Owning a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have, but they undoubtedly make it more difficult to keep your home clean. Between your dog tracking mud in the house, and the little pests that come in with them, it can seem like an endless battle to keep your environment sanitary. However, with a little preplanning and prevention, you can live with your furry friend in a clean home. Here are some tips to help:
Brush your dog daily
One of the biggest problems that comes with having a dog in the house is the amount of hair that accumulates. By brushing your dog every day, you can catch hairs before they fly off, while also spending time with your dog, removing flaky skin and helping to distribute your dog’s natural oils through their coat.
Lint Rollers
These are a must-have to remove hair that does get loose and lands on furniture or clothes.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a powerful neutralizer for odors around the house. Simply sprinkle baking soda on your carpet, wait a few hours and then vacuum. The best part is; it is also very affordable.
Use Door Mats
Door mats help to catch the majority of dirt and mud off of dog’s feet before they come running in the house. Place mats at the entrance of every door to help cut down on the amount of dirt tracked in.
Invest in throws
Cheap, stylish, and extremely easy to clean, throws are a great solution for protecting furniture. Keep them handy where your dog likes to hang out, say for example on the couch, and throw them over a spot when your dog wants to come up.
Dining Placemats
Dogs are messy eaters. Having a placemat under their food bowls is a quick way to catch sloshed water and spilled food, making the clean-up process much easier.
Nail Buffing
When a dog’s nails grow too long, they can wreak havoc in your home. However, trimming your pup’s nails should be left to the professionals, as cutting them too short can cause bleeding and pain. A better at-home solution is using a buffer to gently grind down the nails. As a result, the nails will be buffed and won’t scratch you, your furniture or your floors.
Flea Prevention
Last but not least, the biggest problem for pet owners is often fleas. However, there are things you can do to help to keep these pests away. First off, remember to wash your dog’s bed on a regular basis, at least once per week. Also, apple cider vinegar can be used in the rinse to discourage new fleas. Secondly, regular bathing is a quick way to help your dog will remain pest-free. Give your dog a bath in a tub of water to drown the fleas, and leave the shampoo on for five extra minutes to smother them. These steps are foundational in keeping fleas under control.
Dogs are great companions and often become just like members of the family. They are loved, regardless of the messes they make around the house and wanted inside. With these tips, you can both enjoy your dog inside and keep your house cleaner; the best of both worlds.
