Dogs are a great addition to the family. Not only are they great companions, but having a dog comes with many advantages to your physical and emotional well-being. However, dogs come with a lot of responsibility and get dirty and smelly fast- pet hair scattered around the house and furniture, pee stains on your carpet, and even droppings. This not only affects your dog’s health, but it can also spell disaster for your home. Keep your dogs clean and healthy while keeping your house clean with these helpful tips.
Get a Rug (or Three)
Outdoor rugs can brighten up your porch or patio while protecting your flooring from scuffs and scratches. However, they’re also a great way to catch any dirt and water that sticks to your dog’s paws. Consider placing outdoor rugs in front of each door, especially your front and back doors, to keep your floors looking clean and tidy. You can also place these rugs in spaces where your dog likes to lounge about, like under the sofa or living room table.
If outdoor rugs don’t suit your home’s interior, there are indoor-outdoor rugs that come in different styles and can protect your floors from dirt and water while keeping your house looking beautiful.
Throw Blankets Are Your Best Friend
Keeping your dogs off the furniture is the best way to avoid getting unwanted hairs and stains by adding a nice throw blanket to your couch or bed. If you decide to buy a throw blanket, make sure it’s machine-washable and not made of loose knits or threads that can end up getting your furry companion’s nails stuck in it. Not only are they a great addition to your home, but they can also protect your furniture from any unwanted dirt, hair, or stains.
Invest in a Good Vacuum
Dog hair gets everywhere, and we mean everywhere. You don’t want to invite someone into your house, let them sit on your couch, and have them end up with patches of hair on their jeans. Lint rollers are a good option if you’re not in a rush or have the time and motivation to go through all your furniture. However, if you don’t have a lot of time to spare, consider investing in a robot vacuum to clean off any hairs on the floor and get yourself a handheld vacuum to clean up the furniture.
Don’t forget to vacuum throw blankets, cushions, beds, and other furniture your dog likes to sit and sleep in.
Don’t Skip Bathtime
Just like people, dogs need regular baths. Regularly bathing your dog keeps your dogs and house odor-free. Just remember that bathing your fluffy companion too often can strip the oils from their skin, which isn’t good, especially during winter. On the other hand, if you have a puppy, you only need to bathe them once every few weeks.
Give Them a Spa Day
Dogs need pampering now and then. A simple pedicure after a nice bath will not only keep your dog from damaging his or her nails but can also prevent unsightly scratches and scuffs on your wooden floor and upholstered furniture.
If your dog’s hair is getting a bit long, on the other hand, and you’re not comfortable visiting a groomer at a time like this, considering investing in thinning shears to help you trim your dog’s hair. It may take a while to get used to, but learning how to do it can save you time and money.
Fight Smells from the Inside
Not many pet owners know the connection between their dog’s diet and their odors. A good diet can reduce or completely remove any gastrointestinal problems they may be having. Make sure to check with your vet if the food you’re giving your pup fits their nutritional needs to keep their digestive system healthy. Cheap food that doesn’t meet your pup’s nutritional needs is more likely to cause problems like odor and flatulence.
Avoid Spills During Meals
Fabric placemats are a good way to keep water and food from spilling onto the floor after mealtime, but if you have wooden flooring, it can absorb water and oils from your dog’s food and leave a stain even if you clean it right away. Avoid any unnecessary damage to your floors by getting a silicone food mat that makes the remains of mealtime easier to clean and your floors safe from dirt, odor, and stains.
Wash Bedding Regularly
Your dog’s bed and blanket are a magnet for dirt and odors. Wash their bedding regularly to prevent bacteria buildup and unwanted odors from keeping your house and your dog smelling fresh.
Taking care of a dog is a lot of work. Between your work life, personal life, and your pet responsibilities, it can get overwhelming at times. But with good time management, effort, and preparedness, having a fluffy companion will be worth the hassle.
