layer of fur on in the middle of July. An air conditioning system for your cabin can keep you and your pets comfortable. It’s an easy way to ensure no one gets overheated, and it will make it easier to stay cool on those blistering summer afternoons.
If you’re enjoying cool air, you should also be able to enjoy clean air. Because you’re surrounded by the great outdoors, the indoor air quality of a cabin might suffer. Dust and pollen might be more likely to get inside, which can wreak havoc on anyone with allergies or respiratory issues. It’s also not uncommon to experience dry air, which can cause everyone – including your pets – to be at a greater risk of upper respiratory issues.
One of the best ways to combat dry air is with a humidifier. Improved humidity can reduce the risk of respiratory issues by adding moisture to the air. Some people try to take things one step further by adding essential oils to their humidifiers. While certain oils can make your cabin smell nice and might even have some benefits, be careful if your pet is around. Some oils can have a negative reaction with the humidifier’s process, potentially causing harmful pollutants and chemicals to go into the air.
So, while a humidifier can help with dry air and a purifier can make everyone breathe easy, let these machines do their jobs without adding anything extra.
Making Your Cabin Feel Like Home
Once you know your cabin is safe for your four-legged friend, you can work on making sure they feel comfortable there.
Bring some familiar items from home with you, including your pet’s bed, a few favorite toys and a food or water dish they’re familiar with. It won’t take long for them to become used to the smells around the cabin, and you can introduce new toys, beds and accessories they’ll love.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your pet has a secure spot of their own somewhere in the cabin. It could be a cozy space under the stairs or a room that’s “just for them” so they know they’re safe, no matter what. While the sights, sounds and smells of cabin life can be exciting, the last thing you want is for them to overwhelm your pet.
Keeping your furry friends happy and healthy while they enjoy cabin life is easy with a little preparation and extra precautions. Bringing your pet with you to spend some relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of life is something you’ll both love.
