The perks of having a dog as a pet are unquestionable – everyone loves the outdoor walks, the warm and affectionate welcome as you return home and the unique loyalty of your adorable canine. But there are a few downsides as well. Perhaps, the only one that bothers most homeowners is the struggle to keep your house clean with pet dogs.
If you are a canine lover but like to keep your house clean at the same time, you would be familiar with the challenge. But unlike the popular belief, it is still possible to have dogs and a clean home! Here are our top tried-and-tested tips to keep your dog-friendly home feeling fresh and clean.
As obvious as it sounds, but keeping your pet dog clean can make a whole lot of difference. After all, dirt removed from your pooch means lesser dirt lying around the house. But that doesn’t mean you have to shampoo your pups repeatedly. You can stick to your usual shampoo and cleaning routine but add a quick wash with plain water. And once you add it to your routine, you will notice a significant improvement in your overall home cleanliness.
But don’t forget to keep your wet dogs in a confined area in your house. Ideally, you should keep your wet dogs at a place with an easy to clean floors such as your bathroom or kitchen. And it is even better to give them a good dry to avoid all the after-wash mess.
Depending upon your canine breed, schedule timely grooming. It can save on a lot of shedding and associated mess. But it is best to get it done through a professional dog groomer.
Most pet parents realize the importance of regular brushing. It stimulates the surface of your pup’s skin, removes dead cells, and distributes natural oils effectively. But seldom do they realize that regular brushing can play an important role in keeping your house clean.
When you brush your dog, it helps remove dead hair, which in turn can control shedding. So regardless of the breed and length of the coat, it is a good idea to brush your pooch regularly. With all the benefits of regular brushing that your pet enjoys, you get an added advantage of a cleaner home.
With pets in the house, particularly dogs, it is a good idea to have a few extra sheets on hand that you can use to cover up all of your best friend’s favorite nap spots. Whether it is the couch in the lounge or any other piece of furniture that you want to keep away from dog’s hair and drools, these extra sheets can be a rescuer. You can simply wash them as required, and it can save you from a lot of trouble cleaning up after your pup’s mess.
You can also try some cover-ups for the floor. Invest in rugs and mats to keep your floor covered. It is a good idea to have a small mat for each door. It is a great way to limit the dirt and water that can come along with your pet in the room.
Similarly, you can have a larger rug under your sofa, console table, dining table or any other place where your pet likes to relax. These rugs and mats usually have a lining that prevents soaking up anything and helps keep your floor or carpet clean. All you have to do is clean these rugs with a wipe or a damp piece of cloth, and you are good to go.
You can also go for carpet tiles. If one of your tiles get a permanent stain, you can replace it instead of replacing your entire rug.
If you have a carpeted home or have a lot of rugs and mats along with dogs, you need a good quality vacuum cleaner with suction so strong that it can pick up pesky hairs and that distinct pet odor. And along with an extra-strong suction, you need an excellent quality filter and a great brush action to make your job easier and get the perfect cleaning for your home.
It would be even better if you invest in a vacuum that can clean upholstery as well. Appliances like these can be a lifesaver, especially if you have got yourself a shedder.
Don’t forget to clean out the filter regularly. Make sure you remove all the hair and dirt, or else it can spread the smell of pet hair all around the house (or wherever you vacuum).
There is always this one area in every household with a pet that will almost always have a mess – food bowls. With bits of food and water, your dog’s food bowls can be a mess. But it is still possible to hold on to the mess in this area of your house. It is best to place a tray under your pet’s food bowls so you can contain the mess and clean it easily after your pup’s lunch or dinner.
And if you struggle with stains in your pet’s food bowls, you can give your dog’s food dishes a quick spray of oil and keep them spot-free.
When you have dogs and kids in the house, and you want to keep your house clean, follow this rule religiously “deal with emergencies right away.” In case your pup has a stomach bug, don’t delay your reaction. Instead, react immediately.
Keep a cleaner on hand that can deal with pet odors and stains. You can choose any of the powerful cleaners, or you can use your favorite DIY emergency pet cleaner. Fill a spray bottle with one part water, one part vinegar and your favorite dish soap, and you are good to go.
Persistent pet smell can be problematic, so why not let some fresh air in? If the weather allows, it is a good idea to keep your windows open. And even on colder days, a short and quick blast of fresh air can do wonders.
Keeping your house clean is a struggle but loving your pooch is a lot more important. Whether you have got a shedder or a messy one, you can use these tips to make things a lot easier for your home.
by Maria A Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
Facts About Animal Homelessness:
Here are a some adoptions for consideration: puccicafe.com/adoptions