A dog may be man’s (or woman’s!) best friend, but between fur, smells, mud and perhaps even the occasional accident, having a dog can play havoc on your cleaning routine. Here are some tried and tested tips and techniques to keep your house clean, while keeping your furry friend happy.
Keep On Track
The most important way to keep your house clean with a dog is… to clean it, regularly. Unfortunately there is no escaping the fact that pets do make mess, so the best way to minimise it is to keep on top of it. Regular vacuuming, using a lint roller and airing your home are really important ways to keep things clean and fresh. How often you need to do these will depend on your dog, and probably the weather.
All About Access
How does your dog enter your home after a muddy walk or – even worse – a roll in something nasty? A back door and separate utility/cleaning space might be the dream, but it isn’t always an option. Instead, make sure to have a heavy-duty doormat (ideally one that is big enough for all four furry feet) for your pet to stand on outside your home, with a washable mat inside. A shallow bowl of water that your dog can place their paws in also allows for a quick paw wash before they get onto your carpets. If your dog loves water too much for that option, some water wipes or a spray bottle would do the same thing. Keep some towels in easy reach to give your dog a rub down before they are let loose in the rest of your home.
Bathtime
A wise woman once said ‘a clean dog makes less mess’. It’s true. Although groomers and vets advise avoiding washing your dog too often (just like humans, dogs need to maintain a level of natural oils in their fur and skin to keep them healthy – overwashing can strip this away and cause issues with their coats and skin conditions. Consult a vet if you believe your dog may have allergies or another skin issue), a regular bath will keep your pet happy and smelling fresh. A bath can also give you an opportunity to check your pet over for any unexpected lumps, bumps or skin issues that might need a vet’s attention.
Fur-friendly Furnishings
You may love that leather wing chair from that little antiques shop, but if your dog does too it won’t work out well! If pets are allowed near (or even on) your favourite furniture it is worth investing in covers and throws to protect the surface from fur, stains and claw marks.
Removable and washable furniture covers and accessories in stain resistant fabrics, and low pile floor coverings are all a great idea when there’s a dog in the house. Particularly during the puppy phase, or if your dog loves to chew, it might be worth putting away your treasured pieces until a more appropriate time.
Act Fast
All dogs make messes sometimes; it can’t be avoided entirely. But permanent stains or damage can be when you move quickly. Keep a cleaner on hand for any accidents. Use an enzyme-based cleaner to neutralise smells and stains. PetLab’s enzymatic formulas are completely free of harsh chemicals and the formula is plant based, so it’s safe to use in your home and on your furnishings, working to eliminate stains and odours from pet messes in minutes.
Give A Dog A Home
The areas where you’ll get most mess are those most closely associated with your dog – where they eat, and where they sleep. Make sure your dog has a dedicated space and an appropriate bed. If you choose a soft, fabric bed, routinely wash the bed and cover, ideally on sunny day so the sun will both dry the bed and neutralise any smells. You can also use a lint roller to regularly lessen any shedding on the bed to lengthen time between washes and unwanted hair being moved around your house. A great alternative is a heavy-duty water resistant fabric, which benefits from a weekly wipe down and the occasional full rinse to keep it looking and smelling fresh. Your dog likely makes some mess when eating and drinking, too, so think about the positioning of their food and water bowls – placing them on a tray with a lip is a great way to contain any spillages.
And there you have it – some essential tips to keep your house clean, even if you do have a furry friend who likes to make a mess!
