Owning a dog is a rewarding experience, but it can also mean a lot of extra work when it comes to keeping your house clean. Whether you’re particular about the cleanliness of your home or need to straighten up for a visit from the in-laws, making sure that the house is clean and tidy is one of the most common challenges for dog owners.
Having a dog can mean more messes to clean up as well as pet hair on furniture, floors and clothes. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to keep your home tidy and sanitary without making it an overwhelming chore.
Vacuum And Mop Frequently
Dogs shed fur and dander, which can quickly make carpets and floors look dirty. To prevent this from happening, vacuum your carpets and floors regularly (at least once every few days). If your home has hardwood floors, mop them with an appropriate cleaning solution at least once per week.
Brush Your Dog Regularly
Regular brushing is essential for eliminating dead fur and dander from your dog’s coat before it makes its way into your home. Brushing also helps distribute natural oils throughout the coat and prevents mats from forming in the fur. Be sure to use the appropriate brush for your dog’s coat type; if in doubt, ask a veterinarian for advice on which brush to buy.
If you’re not up for regular grooming, consider getting a low shedding dog, like a Toy Cavoodle or Poodle.
Clean Up After Accidents Immediately
Accidents happen and there’s no way around it, so be prepared for them! Whenever an accident does occur, be sure to clean it up immediately – don’t wait until later. The sooner you address the mess, the less chance there is that any lingering odours will sink into carpets or furniture fabric. Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet messes; these products break down proteins found in pet waste and eliminate odours more effectively than regular household cleaners.
Stick To a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine – especially when it comes to potty training – so develop one that works best for you and your dog, and stick with it. This will help ensure that accidents are kept to a minimum, as well as provide structure throughout their day on which they can rely. This will help keep them calm and relaxed, since they’ll know what to expect. Additionally, create designated “potty zones” outside of your home that you can take them to whenever they need to go; this will help keep dirt and mud away from inside surfaces like carpets and furniture fabrics.
Invest in Washable Doggie Beds
Many dogs love spending time sleeping in their own beds, but these beds can quickly become filthy with dirt, mud, saliva and other bodily fluids making them difficult (and unpleasant) to clean. To avoid this problem altogether, invest in washable doggie beds that you can simply throw in the washing machine every now and then so they stay clean and fresh.
Keep Up With Grooming
Grooming isn’t just about looking good; regular grooming sessions can also help reduce shedding significantly by removing loose hairs before they have a chance to spread throughout your home!
Depending on what kind of fur your dog has (e.g., long or short), invest in the appropriate brushes or combs as well as shampoo formulated specifically for their needs; most groomers offer packages tailored towards specific breeds so be sure to inquire about those options too!
Use Pet Wipes
Pet wipes are great for wiping your dog’s paws after walks or playtime outside — simply grab one whenever needed and give each paw a quick wipe down before allowing them back inside. This will not only help keep dirt away from carpets or furniture fabrics, but also protect against any potential bacteria or parasites they may have picked up outdoors while playing around. If you dislike the waste produced by disposable wipes, you can just use an old towel moistened with warm water.
Place Rugs Strategically
Placing rugs strategically throughout rooms where pets tend to hang out is another great way of minimising dirt buildup throughout other parts of the house; opt for darker colours as they tend to hide hair better than lighter shades do. Plus, having something soft underfoot always helps protect floor surfaces. It would be a waste if your expensive hardwood floors kept getting scratched up by long nails.
Groom Yourself
That’s right – even though we’re discussing ways of keeping our homes clean when we own dogs – don’t forget about yourself! Dog hair sticks easily onto clothing so make it a point to take off outer layers you’ve been wearing when coming back inside after play sessions outdoors.
Keeping a tidy home when owning a dog can be difficult but it’s definitely not impossible. All it takes is some dedication and preparation. By following our tips, you should be able to keep both your pet and your living spaces looking top notch at all times.
