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Pets are wonderful! They bring so much joy and ask for so little in return. But when you live in an apartment, pet ownership can be stressful at times. If you own an apartment pet, this guide will help ensure your pet is happy there.

The Best Pets For Apartment Living

Pets may not be a necessity, but they are a sure and simple way to make life better. If you want to share your love with a pet, Panoramic Properties welcomes you and your whole furry (or scaly) family. Here are some of the best pets for apartment living.

Cats

Cats may be the purrfect apartment pet. They can be quite happy living indoors, no walks required, as long as you give them enough attention and playtime.

Cats make good use of their indoor space and love to climb up to observe their territory. Window sills, shelves or dedicated cat furniture can keep your feline feeling fine.

Dogs

Dogs, especially smaller breeds, can thrive in an apartment setting. They will require regular walks and recreation, so you’ll want to find a local dog park and provide lots of stimulation at home and outside.

Fish

They may not be as cuddly as a dog or cat, but owning fish as pets can still be very rewarding. Fish are relatively easy to maintain, they don’t take up much space, and watching them can have surprisingly positive health benefits including reduced stress, lowered heart rate, blood pressure and more.

There is some maintenance to uphold. You will need to check the pH and ammonia levels of the water and change the water regularly, even with a filter in place.

Rodents

Rodents actually make for relatively low maintenance and loving pets. They often enjoy a good cuddle. Rats are actually quite intelligent and can even be taught tricks using treats as a reward. Rodents are prone to loneliness and do better in pairs or small groups and enjoy having lots of stimulating toys and apparatus to play with. Enclosures must be kept clean.

Apartment Pets Require Your Attention

Keep your pet well-fed

When you don’t eat enough, you probably notice and so do those around you. It’s called “hanger” for a reason!

To keep your pet well-behaved at home, both when you’re around and when you’re not, keep them well fed. Ensure they have food in their bowl and water in their dish -- especially when you’re going out for a while.

Keep the temperature consistent

You don’t like being chilly or too hot and neither does your pet. While it might be tempting to turn your thermostat down to the bare minimum in winter or turn off your air conditioning in summer while you’re out, your pet may find it distressing to be left in your cold or sweltering apartment. Ensure the temperature is as you’d want it to be if you were at home.

Keep your pet active

Misbehaving pets, especially dogs, are often under-exercised. If your dog is hyper and anxious, they might need a good walk. Your pet needs exercise all year round -- even in winter when you don’t feel like going outside.

Ensure your pet gets adequate daily walks. If you live near an off-leash area, try to let them roam free for a while so they can burn off some of that excess energy.

Keep your pet entertained

When you go to work or out for a night on the town, your pet gets bored. It’s never a bad idea to keep your pet entertained.

Give them fun toys to play with -- they’ll be happier for it!

Keep your pet comfy

You wouldn’t want to lie on a bare hardwood floor all day long and neither does your pet. Create a cozy nook for them in your home.

This could be a pet bed or a couch or chair that your pet likes to snuggle in. This will make them feel safe and comfortable.

We hope that by following these tips, you’ll have a happier and more well-behaved apartment pet.

Hilarious Costumes For Your Pets

Entertaining your pet is important but that does not mean they can entertain you sometimes. Treat yourself to some laughs by dressing your pet up in some of these hilarious costumes.

How To Be A Considerate Pet Owner In An Apartment

Having a pet in an apartment complex can make you a less than desirable neighbour to some, but you can do your part to change that!

Clean up

Don’t be that neighbour. Be mindful and pick up after your pet – especially in and around the apartment complex. No one likes to find a steaming present on the lawn, or in the building itself (if your pet has an accident on the way in or out).

Remember, the green spaces around the property are for all tenants to use. These areas are not just for pets -- so be mindful that the patch of grass where your pet leaves something behind is an area that’s shared by children and adults.

Use a leash

Your pet may be exceptionally well-behaved, but some people are afraid of pets -- dogs in particular. Even worse, many are allergic to them.

Be considerate of your neighbours and keep your pet on a leash as you move your way through the building and grounds. This will ensure that they do not approach your neighbours.

A pet on the loose is stressful for you and can be bothersome for others.

Groom your pet

You don’t want your pet to attract fleas, and neither do your neighbours. Ensure that your pet is groomed regularly to avoid a hairy situation. You can groom your pet on your own or have them professionally groomed instead.

A well-groomed pet also smells better, and everyone can appreciate that! Watch this video to learn how to groom your dog.

Discipline your pet

Some of your neighbours may not like pets, so it is very important to prevent your pet from jumping up on them to greet them, or being aggressive with them or their pets.

There are great dog training videos online, like this one, that will help you train your pet yourself.

How To Manage The Winter With Your Apartment Pets

As we brace ourselves for the Canadian cold, make sure your best friends comfy and cozy, too! Here are some cold weather tips for apartment pets.

Limit Time Outside and Bundle Up

Pets get cold in the winter, just like we do. Winter temperatures may mean shorter walks for dogs and outdoor cats become more homebody types.

When you do take your dog for a walk, remember that short-haired and short-legged dogs will get colder faster. A sweater and booties may be in order.

Paw Patrol

Many dogs don’t like to wear booties, but the salt outside can irritate their paw pads. Bring a towel or cloth on your walks to wipe their feet.

As soon as you get home, wash their feet (and belly if it touched the ground) to remove ice crystals, salt and chemicals. Dry them off with a towel. Look for cracks in their paw pads or redness between their toes.

Applying petroleum jelly or paw protector before you head out can help.

Back of the Baths

Coming in and out of the cold in the dry heat of the indoors can cause itchy, flaky skin. A humidifier can help with this.

Giving them baths too frequently can also cause flaky skin and make your pup feel colder, because the natural oils in their skin have been washed away, according to the ASPCA.

More Food

The cold weather can cause your pets to burn more energy in order to keep warm. Giving them a little extra food and water will provide the extra calories they need, keep them hydrated, and help keep their skin from getting dry.

Get Cozy

Your pet needs a warm and cozy place to sleep in the winter. Keep them off chilly floors and away from drafts. A dog or cat bed is perfect, but a thick blanket, maybe tucked into a box for kitties, will do just fine.

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We hope these suggestions help you create a living space that’s as comfortable for you as it is for your pets.

Panoramic Properties provides beautiful, comfortable and affordable rental units across Ontario. Find the apartment, townhouse or house for rent that is perfect for you.