By Nancy Mattia, CTW Features
You love your dog dearly but they’re messy. Tracking mud into the house after a romp in the park, staining the sofa cushions, shedding hair all over your clothes—yep, a dog can leave a home a big disaster. Fortunately, with regular maintenance and a few essential products, you can keep your home looking gorgeous. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 A really good vacuum cleaner
Your current vacuum may have been fine during your pre-pet days but it’s no match now for dog hair. Many manufacturers sell vacuums that are specifically made for homes with dogs. Pick one with enough power to pick up hair and dander; some come with a brush that untangles pet hair, and others can pull hair out of thick carpeting.
2 Effective cleaners
Your dog loves to jump up on the sofa after he’s been running around the backyard, and now your cushions are filthy. Start a routine for you both that as soon as he’s back indoors, you use a pet or baby wipe to clean his dirty paws. An alternative: enforcing the rule that furniture is a no-dogs-allowed zone. Scrub the soiled cushions with upholstery cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
3 Baths on a regular basis
Though it really depends on the dog’s breed and lifestyle, in general plan on bathing your dog every four to six weeks. They (and you) may need time to get used to this activity but it’s worth it: Regular bathing helps prevent skin irritations and stinky odors.
4 A grooming brush
Brushing your dog helps remove dead hair, dirt, and dander, according to the canine experts at MasterClass, which offers learning opportunities online. Using the brush regularly on your pet will cut down on the hair that lands on the floor and furniture.
5 An effective lint roller
If you’ve walked around, unknowingly, wearing pet fur all over your clothes, you’ll want to get this type of quick-acting roller. It also works on upholstered furniture and drapery.
6 Washable stuff
Make sure that all of your pooch’s personal items like his toys, bedding, and favorite rugs can be washed often to avoid bacteria collecting and making your pup sick.
7 Clean spots for eating and drinking
Some dogs make a mess while eating and drinking, spilling everything all over the floor. It’s also common for dogs to drag their bowls to other rooms. If this is what yours does, move their bowls to a new dining spot on a wood floor or hard surface that is easy to wipe, suggests MasterClass. Placing a plastic mat under their bowls will also help when you’re cleaning up.
8 Your attention
All a dog wants is their pet parent’s love and attention; without it they may get bored and into mischief and make a mess. Take time each day to play ball with them, snuggle together—just show them your love.