Quick Tips on Keeping a Clean Home With Pets

Dogs are a great addition to any home. They make great companions and can be very loyal, loving and even therapeutic. Believe it or not, petting a dog can actually help lower anxiety and stress! Y...

Dogs are a great addition to any home. They make great companions and can be very loyal, loving and even therapeutic. Believe it or not, petting a dog can actually help lower anxiety and stress! Yes, dogs are said to be mans best friend but with all the benefits there is to owning a dog, there is always a drawback, hair shedding and stinky dog odors. Lucky for us, there are ways to prevent and get rid of these small drawbacks.

Shedding is a natural process for animals, which allows new and healthier hair to grow. All dogs shed, it does not matter if the hair is long or short. Unfortunately, dog hair can be found in just about anywhere you can think of and it can be frustrating to pick up. Regular and even daily brushing is just one of the easiest ways to prevent your pet from shedding. Not only will brushing help stop the excessive shedding, it will also leave your pets coat soft and clean. Each brush is designed for a specific type of coat, make sure to purchase the right brush for your pet.

Some dogs may find the brushing a little weird and may make brushing a little difficult and awkward. Make the grooming experience a positive one. First, let him see and smell the brush. Next, take the brush and gently stroke its coat for a couple of seconds. Finally, stop the brushing and reward him with a treat and praise. Continue to follow these step, increasing the brushing time and minimizing the treats. Before you know it, your dog will associate brushing as a positive experience and will even be willing to have its coat brushed without the treats.

Dirty paws can be a little difficult to clean, especially from carpets, furniture and bedding. Place rubber-backed mats by the entrance and back door ways. This can help collect dirt and moisture that your pet may bring from outside. Also, you can hang a clean rag by the door and wipe his paws before entering the house. Wiping your dogs paws may sound a tad funny but it actually does help prevent catching muddy paw prints on your carpets, furniture etc.

If you enjoy lounging with your pal on the sofa but don't enjoy the doggy stains he leaves behind, try using slip covers. Slip covers come in many different colors and styles. They can be easily placed over the sofa and removed for laundering. Duvet covers can also be used if your pet loves to lay beside you in bed. The comforter is placed inside the duvet cover and protected from any dirt and soil. The duvet covers can also be easily removed and placed in the washer machine with the rest of the bed sheets as often as needed, unlike comforters which are too big to be washed in the washer machine.

Vacuum carpets and sofas at least 1-3 times a week. If you don't enjoy having to vacuum often, then removing carpets would be a good idea. Hard wood flooring and tiles are always much easier to clean especially when your little friend leaves any unwanted surprises behind. Never use ammonia to clean floors, dogs associate the smell with urine.