Watch the stairs. As dogs age and arthritis makes getting around more difficult, a ramp is a great solution for mobility ease. Dog ramps come in various styles and heights, and if you’re a DIYer, you can custom-build one to your exact specifications.

Decorate with leashes. Exercise is a key ingredient to your dog’s physical and mental well-being. A wall-mounted pet organizer that holds your dog’s collar, leash, doggie bags, treats and other items will keep necessities tidy and within arm’s reach, and can offer a nice decoration in your home.

Tips for home construction. If you’re planning your home with your pets in mind, go with flooring material that’ll clean easily, withstand scratches, and provide decent traction. Carpets are more challenging to keep clean, especially light-colored rugs since they trap pet hair, dander, allergens and dirt.

Kennel run or exercise pen. Inevitably, there are times when your dog needs to be safely contained – during an open house, for example. Having a safe containment area that your dog enjoys and is familiar with is an invaluable feature in your dog’s home.

All about the fence. A fenced-in yard is essential for dog owners. Your fence should be sturdy, at least 6 feet tall and escape-proof. Fence styles and budgets may vary, but it’s widely recommended to have a solid fence. Solid fences can reduce barrier frustration, alarm barking, and will keep outside animals from coming into your yard.

Remove all hazards. Inspect your home and yard for potential dangers to your dog that could result in choking, strangulation, electrocution, suffocation or poisoning. These can be even more common during home renovations, so always double-check the home and yard during and after repairs and remodels.

Other things to tend to year-round include shortening window cords, covering wires, securing loose boards, hammering down nail heads, and restricting access to areas that harbor poisonous items, such as the garage, cupboards and under the sink.

Landscaping for your pet. Identify which indoor and outdoor plants are toxic to dogs. Fertilizers and insecticides are hazards and commonly factor into toxic reactions in dogs. There are many resources available online which list the most frequently encountered poisonous plants and products.

You probably know that owning your own home can benefit you financially, but home ownership comes with a surprising number of health, wealth and social perks too. Check out these five ways home ownership could be making your life even better:

1. Homeowners report better psychological and physical health than non-owners.

2. Homeowners are far less likely to become crime victims than non-owners.

3. Homeowners are more likely to live in neighborhoods with more opportunities for school involvement or participation in neighborhood activities.

4. The average homeowner’s net worth is 35 times that of the average renter.

5. Homeowners bring stability to neighborhoods. They move far less frequently than non-owners, and hence are embedded into the neighborhood and community for a longer period.

Source: National Association of REALTORS®