Studies have shown that pets make people happier and healthier. Part of pet ownership is staying attuned to the animal's needs and ensuring they have everything they need to thrive. However, that shouldn’t come at the cost of your other belongings. If you've recently purchased a new home, below are tips for taking care of your furry friend and your property.

Do:

Install a dog door.

In a new home, you want to avoid accidents and keep floors as pristine as possible. For well-trained dogs, install a dog-door that allows them easy access to the yard. This way, if they have to go while you're not around, they can take care of their business without jeopardizing flooring, carpeting, or air quality.

Trim their nails.

Both dogs and cats should have regular nail trimmings to avoid scratching hard floors and other surfaces. You can purchase clippers from any pet store; just be careful not to cut down to the quick or your pet could bleed. If clipping a dog or cat's nails by yourself seems too overwhelming, groomers and vets will usually do it for you—quickly, affordably, and with little stress for the dog or cat.

Don't:

Flush kitty litter.

Kitty litter is not safe for use in septic systems. Its main purpose is to clump when it encounters moisture, so as soon as it hits water-filled drains and pipes, it hardens and produces backups and clogs. Always dispose of litter in the trash.

Forget HVAC maintenance.

The filters on your new home's HVAC system will catch all the pet dander that circulates throughout the air. In remarkably little time, this dander can accumulate on an air filter and cause clogs, resulting in less healthy air, more wear and tear on the HVAC unit, and reduced energy efficiency. Therefore, get in the habit of switching out the air filter every month.

With a little planning, both you and your pet will enjoy the benefits of a new home. SWE Homes offers owner-financed homes for sale throughout Texas and Georgia. Even if you have no credit or lackluster credit, SWE Homes will find the financing options that allow you to own real estate. To start finding your dream home, call (713) 413-1000 or visit their website to view listings.