The Ultimate – Pet Retreat

By Amanda Demster, House and Home Writer

Nowadays, pets are a part of the family, and many people are finding new, creative ways to enrich their furry loved ones’ lives. Designing the ultimate at-home pet retreat can do just that. The numerous ways to craft such a space vary as much as the pets themselves, and for that reason, let’s focus on the two most popular pets — dogs and cats.

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DOGS

The ultimate dog retreat would incorporate plenty of ways for pet owners to interact with their canines, including Shutterstock.com an abundance of toys. A dog’s mind needs to be challenged, and puzzle toys that dispense treats will keep a canine busy figuring out how to earn that next tasty morsel. With plentiful puzzle options, dogs will stay on their toes for a long time.

Regardless of breed, dogs need at least an hour of vigorous activity daily, and a fenced-in backyard accomplishes this. Agility obstacles in the yard allow dogs to tunnel, climb and run off energy. A kiddie pool is another excellent addition during summer.

Special doors become gateways to the great outdoors. Quality Window & Door of Elkhart is a LARSON dealer. The manufacturer has created storm doors with trademarked PetSafe pet flaps, which are sized to accommodate dogs of all sizes. Carmen Snyder of Quality Window & Door recommends visiting LARSON’s website for a visual sizing breakdown. “(LARSON’s) website makes it really easy for the consumer to know what to get (for their dog),” Snyder said, noting the company’s diagrams show which doors and pet flaps work best for different dog sizes. “Because we are a dealer for LARSON, we have access to these doors.”

Several options are available: a full view storm door with a medium pet door; retractable screen storm door with medium pet door; a Reversa Screen door with large pet door, which allows for top or bottom ventilation with tear-resistant WearTuff screen that is three times stronger than traditional screens; and single vent storm doors with either a large pet door or an extra large pet door. The doors offer energy efficiency and weather protection while giving four-legged family members independence.

Snyder added, “They are a great option for homeowners with dogs.”

CATS

A cat retreat will look very different from one favored by a dog. While some cats love the outdoors, others do not, so continuous access to the backyard is not necessary. Though, if a cat loves the outdoors, an enclosed catio off a human patio or connected to a window is the safe way to go, giving cats a semi-outdoor environment while protecting them from predators and vehicles. Don’t forget to add in cat-friendly plants like wheatgrass and catnip.

Of course, a cat will need a litter box, and these range in price in addition to style. Some high-end options blend in with their surroundings, resembling pieces of ordinary furniture like benches or stands. Climbing is also in a feline’s DNA, so cat trees are another essential piece of furniture in the ultimate cat