Keeping a pet in a rental house is a huge responsibility, and most Benton renters know that. In addition to making sure your pet is safe and healthy, you also have to ensure that your rental home is protected from any damage your pet might cause. Renters often lose their security deposit because of pet damage. Even when your landlord allows you to keep a pet, they still expect you to return the property in good condition when you move out. To ensure that you will be getting your security deposit back when you own a pet, you have to minimize pet damage. What’s good is that, with these tips, you can keep your beloved animal from causing major damage to your rental home.
Keep Claws Busy
Scratching is a natural habit for cats and some other household pets. If you keep scratching behaviors away from floors and walls, you can protect your rental house. Give your cat a scratching pad or post. You can get something inexpensive for your cat to keep them from scratching other surfaces. Most cats are naturally drawn to the scratching pad or post but this behavior can be reinforced by using pheromone sprays and wipes.
Keep Boredom at Bay
Boredom is one of the most common reasons a dog will bite or chew on walls, doors, and other household surfaces. If your dog seems to want to chew on everything, it might need more exercise or playtime. Regular exercise helps curb chewing habits by managing your dog’s extra energy levels. Mental stimulation is important too. You can teach a smart dog some tricks to keep him occupied and strengthen your bond as well.
Proper Potty Training
Another way to protect your rental home from damage is by housebreaking your dog. Dog and cat urine are quite destructive and can severely damage walls and floors. If possible, allow your dog to have access to a yard during the day. Provide litter boxes for your cats and keep the litter clean every day. Take your pet to a visit to the veterinarian if you still find spots and accidents in the house. There are certain physical conditions that may cause your pet to have less control over their bodily functions. Many of these can be corrected with treatment. Clean up potty messes in the house with a good enzymatic cleaner. Cleaners such as these are designed to not just eliminate odors but to encourage your pet to avoid the same area the next time he feels the need to go.
Manage Anxiety
Some pets feel extra anxious when left alone at home. Dogs may become agitated and may bark, jump, or chew on blinds, doors, and even carpet. It is important that you train your pet to reduce or eliminate certain behaviors if you will be leaving him home alone for hours every day. Establish a routine to help manage separation anxiety. Every time you leave, go through the same motions in the same order. Also, do not make leaving or coming back a big deal. Make sure your dog has calmed down before giving him affection. Soon you will note a reduction in the intensity of his excitement when he greets you at the door.
Use these strategies to prevent damage to your rental house and get your full security deposit, all while keeping your pet happy and healthy.
Are you in the market for a pet-friendly rental house? Check out the listings that Real Property Management Hometown has to offer today!
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