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by Tyler Evans
Humans can be messy creatures, but at least we possess the ability to clean up after ourselves. If you’ve got a furry family member in the mix, you know how much easier it would be if Fido could vacuum up that dog hair, clean the nose smudges off the window, and wipe his paws on the mat. He’s unbelievably cute and cuddly, but you’re left to clean up after him. If you’re a dog owner looking for easy, quick, and budget-friendly ways to keep a clean home, look no further!
Fur Galore
Fur — it gets everywhere, including your clothes, floors, and furniture, and it never truly goes away. It’s a constant battle, but getting the upper hand means consistently vacuuming. If your current vacuum isn’t cutting it, now might be the time to invest in a new one that’s in it for the long haul with extra horsepower, a high-quality allergen filter to trap pet dander, dust, and dirt, as well as attachments so you can clean furniture as well. You can take steps to minimize the shedding with regular grooming and brushing as well as talk with your vet about switching up their diet and incorporating omega-3 fatty acid supplements to reduce the shedding. The simple fact is that dog hair is part of being a dog owner, but if there are certain areas you’d prefer to keep somewhat fur-free, consider training your dog to follow the “off” command, which you can use to keep him off furniture and bedding.
You Aren’t Immune to Pet Odor
Pet odor doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it can be a whiff here and there or a certain area of the home that most certainly smells like your dog. Over time, you might go nose blind to it, but it’s there. The most obvious pet odor solution is regular cleaning with your own cleaning solution of vinegar or baking soda. As for pet urine odors from accidents, an enzymatic based cleanser is needed. Sometimes your dog is the stinky culprit, and while a bath will do the trick, it’s time-consuming, not to mention a huge ordeal if your dog hates them. Waterless shampoos are a lifesaver, giving your dog a quick refresh and cutting down on odor. Plus, dogs aren’t like humans and need a bath every day, or every week for that matter. If you aren’t sure about your dog’s bathing frequency, talk with your groomer or vet so that you aren’t drying out their skin.
Doggy Drool Isn’t Always C
Dog drool can be cute and even funny at times, but when it’s coating your furniture and windows, it’s another story. If your dog has a chair or spot all his own you’ve probably noticed some drool, but you need to employ some cleaning measures to prevent staining. A simple solution of dish soap and warm water should do the trick, and a little sprinkle of baking soda will remove any doggy breath odors. A wet wipe works well for wood furniture. If possible, tackle the drool as soon as it happens and before it has a chance to dry and harden. Unfortunately, that drool makes its way onto your windows in the form of nose art, leaving behind smudges and streaks. You can create your own window cleaner by mixing together water, soap, and a little bit of dish cleaning liquid for extra shine without the left behind streaks. If you’re really tired of the streaks, you can train your dog not to jump in the window, but those squirrels and all the happenings outside are tempting, so you might have to wipe it off from time to time.
Messes come with the territory when you’re a dog owner. Fur, dander, odor, and drool combine for a pretty big mess, but your home isn’t doomed. With these cleaning suggestions, Fido will still be cute no matter how much of a mess he makes.