Ways to make fireplaces pet friendly
Excerpt from Your Dog’s Diary:
“I woke up this morning on the cold spot in front of my fireplace. I don’t think that’s how this area is supposed to work. My owner sauntered in and stared at me and my surroundings for a good 20 minutes before she got on the phone. In that same week, someone with a fashionable polo shirt came in and they went over some drawings, he took some measurements and they looked through a book. My owner pointed at something in this book of pictures and I could tell she was happy. Her face beamed up like mine does when I know we’re about to go on a walk, or I’m about to get a treat (after sitting, and rolling over and all that hoopla).”
Consulting with Old World Stoneworks in preparation for your new cast stone mantel is the first step toward a happier dog. Help him relax his tired bones in front of a warm fireplace or simply be a member of the family as you and your loved ones cozy around the living room. Although upgrading your fireplace is one of the best ways to help your dog feel like royalty, we have some other design tips and tricks to kick it up a notch once your new fireplace is in place.
Organized & Cozy Spaces
Just like with kids, dog toys can get everywhere. Keeping a fashionable basket or doggy themed chest near the fireplace is a great way to corral toys and other dog paraphernalia. After your dog chooses his favorite toy, he needs a comfy place to play with it! Place a dog bed just far enough from the fireplace to help keep him warm and give him a cozy corner all to himself.
Pottery Barn Dog Toy Chest | Toys Basket | Dog Bed
Small additions like a shag or soft rug will not only make it comfortable for the dog but your feet too! Consider tossing fluffy throw pillows onto a nearby couch or even right near the step of the fireplace for additional seating.
Pet-Proof Fireplace
Your dogs and cats are curious beings. Save them from themselves by using a grate or covering in front of the firebox that protects pets from burning their noses and paws. You can keep playful dogs from thinking logs are toys by placing logs in a separate spot, away from their toys. And don’t worry, pet proofing doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Go for a metallic traditional 3 panel or modern 1 panel fireplace screen to add a glam feel to your fireplace. Try a rustic box to bring the feel of the outdoors in and keep logs safe from puppy teeth.
3 Panel Fireplace Screen | Wooden Box For Logs | 1 Panel Fireplace Screen
“Now, when I awake in front of this fireplace, I know it could only mean one thing…I’m the king of this neighborhood. Now if only they can change my name from Spot to Spoticus.”
How do you make your fireplace inviting to your pets?