Get to Scrubbing

You can skip this step if you’re getting a new goldfish, but for furry friends that get to roam the apartment, step one is always a deep clean of the place. You want to eliminate sources of disease and infection, especially if you’re getting a puppy or kitten.

You also want to pet-proof the apartment. Any stray thing left around will be found, and it will likely be subject to the whims of your pet. Eventually, they’re going to find things you didn’t leave lying around, so you can make your life a lot easier when you begin with a clean and organized apartment. It also makes step two a lot easier.

Designate Their Space

Dogs love to have a special bed that is their own. Cats are usually fond of something they can climb. Any pet is going to appreciate a way to stay warm when it’s cold or you turn the air too low. That said, there’s no guarantee that your pet will love the first bed, post or otherwise that you get them. They can be surprisingly fickle about these things.

Instead of banking on your first buy being the one, make sure that there is a designated space for the pet. This should include sleeping arrangements too. As long as that space is reserved, you can eventually find something that they will call their home within your home, and everyone will be happy.

Secure the Premises

Your pet is coming to a new place. It will be easy for it to become confused or disoriented. If it makes its way outside, alone, it might not find its way back home. At least, in the beginning, you want to ensure that your pet can’t get out without your help. That requires you to make sure all the windows and doors are properly secured.

After a transition time, many pets will be fine with open windows, but it will be up to you to figure out when you’ve reached that point.

Of course, there’s a lot more that goes with pet ownership than taking care of your apartment. Your pet might need space to roam and run or other amenities. That’s why you should schedule a tour of The Montrose Apartments. Check out the community to see if this is where you would like to raise a pet.

The post Three Ways to Prepare an Apartment for a New Pet appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.

Apartment Gear

Apartment living with pets can be awesome, but it does have its challenges. These two new products can help ease those challenges.

Toppl Treat Puzzle

If you’re worried that your pup is bored during those long days while you’re away at work or school, check out Toppl. It’s a treat puzzle: Place treats (or even just peanut butter) inside and your pup will puzzle for hours working on getting the good stuff out. Sanitation and cleanup are easy, as the Toppl is safe to be placed in the dishwasher.

Enchanted Home Plush Panache Pet Bed

If you live in a sleek apartment, you don’t want a ratty pillow as a dog bed. You need something that matches the style of your home, and we think Enchanted Home’s panache pet bed will do the trick. This model looks like a tiny sofa, and it’s sized for pets up to 60 pounds.

If your pet is smaller, here’s a similar but appropriately sized version, called the Snuggle Bed.

Toys

Here are our top two new dog toys for 2019.

Chuckit! Ultra Ball

At first glance the Chuckit! Ultra Ball looks like a tennis ball, but it’s far more than that. Designed with dogs in mind, it’s a high-bounce, high-buoyancy, high-visibility ball with extreme durability. These balls will last a long time.

Chuckit! Ball Launcher

This launching wand allows you save your arm strength while throwing balls (including Chuckit!) farther and picking them up hands-free.

These new pet gear options for 2019 are sure to please your apartment-dwelling pup (and you!). If you’re looking for new options in apartments in Chicago, give us a call today. We have all the amenities you’re looking for, and we’re located right in Chicago’s historic Uptown neighborhood.

The post New Pet Gear for 2019: Our Top Picks appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.

Have Your Pet Groomed

Your pet should have a professional grooming session before the hottest days of summer arrive. Pets develop a winter coat to help keep them warm in winter. This is especially true in Chicago, IL where winter temperatures drop below freezing. In summer, your pet could use some help to get rid of that winter coat, and a professional grooming is a solution. Your pet will have their winter coat brushed out, and will receive a lovely trim to get rid of excess fur.

Provide Plenty of Water

Never let your pet’s water bowl become empty, even while you’re at work. Pets need plenty of water to stay hydrated. They keep themselves cool by salivating, but pets can’t salivate without adequate water. The best thing is to make sure your pet’s water bowl is extra large, so even long drinks won’t leave the bowl dry.

Make Shade

If you plan to let your pets out on your balcony, be sure to make shade with an umbrella. Shade will give your pets the option of getting out of the sun for a while to cool off.

Walk on Grass, Not Pavement

You know yourself how hot the Chicago pavement can be. Imagine if you had to walk barefoot on that pavement! That’s what it can be like for your pet when you bring them for walks. Instead of walking them on the sidewalks in summer, bring your pet to a park that is pet friendly. The cool grass will be much nicer on your pet’s paws, and they’ll be able to play longer and get more exercise.

Avoid the Hottest Times of the Day

Carefully choose the times of the day when you bring your pet outdoors. Train your pet to go outside with you in the early morning or at dusk when the sun is lower on the horizon.

These tips to keep your pets cool in summer will ensure that your pet enjoys the long, lazy days of summer as much as you do! To see our available apartments in Chicago, contact us today.

The post Keep Your Pets Cool During Summer appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.

Use a Cleaner Designed to Neutralize Odors

Most people will clean a pet's urine accident up immediately, but did you know that it's also important to neutralize any lingering odors? Cats and dogs will often go to the bathroom in the same places that they did before. If that's on your carpet or rug, you definitely want to discourage that habit. Make sure to use a cleaner that has been designed to neutralize the odor of a pet's urine. You can also use one part white vinegar to three parts water for an inexpensive homemade cleaner that is very effective at eliminating the smell of urine from your carpets. 

Wipe Your Pet Down Before Bringing Them Indoors

If you take your dog or cat on walks, wipe them down with a towel before bringing them indoors. This is especially important if you have allergies since pets can carry pollen on their fur into your home. Make sure to also wipe off their paws so they won't track dirt or mud into your home. While you're at it, check your pet over for ticks or other nasty things that they might accidentally bring into your apartment. 

Don't Leave Pet Food Out

If you have a finicky pet who never finishes their meal, you may be tempted to leave their uneaten food in their bowl overnight until they finish it. Don't do it. Old food can attract unwanted pests, such as mice, ants and cockroaches.  

Vacuum Your Furniture Too

Hate having pet hairs all over your clothing? Then make sure to vacuum your furniture often. You may also want to use a lint roller to pick up stray hairs, as well. 

Are you and your furry best friend in need of a new home? Then check out our pet-friendly apartments in Chicago. Located in the city's historic Uptown neighborhood, The Montrose offers you excellent amenities, including 24-hour front door staff and a resort-style swimming pool. Call our office to learn more!

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